Thread: Sherwood MC1100 speeds

Is there another pulley giving a high and low speed range ?
Ted

Originally Posted by turnerted

Is there another pulley giving a high and low speed range ?
Ted

I haven't opened it up at all but according to the parts diagram no other pulley other than the reeves pulley

5 selectable speeds with the lathe turned OFF and five with it turned ON?

Seriously, I've no idea where they get the 10 speeds from. With a reeves pulley you'll get every speed between the slowest possible and the fastest possible. Almost all the MC-1100s adverts I've seen specify simply "Speed: 500-2000rpm."

The 5 detents are handy for a quick approximate setting - and to lock it AT that speed - but you are able to also use it between detent settings, so long as the lever doesn't want to "vibrate into" the detent. (Some lathes do, some don't. There's even variations in the behaviour of the same make and model... guess some are Monday assemblies, some are Fridays... )

As it a mechanical variable speed lathe anywhere the handle/lever is placed is a speed setting. I had a MC1100 5 notches with a claim of ten speeds, never really worried about as its not important.

Thanks for your help guys

Woiim. Could I encourage you to seek out a local Wood Turning Club. If you are not used to whirling machines that you have to poke in a metal hand held tool to make something, the task can be daunting. The whole process in using a lathe is pretty simple but to get a knowledgeable person to guide you through the process is valuable.

You want to be able to enjoy your journey through the learning process to become proficient rather than being intimidated.

As for speeds...I made my own lathe 35 years ago. It has a step pulley giving 4 speeds. The top speed is around 4500 rpm which is way too fast, so I only use the other 3. With experience you will "know" what speed you need for a particular timber/size without having to work it out.

Good luck with your new found hobby. Make sure you put up photos of your successes as well as your not so good results. We may be able to help you out

Thanks Rod will look into finding a club on the Gold Coast, only have weekends spare to work on the new toy.