"mac davis" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 26 Jul 2007 22:15:22 GMT, "Maxprop" wrote:

This of course begs the question as to whether this is hard on the Reeves
drive, or if it is an
acceptable practice. No one at the Jet distribution center had the
slightest idea. But it works, and I'll probably continue to use this
method
until I either damage the drive or learn from an authority that it's
deleterious.


Yes, but not right away...
I guess in the last 3 years I've put as many hours on my 1442 as some
folks do
in a life time, but it's showing signs of wear..

Notably is the pulley on the motor shaft, which is sticky and noisy even
with
frequent disassembly and lubrication...
As far as I can tell, this is caused by me running the lathe slower,
exactly as
you described...
I'm not a machinist, but as I understand what the jet help desk told me,
forcing
the pulleys into a position that they weren't "designed" to be in
misaligned the
pulleys and puts stress on the rod in the headstock that moves the
headstock
pulley to change speed..

I WILL keep doing it when I feel I need a lower speed for safety, but I
try to
limit how often I do it...

I really would like a now Nova with digital control and all, but I need to
make
my Jet last for several more sales before hinting to the wife that it's
time for
another lathe.. lol

I limit the time below the bottom detent as well, Mac. I've watched the
pulleys in that configuration, and have concluded it probably is putting
strain on the system. Like you, however, I'll continue the practice until
something breaks.

Max