Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998
Bowl Lathe
Ezekiel Holliday
>I'm looking at building a bowl lathe in the next year or so. Here's my list of requirement so far.
1. 24" swing minnium
2. 1" 8tpi threaded spindle or adapters to make it 1" 8tpi
3. Variable speed AC drive. 2Hp minnium
4. Gearbox to allow extra tourque at low RPM
I've seen several lathes built without a tailstock. Is this a good idea? It sure would make the lathe easier to build.
Any recomendations or thoughs?
Thanks!
Re: Bowl Lathe
Wally Dickerman at Green Valley, Az.
>A bowl lathe with a 2 HP moror and a 24 inch swing should a have a spindle larger than 1 inch. 1-1/4 x 8 inch would be much better.
Wally
Re: Feed a 3 ph motor via VFD.
Al Crandall
>If you use a 3 phase motor powered by a variable frequency drive, you will have good low end torque and eliminate the need for the gearbox in your list. It will also provide you with programmable ramp up and ramp down times for start and stop which are great for turning large out of balance hunks of wood. Two horse power may be at the limit of what can be transferred by a single belt system. If you go larger horse power (and it's not a bad idea for a 24" lathe) you may want to look into cogged flat belts to drive the spindle.
Spindle size
Bob Hackett
>1 1/2-8 is the largest commercial size I`ve seen that most chucks,etc are available for.Why not go with that thread and then adapt down from there?
Even though it`s a bowl lathe I would think about having a #2 or 3 morse taper incorporated into the spindle.
I`d also look into installing a bed that could either be extended(like Nichols) or replaced by a set of ways long enough to accomodate a tailstock.
Once you get a big lathe the temptation to spin large,unbalanced pieces of really gnarly wood is nearly overwhelming.A tailstock adds alot of safety while struggling to get things like stumps roughed out.If you don`t plan for one you`ll need it sooner than you`d think.If you only use it afew times it makes it worthwhile.
Plan for controls to be moveable and maybe a foot switch for startup safety.I`d also plan for LOTS of ballast,like twice more than what you think you may need and a big footprint with heavy duty levelers.
If you use a VFD I`d be surprised if you`ll need a jackshaft.Most of the motors attached to those drives have near peak HP at as little as 50 RPM or less.
One last suggestion,if you want to turn up to 24" now build the lathe to spin 36" comfortably and go for 3 HP.
Mainely,Bob
Re: Bowl Lathe
Wood Spinner
>I agree with the others.
3 HP. a must for not a lot of dollars.
Lots of weight. I have walked my Oneway at 1000 lbs.
In my opinion a tailstock is a must for large off balance pieces. I also think it adds a lot of safety. I start almost all of my work between centers.
Good turning and be safe
Bill
Spindle
Fred in NC
>I am thinking along the same ideas.
Any ideas where I can get a spindle and bearings?
I can have them made, but custom made is always expensive. And used, like ebay, is risky.
Thank you!
Re: Feed a 3 ph motor via VFD.
John Lucas
>I agree on the VFD. My friend built one and he uses 3 wooded pulleys to drive the shaft. The motor is on a sliding arm so he simply stops the lathe. Switches the belt from one pulley to the next and moves the motor to align with that pulley. Couldn't be any simpler. With the VFD you have so much torque at low speeds that you don't have to change the pulley very often. John
Re: Spindle
Ezekiel Holliday
>You can get a spindle for a powermatic 4224 for $110 from Powermatic. Check their website you can order parts for their machines there.
Zeke
Thank you!
Fred in NC
>
Re: Bowl Lathe *LINK*
Mark Kauder
>At the Low end of the price range, that meets your requirements, is the Vega 2400.
1) 24" over the banjo, 26" over the bed.
2) 2HP VFD 220v reversing motor 0-2200 rpm
3) Removable Tailstock
4) 1.25"x8 spindle
5) Massive 1.25" tool post
6) List Price approx $2500
7) Very Quiet
I have had mine since August. I love it, and it is perfect for my shop (mall foot print compaired to a lathe with a long bed).
Only down sides that I have found:
1) No Spindle Lock (come with a pin wrench)
2) No indexing feature
Both I can live without.
I bought a Best Wood Tools 1.25"x8 to 1"x8 spindle adapter for about $60, so that I can use some of my old faceplates if necessary.
Email if you want more information or call Randall McKinny at Vega.
Re: Bowl Lathe
eduardo sarmiento lima peru
>Hi I think you should look at my web page I got exactly what you need ,go to shop and send mre a mail Ill try to helpEd
www.esarmiento.250x.com
Re: Bowl Lathe
Ezekiel Holliday in Belpre, OH
>Neat lathe. As I get closer to building one I'll probably have some questions.
Thanks!
Zeke
Re: Bowl Lathe
Phil Joines Krum, Texas
>This is still a work in progress. The headstock is a cast iron 4 cylinder engine block with 4 hole pillow blocks mounted on each end. The spindle is 2 1/2" dia. with the end reduced to 1 1/4x8. The motor is a 3hp VFD from Dealers Electric Motors, they frequently have them discounted on their web site. Most of the base is 2" heavy wall square tube.
The tool rest isn't solid enough. I'll be adding a bed made from (2) 2x4x1/8 steel. The far end support will be 2 1/2" round stock with a 1/2" plate foot The tail stock will be welded up from 1/4" plate. The banjo will be made up from 2 1/2"x 1/4" round tube split length wise. I plan to make the tool rest post from 1 1/2" stock.
