Thread: Speed change on lathe

G’day Max. Yeah mate, it’s a 2 speed, it’s currently on high speed.
Looks like about 1:1 motor speed or a bit faster. Probably around 2800-3000 rpm ( at my guess )
To change over to low speed, looks like you need to loosen the bolt between the belts on the end of the lever, push down on the lever to loosen the belt and swap over to the higher ratio pulleys then lift the lever to put tension back on the belt, and tighten the bolt.

Pretty much what Ironwood said, but I don't think you'll need to loosen that bolt between the belts.

On many lathes with a similar setup, my Woodfast included, you loosen the lever by twisting it (think of it as a screw-driver handle sticking out the front) then either raise or lower it. Thatt should take the tension off the belt so you can move it from one set of pulleys to t'other. Then release the lever to restore the belt tension, twisting it to lock again.

Some lathes you can also lock the lever in the 'tension release' position to free up both hands, but I've seen a few where it doesn't hold properly and isn't worth doing.

Looking at yours, it may not work this way... but it might. Worth while investigating anyway.

After reading Skews post, I had a closer look at the photo to make sure I was right about the speeds. I am assuming that both the pulleys have 2 different diameter steps, it’s a bit hard to see them properly in the photo. On the top pulley, it looks like a larger diameter step behind the one with the vbelt in it, and the lower pulley appears to have a smaller step behind the one with the belt in it. My advice in my first post is dependant on this being the case.
Could you confirm that the pulleys are a 2-step design, to give you 2 speeds with a belt change. Or does that lever do something different than raise and lower the motor, to loosen and tighten the belt ?

Gentlemen - does this photo help? I've loosened both the bottom bolt on the motor (?) and the bolt on the lever arm. I did get some movement which should allow me to change the speed. The lathe seems to be set on 875 RPM at present. I haven't done any turning before but I would have thought this speed is too slow.Gear pulley.jpg

I believe there is a pivot bolt or pin missing from the hole on the RH side of the other visible bolt. I would think if you find a bolt that screws into the thread behind that hole and fit it loosely and loosen the other bolt you should be able to push down on the handle which will lift the motor to loosen the belt. According to that name plate it is only a 4 pole motor so the 875 on the low ratio pulleys would be right and too slow for most turning but okay when starting off with out of balance or irregular shaped pieces.
I have never seen this type of speed change on that type of lathe. Normally you have to just jump the belt over the pulleys.

Lathe pulleys.JPG

Hi Dallas - there is a pivot point pin (barely) and needs replacing with something much sturdier. Will look into that.

Max,
not saying I know all the answers but if you get stuck, I will be over around 18-21st Jan and between 2 heads could possibly help out.
cheers
Tony

Hi Tony - I live in Aldinga Beach, is that too far out of your way?

Cheers,

Paul aka Maxx

nah mate, daughter lives behind Woodcroft college, i will be restocking in McLaren Vale , I do not guarantee that I'll help the situation but hey worth a try. will be in touch closer to time but hope you get something solved before then.

Sounds good Tony, thanks for the offer.

Paul