Variable Speed Motor for Taig Lathe?

[Danuzzo]

Let me preface this thread by saying that I know very little about electronics. However, I want to modify my Taig lathe by replacing the AC motor with one that I can use a reduced speed. The lowest spindle speed on the stock Taig is around 525 rpm. I have seen that many have converted to a DC motor with variable speed. Also many have used a Sherline motor and controller. I like the Sherline idea; but, I don't like the price, about $380.00 with shipping.

I am looking (and have searched the web) without success for a less expensive alternative that I could just basically just drop in as far as the electronics are concerned. I just don't know what to buy as far as a separate motor and compatible controller. Any info in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

 

[djc]

A motor and controller off an industrial sewing machine could be a good fit. These are available from overseas sellers at a good price.

What you would have to look at is how to control the speed - the standard foot control used on a sewing machine would not be suitable. In this sense, there are no electronics involved, just a re-engineering of the mechanical part of the speed control. You would also need to make the motor pulley compatible with the Taig pulley.

A small three phase motor and VFD could be an option, but is less plug-and-play than above. The physical wiring is simple, but you have to decide if programming (consisting of setting multiple parameters of) the VFD fits comfortably in your skill set.

 

[timo_gross]

Let me preface this thread by saying that I know very little about electronics. However, I want to modify my Taig lathe by replacing the AC motor with one that I can use a reduced speed. The lowest spindle speed on the stock Taig is around 525 rpm. I have seen that many have converted to a DC motor with variable speed. Also many have used a Sherline motor and controller. I like the Sherline idea; but, I don't like the price, about $380.00 with shipping.

I am looking (and have searched the web) without success for a less expensive alternative that I could just basically just drop in as far as the electronics are concerned. I just don't know what to buy as far as a separate motor and compatible controller. Any info in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

How much power does the old motor have? What rpm range? I bought the drill press with a 3-phase motor and put a 2nd hand VFD on it. (can be adjusted with a knob now, and it can run in reverse) *VFD runs from a single phase outlet*

Some sewing machine motors seem to come with a control box and knob for speed control. (look for Sewing machine servo motor.) Seems it requires a 220V input to the thing (single phase) and claims 200 - 6000 rpm.

 

[ShopShoe]

I remember someone made a simple speed reducer by using a countershaft system. Basically, a shaft with two additional stock TAIG pulleys was made so that the motor could drive the countershaft with one set of cone-pulley belt speed adjustments, then the other end of the countershaft used another pulley and belt to drive the lathe spindle, providing another set of speed adjustments. This is similar to Blue Heeler's posting on "Transmissions":

https://www.homemodelenginemachinis...de-for-model-engines-ball-bearing-hint.36337/

A quick, maybe temporary solution that might get you started.

Meanwhile, a quick google will get lots of links to approaches to variable-speed motors. Try "TAIG lathe speed....." combinations.

--ShopShoe

 

[Steamchick]

I fitted the sewing machine option son by Timo Gros above. Very easy conversion. Simple wiring, just plug it in and go! There are motor spindle options so I selected the spindle for my original motor spindle. Easy to swap over.
Speed and power are much better than the previous brush motor option. More torque at lower speeds.
The best I found and works well
K2

 

[Danuzzo]

How much power does the old motor have? What rpm range? I bought the drill press with a 3-phase motor and put a 2nd hand VFD on it. (can be adjusted with a knob now, and it can run in reverse) *VFD runs from a single phase outlet*

... ...

Current motor (no pun intended) is 1/4 H.P. Rpm is 1725. That picture you posted interests me. I would need 110 (120) volt however. The Taig lathe needs very little H.P. to run.

 

[Danuzzo]

I remember someone made a simple speed reducer by using a countershaft system. Basically, a shaft with two additional stock TAIG pulleys was made so that the motor could drive the countershaft with one set of cone-pulley belt speed adjustments, then the other end of the countershaft used another pulley and belt to drive the lathe spindle, providing another set of speed adjustments. This is similar to Blue Heeler's posting on "Transmissions":
...
...
...
--ShopShoe

I saw something like that for a Taig somewhere. Maybe YouTube. I like the idea.

 

[clockworkcheval]

Hi Danuzzo, on my TAIG I mounted a 300 Watt 24 Volt DC motor of nominal 6.000 rpm. It was originally intended for a robot-actuator. With the DC controller and the original pulley set I get a rpm range from about 20 rpm to 20.000 rpm. The high revs are useful for drilling holes well
under 1 mm diameter. for The motor is mounted on a simple hinge. The TAIG itself is mounted on a length of U-beam that also contains the controller.

 

[djc]

I would need 110 (120) volt however.

Plenty available on AliExpress.

https://www.aliexpress.com/w/wholesale-110v-brushless-servo.html

Shaft size seems to be 15mm, so you would need to check if a standard Taig pulley would accommodate that.

 

[Danuzzo]

Plenty available on AliExpress.
...
Shaft size seems to be 15mm, so you would need to check if a standard Taig pulley would accommodate that.

Thank you for the link. Looks like I should be able to find something there. As to size of shaft, I think the Taig is 5/8" which is a little larger than the 15mm; but, I should be able to make an adapter.