Is there any reason why I can't use a variable transformer to reduce the speed on a mini-lathe?
This one has a listed minimum speed of 600 RPM which is way too fast for me. I don't need much power, just want to wrap various wires around a mandrel at a very slow rate.
Hello Stumpy,
It won't get you where you want to go!
"I don't need much power" Then why are you starting off with 1/3 hp.
Possible disengage the motor and use the lathe as a winding jig form holder with a crank handle mounted on the end.
For "home-brew", modified BBQ motor or Can Opener motors with a foot pedal switch works ok. I have wound many coils and prefer to use my own hand turned crank wheel, no motor, for the "best control". Hold the wire with a rubber glove or washed hands for traction.
Good Luck,
Temecula CA.USA
The BBQ motor and can opener sound like a better speed. I guess a simple on/off foot switch would work. I want 2 hands for the wire, so hand crank is not ideal.
If I could put a ratchet on a pole lathe so it only goes one direction, that would work too.
I hate it when making the tools takes longer than the project itself.
How would I couple a can opener motor to the chuck? I've never opened one up yet.
H, Stumpy. Actually, the manual states the speed range is 750 to 3200 RPM.
You've already got a DC PM motor, and a DC speed control. Putting a variac in will probably smoke the speed control. I'm sure it will actually go slower than 750RPM, particularly if there's an adjsutment to the minimum speed setting on the DC drive. The problem is, the motor will probably go cogging at lower RPMs, and will not provide you with sufficient torque. Your piece part will suffer as a result.
If I were in your shoes, and I was interested in getting a lower speed out of this lathe, I'd look at part #31, the drive pulley. You might want to ask the manufacturer if they've got one with a wider diameter, which would give you a lower speed range. Depending on the adjustment range, you might have to specify another drive belt (part #32), too.
Don't ignore the possibility of making or modifying a pulley here.
Good luck Chris
Never mind. While diddling around in the garage trying to attach a chuck to a 12v pencil sharpener. I slowly realized that I had a prebuilt system already there. I put a variable speed drill in a bench vice, looped a cord over a piece of PVC and tied it to a closed end wrench 2" off the floor. Put a 1/4" rod in the chuck and wrapped ~100' of 26 gauge wire on in a couple of minutes.
I like it when I don't have to spend any money or wait on parts.
Now you tell me. I'm going to end up doing my own thinking.
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