Thread: Could this be the problem ?

Eureka! (Maybe)
My guess is that you've possibly found the cause of the problem, but wait and see what others say. Aside from wobble, that warped pulley could cause the belt to ride higher at that point, causing minute fluctuations in speed as it turns.

Re-reading your first thread, though, this problem only started recently. If the pulley was always like that, it would have always wobbled. Did that warp in the pulley possibly happen when you changed the belt, or does it look like a bad casting?
If it appears to have happened from a knock, be careful that there aren't any tiny cracks in the casting that might cause a more serious failure. If it's from a knock, I'd personally replace it ASAP, just in case.

Again, wait and see what others think. I'm no lathe expert.

Edit: From your first thread:

Originally Posted by mobyturns

The cast aluminium reeves drive pulleys are known to fail even on new machines - so that would be the first point to inspect. Check for cracked or broken pulleys probably not likely given you have changed the belt.

That looks like a pretty severe bend in the drive pulley by the second photo. I would expect that you would be getting some form of speed variation in your work piece, and I would have thought some vibration. Unless you have some slack in your bearings, the work piece should still run true, not as you expressed in your other thread that you thought it may be running on and off centre.
I hope that is your problem, as it can be easily replaced.

I wouldn't expect run out either, vibration yes! I had a pulley shatter due to poor casting, definitely replace it soon!

As others have indicated, vibration only not a cause for running out of round etc

You will spend hours procrastinating over all the issues that are the norm for this type of lathe.

Time to cut your losses and move on.

Originally Posted by Jim Carroll

As others have indicated, vibration only not a cause for running out of round etc

You will spend hours procrastinating over all the issues that are the norm for this type of lathe.

Time to cut your losses and move on.

I have to agree with Jim. You either get a good one or you get the standard quality. If your skills have stepped up a level so that you are noticing the issues that you are chasing now it is time to move on. I have seen very good work from these lathes but the turners work hard to keep them up to scratch. The more wear the more effort it requires from the turner to keep them going satisfactorily.

Originally Posted by Jim Carroll

As others have indicated, vibration only not a cause for running out of round etc

You will spend hours procrastinating over all the issues that are the norm for this type of lathe.

Time to cut your losses and move on.

Originally Posted by Mobyturns

I have to agree with Jim. You either get a good one or you get the standard quality. If your skills have stepped up a level so that you are noticing the issues that you are chasing now it is time to move on. I have seen very good work from these lathes but the turners work hard to keep them up to scratch. The more wear the more effort it requires from the turner to keep them going satisfactorily.

Unfortunately I dont have the funds to replace this lathe for a while. I am going to have to see if replacing the drive wheels fixes the problem, if not then I am not too sure what I will do. Perhaps I would have to look at replacement of the lathe if I cant solve the problem that way, cross that bridge when I get to it !
Thanks for the replies. Will be putting an order in at Machinery House for the replacement parts hopefully this weekend !