variable speed

[jayman]

Hello to all can anyone tell me if it is possible to convert any lathe to a variable speed lathe
Thanks to all

[Doug]

Theoretically yes, whether it's worth it is another thing, it usually involves swapping the single phase motor for a 3 phase & the connecting it to an inverter.
Speed Genie will supply a motor pre-wire to an inverter I believe, other companies also offer this service.

[jayman]

Many thanks for your reply is more cost effective just to buy a new lathe????

[Doug]

Many thanks for your reply is more cost effective just to buy a new lathe????

It depends on the lathe, if you can pick up a decent second hand lathe, like a graduate, at the right money then it would be worth it. It's fairly pointless converting a cheap Chinese lathe, most of the folks I know who've gone down the conversion route had done so on old heavy cast iron machines.

[7sheds]

My lathe (Coronet) is 3-speed - obtained by moving the belt to different pulleys. I very rarely use anything but the middle speed. The only time it's really necessary to change is when turning really big bowls. So - is it worth doing?