Looking for a DC Motor Set on a Lathe

[John Weber]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for a controller for a 1-1/4 hp DC lathe motor. Any ideas about cost and sources?

Thanks - John

[Bruce Gray]

I one of my lives, I designed motor speed controls and I have often thought that variable speed DC would be a good system for a lathe. It seems that all of the newer upscale lathes have gone to Variable Frequency AC systems. They're very good,...but those controllers are complex and expensive. Of course, the AC motors avoid the brush problems of DC motors.

If yours is a true DC motor (not one of those AC/DC universal things), you'll need to know armature voltage (usually either 90 volts or 180 volts), and if it's not a permament magnet motor, field voltage (usually 50 volts or 100 volts). I would also suggest a controller with "IR Compensation". This will help keep the speed constant as you load the motor down when you take heavy cuts.

These motor controllers are also known as "DC Drives". As far as sources, I think that most industrial distributors would carry the controllers. (McMaster-Carr, Grainger, etc). You might also look at driveswarehouse.com. Their on-line catalog looks good (and cheap), but I know nothing about them.

Bruce

[Robert E Lee]

John, you might try www.surpluscenter.com they have quite a bit of 12 volt stuff in there catalogue.Have never checked online.
Bob

[Steven Wilson]

Craft Supplies sells a Lesson DC motor and Minarik Controller as a package. They may offer the controller separately.

[Wes Bischel]

John,

I will eventually get my lathe together. I picked up the controllers and motors all new on eBay. Bruce may be able to set me straight - I know just enough . . . . I picked up a KBIC 240D controller. It has a wide range of motor applications - both 115v and 230v because it uses plug-in resistors so it allowed me flexibility on the motor choice. I think it is a very basic controller, but it has worked well when mocked-up.

Wes

[Tom Sweeney]

I hope I'm not speaking out of turn but you might want to give Don Farr a shout. I'm pretty sure this is the kind of stuff his company sells.
http://sawmillcreek.org/member.php?u=1095
If he can't help you directly he might be able to point you in the right direction.
Here's Don's website: http://www.dcindustrial.com/

Not affiliated with Don's company - just know he's one of the good guys.

[Wes Bischel]

hope I'm not speaking out of turn but you might want to give Don Farr a shout. I'm pretty sure this is the kind of stuff his company sells.
http://sawmillcreek.org/member.php?u=1095
If he can't help you directly he might be able to point you in the right direction.
Here's Don's website: http://www.dcindustrial.com/

Oh sure - now I find out - I could have used that help before I bought stuff! :rolleyes:

Wes

[John Weber]

Thanks guys, I get the motors Monday, so I'll lknow more then. I'm also going to try and resell some of them, so I wanted to be able to provide some sources for folks. If I can find the right DC drive controller it might be a sweet setup.

John