Anonymous wrote:
I have the 12x33 HF lathe. It's fine for most uses but turning larger
platters and bowls just takes more than the motor has to give. ...
I'd like to upgrade to a 1-3 hp motor using 110v. If I could get a DC
motor in that power range with a speed controller

Personally I don't think it is such a good idea. Converting to VS DC is
one thing. Increasing the power is another. The whole lathe will have
been designed (one would hope 'designed' is what happened) with certain
limitations in mind. Cost of manufacture was probably high on the list
of priorities, which most likely means cutting corners and using the
bare minimum of materials that will perform the specified tasks, under
hobbyist conditions, and only until the warranty expires. Ever notice
how lathe manufacturers never give any info about the weight their lathe
can drive, or how unbalanced it can be?. Most likely to go will be the
bearings if you try to drive something too heavy or out of round.

So by all means add a VS motor. They are a pleasure to work with, even
for small spindle turnings, but think twice before you use your lathe to
turn lumps of wood beyond its designed capability.


--
Derek Andrews, woodturner

http://www.seafoamwoodturning.com
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