Rob Keeble
Member
- Messages
- 12,633
- Location
- GTA Ontario Canada
This week i received a jet machine tools flyer with their annual sales pitch of 15% off and looked up their variable speed lathes. Then i nearly fell off my chair. Over 2K for what i want. (note want not need )
I really want a Nova in actual fact.
Anyhow it got me thinking just what does it take to make a machine variable speed so i did some quick research and came across this guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFPX1pW3Sl8
He has converted his drill press , metal lathe and milling machine all to variable speed.
Here is the link to the company supplying the parts for his drill press conversion
The motor
The VFD (Variable Frequency Drive)
Total cost before shipping and taxes roughly $300 US
What am I missing? Seems too good to be true.
Why we not seeing a bunch of guys convert their lathes. The premium for variable speed appears to be outrageous from the manufacturers and in this case one gets the bonus of a spare motor after plus the parts are non propriety but also the removable control would be ideal for lathe work to put it where you want it or even make a foot pedal for emergency stop.
The PC market benefited big time from "open source" components its time the machine guys did the same. Unless i am totally missing something.
Sure not every turner is comfortable messing with the machine and electrics etc but this is not that hard looking at what the guy in the video did.
I really want a Nova in actual fact.
Anyhow it got me thinking just what does it take to make a machine variable speed so i did some quick research and came across this guy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFPX1pW3Sl8
He has converted his drill press , metal lathe and milling machine all to variable speed.
Here is the link to the company supplying the parts for his drill press conversion
The motor
The VFD (Variable Frequency Drive)
Total cost before shipping and taxes roughly $300 US
What am I missing? Seems too good to be true.
Why we not seeing a bunch of guys convert their lathes. The premium for variable speed appears to be outrageous from the manufacturers and in this case one gets the bonus of a spare motor after plus the parts are non propriety but also the removable control would be ideal for lathe work to put it where you want it or even make a foot pedal for emergency stop.
The PC market benefited big time from "open source" components its time the machine guys did the same. Unless i am totally missing something.
Sure not every turner is comfortable messing with the machine and electrics etc but this is not that hard looking at what the guy in the video did.