Thread: Hecus 260 Info

Does the Lathe have the Screw Cutting Change Gear Chart attached to it,that should indicate what Change Gears are required for Metric Thread Cutting.
I can tell you that to cut Imperial Threads on your Lathe you will require the following Change Gears,some of these should also be used for cutting Metric Threads.
The gears required for the Full range of Imperial Threads for a 260BM are.
18,24,25,30,33,36,39,42,48,54,60,72,80 and a 63/64 Compound gear.

For the benefit of our new comers, it's probably worth re-submitting a list of Serial No's vs Manufacture Dates, for Hercus lathes. The question of age seems to come up often.

Attached is the list, so print it out, and file it away.

Ken

Pipeclay, Ken. Thanks for the info.
Saw the serial list from previous post, but was hoping a later list available, being my serial (18646) outside that list. But at say 200 lathes a year from '82 it would be about an '85 manufacture I guess.
Finno

From the Spare Parts Manual.
Basic model is specified A,B or C
All belt drives; T
Long beds; L
Metric lathes; L
Hardened beds; H
Instrument versions; N
Geared headstock; G
Separate shaft feed; D
Nothing like answering your own question!
Bit like talking to the....

Finno

Hello Finno,

I use a Teco FM50 Fluxmaster frequency inverter on my Hercus Mill. It provides slow start, variable speed, adjustable braking, reverse etc all via the keypad . It cost about $320 a couple of years ago. Teco are located in Belgravia Street, Belmont. You can buy these things for less on Ebay from the US.

On the pair of 9" lathes that I have, I use capacitor start single phase motors, both of these being replacements for the 3 phase motors originally fitted. I've never had a problem with these motors nor have I had a desire to use VFD's on these machines.
Both lathes run well as they are.

Good luck with your new acquisition.

Regards Bob.

Thanks Bob,
Still deciding between a VFD and single phase motor. Most seem to prefer VFD, and I will probably go down that path.
Finno

I have a VFD on my 9" and wouldn't go any other way. Indeed if I were buying a new machine I would purchase as 3 phase and add the VFD. Soft start/stop, variable speed, reverse, and power braking if required. The only problem I've encountered is an incompatibility with RCDs, a problem I thought I'd fixed but it seems to be back again for some reason I understand VFDs can put a lot of noise on the line, so to comply with European CE requirements the manufacturer of mine puts some filter capacitors across the input. The trouble is in doing their job the capacitors filter current to earth, hence tripping the RCD. The engineers suggested I remove the capacitors, voiding the CE standard but stopping the RCD problem. Sadly, as mentioned, that problem reared its ugly head again last night so I will have to explore that one. I have heard this is a relatively common complaint with VFDs when used in a domestic environment where the RCDs trip at a lower leakage current to those used in a commercial environment. However I am not an electrical engineer, though worked in an allied field, so certainly don't take the above as gospel.

The 260 is a nice lathe, enjoy.

Pete,
What are the details of yours (VFD!) and how is it set up, i.e. did it come with potentiometer or did you add one?
Finno

Originally Posted by Finnowa

Pete,
What are the details of yours (VFD!) and how is it set up, i.e. did it come with potentiometer or did you add one?
Finno

I bought my SEW VFD from ebay and it wasn't particularly difficult to set up, but there was a learning curve. Yes I added a potentiometer and external switch so the VFD is contained within the lathe cabinet.

Keep in mind that my background was electronics, so when I was speaking with the engineers we were "talking the same language" so to speak (pardon the pun). Somebody who considers a box of electronics as a storage vessel for smoke may have a different perspective. Despite the cries from some on this very forum, I had no difficulty in pulling the star point out the motor and rewiring it, but again others may be somewhat intimidated by the same process (though it's not that expensive to have it done).

Given that all manner of VFDs come up on ebay, the chances of you getting the identical one to mine is minimal at best. However I was impressed by SEW and would hunt one out next time. For that reason I can't really give you a "step by step" guide to setting one up, besides, if you think that's what you'll need to get one installed you should probably do yourself a favour and just bolt on a single phase motor. Remember these are lethal voltages you're dealing with!

As mentioned I would intentionally install a VFD/3 phase motor if I had a choice, but keep in mind that's my own personal situation. It certainly doesn't mean I'd recommend it for everyone; that's probably for you to decide.

Pete

Thanks Pete,
I am confident I can wire it. The ASEA motor even has a diagram under the cover of Star and Delta configurations (set by jumpers)
The 230V single phase to 230V 3 phase VFDs cost much less than VFDs that convert to 415V 3 phase .
An Aus distrubutor has a Teco (FM 50?) for $270 which seems as good as eBay .
I am yet to open the cabinet, but hope to use existing switches or positions also.

The RCD issue is a worry because I have just had a faulty ballast resistor in a floro trip it, and took quite some hunting down, because the fault was intermittent .
Perhaps an RCD replacement may help your problem?
Finno

Yes most modern motors are switchable to delta so isn't an issue, just a caveat for yourself and others who may search the forum in future.

RCDs are a great idea but can be a real PIA. I have some wiring that needs to be replaced in the house due to a neutral - earth short (screw went through the cable. I didn't do it ). Doesn't affect things in the slightest in normal operation but of course trips the RCD. Took ages to find it by isolating wires one by one! The RCD that's tripping at the moment is a portable one on an extension lead. Having satisfied myself that there was no genuine fault I just took it off the lead but clearly will need to investigate further once it gets wired into a regular RCD protected GPO. As mentioned, VFDs are amazing technology, but aren't always a bolt on and forget it solution.