skydoc_17 Posted February 7, 2012 Share #1 Posted February 7, 2012 I have a 1942 belt drive, Atlas Lathe that I completely rebuilt, and is my pride and joy. The 70 year old, 1/2 HP AC motor that came with the lathe, has finally "gone to heaven", just this past weekend. I would like to put a DC motor, and variable speed controller on this lathe, and bring it into the 21st century. I DO NOT have a very good understanding of DC motors, or the controllers. Could someone PLEASE help me with the selection of a motor and controller? Or, if you have a motor and controller, and would like to trade for some upgraded parts, or S.S. Brake Lines, or good old American cash. I really could use some help with this project. I know I can purchase a new AC motor, but the thought of changing the speed on this lathe, by twisting a knob, is very high on my "Must Have" list right now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Earl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djh3 Posted February 7, 2012 Share #2 Posted February 7, 2012 Well I'm definatly limited on my electrical skills. But I was intregued by the heading. lol I do have a couple questions though. If its a belt drive lathe it should have different sized pulley's or a "gearbox" on the unit to change speeds. I dont think your going to find a DC motor to fit this thing either. If you do you will have to run some sort of converter for it to run. Is this currently a 220v motor and single phase? 3 phase? 110v (standard household plug) Just fishin for info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRider Posted February 7, 2012 Share #3 Posted February 7, 2012 Earl, A couple of pieces of information is needed. First, what is your incoming voltage (110, 230, 460Vac)? Single or three phase? What speed range do you want? Relative to the speed range, the previous motor will have a rating on it. Likely 1050 or 1650 RPM at 60 Hz. Also, what is the face dimension of the motor? Foot mount or face mount? Shaft dimensions? I suspect it is a 56C face (may be on the nameplate). A picture of the motor and the motor name plate would help. When the old motor was running, was it fast enough? Do you want to run at ultra-low speeds (5 RPM or less)? Assuming you have 230Vac, single phase, and the current (dead) motor was fast enough, and you don't need ultra-low speeds, a simple AC motor and VFD (variable frequency drive) with knob will take care of you. Even if you have 110Vac coming in, it can be done with a voltage doubler VFD and a standard AC motor. Let me know what you need and I'm sure we can get something set up. I am an automation engineer and our company sells high quality, inexpensive, simple VFDs and AC motors. RR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkuhr Posted February 7, 2012 Share #4 Posted February 7, 2012 Earl, just my opinon, but I feel either an AC or DC motor being run slow enough would be suspectiable to overheating, and I think I would see if it would be possible to install staggered belt pullys simular to a multi speed drill press. Think you will get into bunch $ for 1/2 hp DC motor/controller and DC power supply. could consider multispeed AC motor with 3-4 speed windings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GaryZ Posted February 7, 2012 Share #5 Posted February 7, 2012 What about using an AC motor and a 'variac' autotransformer to adjust the speed? The variac is sized by current. Select one that handles the current or amp rating of your AC motor. Here is one for a 10A application; http://www.iseincstore.com/1010bvariabletransformer120vacsinglephaseinput0-140vacoutput10amanualormotoroperated.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dingy Posted February 7, 2012 Share #6 Posted February 7, 2012 I have a 1942 belt drive, Atlas Lathe that I completely rebuilt, and is my pride and joy. The 70 year old, 1/2 HP AC motor that came with the lathe, has finally "gone to heaven", just this past weekend. I would like to put a DC motor, and variable speed controller on this lathe, and bring it into the 21st century. I DO NOT have a very good understanding of DC motors, or the controllers. Could someone PLEASE help me with the selection of a motor and controller? Or, if you have a motor and controller, and would like to trade for some upgraded parts, or S.S. Brake Lines, or good old American cash. I really could use some help with this project. I know I can purchase a new AC motor, but the thought of changing the speed on this lathe, by twisting a knob, is very high on my "Must Have" list right now. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Earl Earl, What size motor frame do you need? voltage/phase? Shaft size? I can ask a former co-worker at a previous job. I know when I was there they had quite a few motors that weren't used on project intended for. Gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyinfool Posted February 7, 2012 Share #7 Posted February 7, 2012 You can still use an AC motor with a variable frequency drive, and have the ability to change speed with the twist of a knob or push of a button. If you go DC, then you have carbon brushes to contend with. Unless of course you go with a brushless DC motor and controller. If you do go with a brushless DC motor, make sure that you get a sensored motor and not a sensorless type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRider Posted February 7, 2012 Share #8 Posted February 7, 2012 You can still use an AC motor with a variable frequency drive, and have the ability to change speed with the twist of a knob or push of a button. If you go DC, then you have carbon brushes to contend with. Unless of course you go with a brushless DC motor and controller. If you do go with a brushless DC motor, make sure that you get a sensored motor and not a sensorless type. Brushless DC motor would be $$$$ (but would work beautifully). It would be overkill for this application IMHO, but oh, so cool. RR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captdrac Posted February 7, 2012 Share #9 Posted February 7, 2012 Earl, Its nice to know that sometimes you need our help instead of alway bugging you. Everyone is asking the basic question to help you. Voltage phase (single or 2-3 phase), voltage and current (amps), size of shaft, or better yet, photos of name plate w/ info and motor itself. I think we're all glad that we can finally help you. At least I am:lightbulb: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIC Posted February 7, 2012 Share #10 Posted February 7, 2012 Can I pretend to help too? I don't have a clue to what you all are saying but I don't want to feel left out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyinfool Posted February 7, 2012 Share #11 Posted February 7, 2012 Can I pretend to help too? I don't have a clue to what you all are saying but I don't want to feel left out. we'll let you write the check............. