I am getting ready to put the VFD on the lathe and had a question.
Should I wire the VFD to the regular lathe circuit box or directly to
the motor. If I go directly to the motor I have no control over the
variable speed.

If I wire the VFD to the circuit box then I can use the analog inputs
for stop, reverse, frequency, etc. on the VFD and still control the
variable speed pulleys. Can I still power the lathe on using the
original button or do I have to use the VFD?

Will use of the VFD this way damage the contactors etc. in the circuit
box or damage the VFD?
The motor is a 3 phase/ 3 horse and the VFD is a 5HP unit.

Thanks