Jet lathe?

[Paul Mathers]

I have a jet 12/20 and I was wondering if I could put a variable speed control on it so I dont have to constantly swith belt :confused:

[Bill Esposito]

There have been threads on this subject and a quick Google returned this.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/TCLVSKIT.html

[Jason Beam]

The link in bill's post is for the 10/14 mini lathe and probably would need some modification to get to fit your 12/20. I'm also not sure that it's got the horsies for a 12" swing at low speed, but that's something only experience can decide. The OEM variable speed 10/14 mini really struggles to turn a full-throw sized bowl at low speeds if you're used to taking reasonably sized cuts, I found. So YMMV but I don't think that the retrofit would be worthwhile, IMHO. :)

[Bill Esposito]

Yea, sorry. I was thinking that the 12/20 was the mini.

[Dan Henry]

The 1220 is now available with a 3/4 hp vs set up now, maybe you could sell your current lathe as it is a very good lathe and get the vs, doing an up grade would be very expensive. Our club had a voltage spike and it damaged the controller. A new controller is $130 and the motor is $260 for a 1014vs,.


Dan

[Jeff Nicol]

Paul, Since this is about the 5th or 6th time this sort of question has come up since I joined SMC I will start a new post with pictures and such of my change over. It can be done but it will cost a little money.

Jeff