I have one of the original WoodFast lathes. Recently I traveled and
worked with several woodturners in the Pacific Northwest and in my
travels I came across two different Variable Speed versions of my same
belt drive motor. One had a large digital controller, the other a
simple spped control knob. Both lathes performed well but neither
owner could remember where they purchased their kit. Obviously I'd
have to replace the motor as mine runs on 110VAC but it performs well.
Where can I get a simple, reliable varialble speed kit that won't break
the bank for this lathe?

Chuck Woodruff used to advertise in the AAW American Woodturner and sell
surplus VFDs and motors but I didn't see him at Louisville and it seems
he no longer advertises either. You can try and see if
he is still around.

The 110 volts for your motor is not the problem, btw, -- VFDs run with a
3 phase motor which yours is not.

Bill Noble ) frequently has surplus controllers
as well.

Where you buy this and for how much money will depend to some extent on
how much help you need getting it up and running. Another factor
concerning the motor is what mounting system you need for your machine.

BTW, the machine with only the simple speed control knob -- it had a
controller, you just didn't see it. Also remember that reversing
direction is very useful and all controllers support that.

Bill

sifugreg wrote:
I have one of the original WoodFast lathes. Recently I traveled and
worked with several woodturners in the Pacific Northwest and in my
travels I came across two different Variable Speed versions of my same
belt drive motor. One had a large digital controller, the other a
simple spped control knob. Both lathes performed well but neither
owner could remember where they purchased their kit. Obviously I'd
have to replace the motor as mine runs on 110VAC but it performs well.
Where can I get a simple, reliable varialble speed kit that won't break
the bank for this lathe?