Thread: Hercus lathe motor details

Hi Ken,
I don't own one of these but I looked through an old PDF manual I have and the info is pretty scarce.
All it says is that the lathes come with a 3 phase motor or single phase motor.
The single phase size is usually 1/2 HP unless it is the high speed version, then a 1 HP motor is fitted.
It also says the lathes can be ordered without a motor so the customer can fit his own, if needed. This suggests to me that it should not be a problem finding one and adapting it to suit.
No mention of the speed, but I would think it would be a 2 pole or 4 pole motor, which would mean it would be roughly 3000 RPM for the 2 pole and 1500 RPM for a 4 pole motor. Maybe you could do some checks on the lathe to determine what motor speed would be required to obtain different chuck speeds and work out what speed you would need.
It would be a bit of guess work, as I realise you don't know the motor pulley size....
Hope this is of some help.

Originally Posted by neksmerj

Dear members,

I recently aquired an old 4.5" Hercus lathe model AR, minus the electric motor. Can a kind member please give me the following details

Phase single 240V (backyard workshop)
HP?
Frame size?
Speed?
Shaft dia?
Drive pulley PCD?
Supplier?

I was considering using an inverter with a suitable motor, but at $600 plus, that's more than I paid for the lathe.

Also, is there a place in Melbourne, preferably, where I can pick up some Hercus parts, such as a tool post holder, that's also missing.

Any info will be appreciated by this new comer to metal turning.

Regards,

Ken

How easy was this. I was cruising Ebay and saw some Hercus stuf up for sale and recalled someone on the Board had gotten one and thought I would post the link. You are in luck. Check his 4Sale items, Toolpost, motor, etc etc

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HERCUS-MOTOR-...QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HERCUS-FACEPL...QQcmdZViewItem

Wow...they ARE 4 pole after all.....who'd a thunk? Good find Hux.

They come with 1/2 hp 1440 rpm motors, fitted with 2 1/2" outside (not pitch diam) A section pulleys.

The tool posts originally were of the lantern style.

Cheers

Donald

Ken,

Are you questions re the Hercus motor satisfied?

If not, I have the original owners manual, spares manual & text book of turning available (in PDF format) on my website at: http://www.beerbotboffin.net

If there is nothing that helps, just let me know and I will duck down to the workshop and measure up whatever for you. Would recommend going for a quick change toolpost though - much better than standard.

Cheers,
Shane