Variable Speed on a Delta 1460 - How's It Done?

[Donald Price]

Hi All,

I am thinking of changing my old Delta 1460 to a variable speed drive. It sure would be nice to slow it down some when I get a big chunk of wood spinning. While a new Oneway sure would be nice its just not in the budget for the next few years. Instead I’ve been gathering parts to tackle this project. I have a new 1.5 hp DC motor and a new KBMG regenerative drive that I plan to mount as replacements. For those who have been down this road:

1) First, am I on the right track?

2) Can the current pulley system on the Delta handle this? I was planning to use them to my favor to ensure I keep the rpm down and the torque up.

Any feedback or advise will be helpful and appreciated.

[Wilbur Pan]

No, that's not the way to go. And that Delta 1460 is a piece of junk. I'd be happy to take the whole shebang off your hands. No need to pay me -- it would be my pleasure to help you out. ;)

Seriously, you're on the right track. I haven't done this myself, but I have friends who have used a DC motor with a drive controller to achieve variable speed on a lathe. In fact, Craft Supplies USA sells a DC motor/controller combo (http://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/store/Lathes___Attachments___Variable_Speed_Drive___vs_d rive?Args=) for just this purpose.

Hopefully, your controller is bidirectional. This will give you lots of flexibility. Personally, I like knob speed controllers rather than up and down arrows. Some think that a controller that always resets itself to the slowest speed after stopping is a good safety feature.

The other option for variable speed is to get a 3 phase motor with a VFD. But you are on your way.

[Donald Price]

Thanks Wilbur. The regenerative drive came with a potentiometer for speed control and can be wired for forward and reversible with neutral in the middle. I’m planning to put a small control box on a flexible stand similar to what Oneway has done on their lathes.

[John Cooper2]

On my newly aquired 1460 it has a Craftsman varible drive motor. Not sure of the rpm's.

I could take some pics if you like,

J
o
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[Scott Hubl]

I have a Delta 1460 also. With many of the original accessories.

1) Yes you are on the right track.

2) What you need is the accessory "Jack Shaft" (16 speeds)

Delta sold these as woodturning lathes and light duty metal turning lathes.

The jack shaft allows you to slow it down with pullys slow speeds for metal turning, or large heavy wood. ( NOTICE- On my original jack shaft has a single large pully, that is the Wrong pully and Both should be 4 stepped pullys of the same size. My reason for buying a second complete jack shaft unit.)

Jack Shaft-
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p59/AmericanAndProud/DELTA%201460%20LATHE/1460-Jackshaft.jpg

Here is the accessory X/Y Compund Slide-
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p59/AmericanAndProud/DELTA%201460%20LATHE/1460-COMPOUND-SLIDE.jpg

I bought the original stand in Ohio as I did not have it-
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p59/AmericanAndProud/DELTA%201460%20LATHE/DSC_0076.jpg

Outboard Turning Stand-
http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p59/AmericanAndProud/DELTA%201460%20LATHE/stand-web-1.jpg

Overall shot with the homebuilt stand I replaced to original-

http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p59/AmericanAndProud/DELTA%201460%20LATHE/1460-OVERALL-1.jpg

In the proccess of restoring this one. I have 5 other lathes also.
Look on OWWM site and you can find alot of info and old manuals with the exact speeds the Jack Shaft will provide 16 in all.

Watch Ebay for one. They do go for a fair amount of money though.
I was lucky as my FIL gave me this lathe with everything except the original stand.

I bought myself a spare jack shaft for $50.00 from a forum member on another site.(sorry Not for sale.)

With the jack shaft the motor is Hung under the top shelf of the stand.

Good luck in your search and have fun with that 1460.