DIY: Lathe Control Pod (kinda off topic)
 

Got tired of reaching around a spinning work piece to start, stop, and
adjust lathe speed and built this pod out of crap in the junk box.
Works with any VFD-S series motor controller, including those used on
the Jet EVS, Powermatic, Delta, and any other which uses this series
of controller. Just an idea to consider for those who might find the
stock controls as annoying as I, as it's certainly not rocket science.

Five user defined speed presets allow quick selection of favorite
speeds, and since the labels are Photochopped, they aren't necessarily
representative of the final settings. The sixth selection enables the
infinite variable speed potentiometer, which is actually a bit of a
misnomer, since the granularity of the controller doesn't allow for
"precise" speed selections.

http://webpages.charter.net/videodoc...LathePod01.jpg

6 feet of 4 conductor w/gnd shielded cable connects this pod to the
controller (M0, M1, 10v, AVI, GND). Magnets and a nitrile backing
allow it to be placed on metal (and other) surfaces without slipping.

The use of 10 turn pots was overkill, but on hand, and allowed for
rear adjustment and the sturdiness desired. The rotary switch is a
2P6T. Since the controller's 10v source is limited to 10ma, the five
5k ohm linear taper potentiometer sources are switched as well as
their wipers to limit current to 2ma, rather than the limit of 10ma. A
10uf electrolytic and 1k resistor dampen switching transients.

http://webpages.charter.net/videodoc...LathePod02.jpg

Use of this pod requires reprogramming registers in the controller to
enable the appropriate multifunction/AVI inputs. This may be done on
the front panel of some controllers, but requires the use of software,
a RS485 interface, and a computer on those that have had the panel
programming interface disabled. If you have to ask...

http://webpages.charter.net/videodoc...chematic01.jpg

What a way to waste 2 hours, and yet I believe it will save time in
the long run, in addition to being a more safe, sturdy, and eloquent
solution than using the controller membrane buttons and that dinky PC
mount potentiometer.

FWIW


Greg G.

DIY: Lathe Control Pod (kinda off topic)
 

Hi Greg

Yes you are right, it's not just very convenient but also for safety
reasons one should be able to start and stop their lathe/machines
safely and also quick in a case of things getting out of hand.
You wouldn't want to have to reach over a spinning piece that is in the
process of leaving the lathe, etc.
As I don't have a VFD I didn't have to go through the building of what
you have devised here.
I have and wanted to point this out, a safe starting and stopping
switch that is not that expensive, considering all else, and have used
it for several years now without any problems.
It has one added safety point over and above any normal electric wired
switch, in that the switch uses an plastic air hose, so you won't be
electrocuted when (not if) you pinch the wire, as it is an air hose.
I find it very comforting to know I can switch the lathe on or off with
my foot, while having both hands on a tool while hollowing, and also to
have it right next to me while turning.

Here's a link for a look at the switch

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.a...240,41065&ap=1

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

Greg G. wrote:
Got tired of reaching around a spinning work piece to start, stop, and
adjust lathe speed and built this pod out of crap in the junk box.
Works with any VFD-S series motor controller, including those used on
the Jet EVS, Powermatic, Delta, and any other which uses this series
of controller. Just an idea to consider for those who might find the
stock controls as annoying as I, as it's certainly not rocket science.

Five user defined speed presets allow quick selection of favorite
speeds, and since the labels are Photochopped, they aren't necessarily
representative of the final settings. The sixth selection enables the
infinite variable speed potentiometer, which is actually a bit of a
misnomer, since the granularity of the controller doesn't allow for
"precise" speed selections.

http://webpages.charter.net/videodoc...LathePod01.jpg

6 feet of 4 conductor w/gnd shielded cable connects this pod to the
controller (M0, M1, 10v, AVI, GND). Magnets and a nitrile backing
allow it to be placed on metal (and other) surfaces without slipping.

The use of 10 turn pots was overkill, but on hand, and allowed for
rear adjustment and the sturdiness desired. The rotary switch is a
2P6T. Since the controller's 10v source is limited to 10ma, the five
5k ohm linear taper potentiometer sources are switched as well as
their wipers to limit current to 2ma, rather than the limit of 10ma. A
10uf electrolytic and 1k resistor dampen switching transients.

http://webpages.charter.net/videodoc...LathePod02.jpg

Use of this pod requires reprogramming registers in the controller to
enable the appropriate multifunction/AVI inputs. This may be done on
the front panel of some controllers, but requires the use of software,
a RS485 interface, and a computer on those that have had the panel
programming interface disabled. If you have to ask...

http://webpages.charter.net/videodoc...chematic01.jpg

What a way to waste 2 hours, and yet I believe it will save time in
the long run, in addition to being a more safe, sturdy, and eloquent
solution than using the controller membrane buttons and that dinky PC
mount potentiometer.

FWIW


Greg G.

Lathe Control Pod (kinda off topic)
 

Beautiful piece of workmanship!!!

Keith P.

DIY: Lathe Control Pod (kinda off topic)
 

Lathe Control Pod (kinda off topic)
 

Salmo said:

Beautiful piece of workmanship!!!

Thanks, Keith!
Although I generally reserve such exuberance for the wood turnings
themselves. ;-)



Greg G.

DIY: Lathe Control Pod (kinda off topic)
 

Hi Greg
Not mine, but you're welcome to it.

Thanks, Leo. I'm stealing your idea.


Greg G.

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

Lathe Control Pod (kinda off topic)
 

I'm into electronics a bit, so I really envy people who can do neat layout
and design work (that works and are willing to share - i.e. you could be
marketing this controller :O)

Keith

Lathe Control Pod (kinda off topic)
 

Salmo said:

I'm into electronics a bit, so I really envy people who can do neat layout
and design work (that works and are willing to share - i.e. you could be
marketing this controller :O)

I considered that very thing, but it would require bundling an
interface and software with the pod, and the customer would have to
own a computer in close proximity to the lathe for programming the
controller. I guess all that's doable, but I don't own any Chinese
factories either. As evidenced by their nearly total domination on
store shelves, no one will buy a product unless it is produced by a
poor, polluted, despotic country.


Greg G.