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yammer Dan Posted February 7, 2012 Share #12 Posted February 7, 2012 Can I pretend to help too? I don't have a clue to what you all are saying but I don't want to feel left out. When he said electric I went back to my corner. And I have spliced 36,000 volt lines... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djh3 Posted February 7, 2012 Share #13 Posted February 7, 2012 WOW Dan that impresses me. I am only a couple of steps past power-ground and dont get in between. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muaymendez1 Posted February 7, 2012 Share #14 Posted February 7, 2012 I dont think the term Retard is acceptable Earl.Lets try something a bout more politically correct. Mentally challenged,A dope,1 card sky of a deck,a hole in the hull. Thank me anytime Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yammer Dan Posted February 7, 2012 Share #15 Posted February 7, 2012 Earl is far from a retard(in most things) :whistling:couldn't let you go completely!! But I know even less about Electric motors. Is what you are after more of a variable speed instead that you can run at any RPM instead of just set speeds??? Belt drive? Thought I had a idea there but it just wouldn't come out of my fingers!! I'll go back to the corner and let the experts take over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wrenchrob Posted February 7, 2012 Share #16 Posted February 7, 2012 How about you conect a second gen v4 up to it.With 5 forward gears you will have all the speed ranges you need and with a reverse when you get tangled up into the lathe simply reverse out. With all the power of the second gen engine your lathe will cut anything. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bongobobny Posted February 7, 2012 Share #17 Posted February 7, 2012 Oh WOW Earl! You are getting a virtual wealth of valuable information here!!! OK here's my contribution. For what the project cost may end up being, why not just buy a new lathe that does what you want it to do??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyinfool Posted February 7, 2012 Share #18 Posted February 7, 2012 Oh WOW Earl! You are getting a virtual wealth of valuable information here!!! OK here's my contribution. For what the project cost may end up being, why not just buy a new lathe that does what you want it to do??? That takes all of the challenge out of it. Sometimes it is not the destination but the trip getting there that is the fun part....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcarl Posted February 7, 2012 Share #19 Posted February 7, 2012 Something very important here that all of you have seemed to have missed,,,,, I'm not trying to be an expert here, nor am I trying to make this a long read, after all, I type slow and am not all that knowledgeable when it comes to electric motors and such, I can get along with bike electrics though and mostly understand what id being talked about. But I did learn something a few years ago, that I thought might be helpful in this case, it's not a big thing, as things go, but important enough that a video was made of the transfer of information,,,,,, the tidbit IS: don't let the smoke out of the wires!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bubber Posted February 7, 2012 Share #20 Posted February 7, 2012 Earl this is a very tough crowd, accept information with extreme caution. The only thing I know for sure about electricity is that when you flip the swith the lights come on, or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBear Posted February 7, 2012 Share #21 Posted February 7, 2012 What do you DO with that lathe? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dacheedah Posted February 7, 2012 Share #22 Posted February 7, 2012 I have not messed with the motor speed electrically but have used two opposing pulley's to adjust speed by moving a belt. It's simple and you always have good power from your motor. When trying to adjust speed electrically my experience is that motors don't last long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRider Posted February 7, 2012 Share #23 Posted February 7, 2012 I have not messed with the motor speed electrically but have used two opposing pulley's to adjust speed by moving a belt. It's simple and you always have good power from your motor. When trying to adjust speed electrically my experience is that motors don't last long. They will last if the motor is designed for use with a VFD. The problems with a standard motor occur at either high speed (high switching frequency causes the wire varnish to wear) or at low speed (can't get the heat out of it cause the fan isn't turning fast enough). RR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KIC Posted February 7, 2012 Share #24 Posted February 7, 2012 we'll let you write the check............. Super Cool..I. pretended to write the check, pretended to walk to the mailbox and pretended to take a deduction for my charitable contribution ....this is fun... Thanks for letting me play in all the Reindeer games .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yammer Dan Posted February 7, 2012 Share #25 Posted February 7, 2012 Super Cool..I. pretended to write the check, pretended to walk to the mailbox and pretended to take a deduction for my charitable contribution ....this is fun... Thanks for letting me play in all the Reindeer games .... Oh yeah you were supposed to furnish solution to problem before you mailed check!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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