Lathe too fast

[alexf]

I have a Perform CCL lathe and while it is alright for balanced pieces I find that the slowest speed is too fast for unbalanced pieces. I dug out my old Record Lathe which I have butchered and fitted hanging over the edge of my bench to use as a bowl lathe.

My Record Lathe states that the slowest speed is 450revs while the CCL states that it is 500revs. However the Record lathe seems to run about half the speed of my CCL. I know that with mechanical speed variations these speeds are not accurate but there seems to be a very large difference. Can anyone throw any light on why the CCL should be so fast.

 

[jasonB]

Make sure the variable speed pullies are free to slide on the shafts, they get gummed up with sawdust and the springs are not strong enough to return them to the slowest position. There is a grease nipple on the end of the motor shaft.

Jason

 

[alexf]

I have cleaned and greased the shafts. I do notice that the belt does not ride as high on the lathe pulley when at the slowest speed as it does on the motor pulley at the fastest speed.

 

[Turn It In]

Hi Alex,
It might be a good idea to check the speed of the motor on each lathe, you will find it on the plate attached to the side of the motor and I would say they should be 1475 RPM or thereabouts. You would hardly notice the difference between 450 and 500 RPM but if the CCL had a 2800 RPM motor fitted this would account for the doubling of speed.
Check this out and it might give you the answer.
Best regards,
Ian