router switch for lathe

[Jay Yoder]

I was thinking this morning, which is really scary, about my Jet 1220 lathe and how much i wished it had variable speed. Then the thought crossed my mind and i remembered seeing an inline "box" that allowed single speed routers to be run with variable speed. I know routers are usually rated at 2 hp + and my lathe is about 1 hp. Any issues with trying the control on my jet lathe. i was thinking something like this...

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10760

[Jim Davenport]

Sorry, that won't work. Routers are universal motors with brushes. Your lathe has an "induction" motor. The router speed controllors vary the voltage, much like a dimmer switch for lighting. Running an induction motor on reduced voltage will burn up the motor.

[Jim Becker]

What Jim said. The only solution is a motor replacement.

[Jay Yoder]

oh well, it was just a thought. glad i did not spend the money.

[Jim Becker]

oh well, it was just a thought. glad i did not spend the money.

Indeed, 'cause you would have been buying a new motor for your lathe, too... ;)