Thread: Reversing switch Hercus lathe?

In my opinion the chances of the chuck removing its self from the spindle of a 9" Hercus lathe is very unlikely if the machine is used correctly.
I would suspect if you could go from forward to reverse simultaniously there is the chance,with the type of drum switch used I would think that the spindle would have to come to a dead stop prior to reverseing,if the switch is thrown without the spindle virtually at stop the spindle will more than likely continue to rotate in the originally selected rotation.
If there is a concern of the chuck unscrewing I would suggest to use your backgear to lock spindle and with chuck key and soft hammer tap chuck to make sure it is securely home on the spindle nose.
Unless you have the appropriate chasing dial reverseing the lathe is the quickest way to screw cut(saves having to chase the thread using compound and cross slide.
As for uses for reverseing there are many, a couple of the top of my head cutting chamfers,parting off,using tools that might have to higher centre height unless there turned upside down,left hand boring bars,and milling .

Fossil and Pipeclay,

Thank you for bailing me out. I was caught a bit short for other reasons to install a reversing switch.

Thanks,

Ken

Originally Posted by pipeclay

Unless you have the appropriate chasing dial reverseing the lathe is the quickest way to screw cut(saves having to chase the thread using compound and cross slide.

I understand this, and if no chaser dial, it is easier.

As for uses for reverseing there are many, a couple of the top of my head cutting chamfers,parting off,using tools that might have to higher centre height unless there turned upside down,left hand boring bars,and milling .

Can't fathom the chamfering or the parting off, in fact any of it.

Cheers

Donald (On the Rock)

frazerbluff,

I too would like to know about chamfering and parting off with the lathe in reverse, advantages etc..

For me, another reason for motor reversal is tapping a hole in the end of a shaft. Tap in, reverse to back out, a "parting" thought.

Ken

In regards to the parting off there are times when depending on the type of material you would find that inverting the parting tool and running in reverse is the better option.
Im not saying that this is a commonly used method but over the years i have used this method,it can reduce chatter and minamize deflection in your bar,if you look at some of the machines that have a provision for two tool posts they often use the rear post for parting or other operations,(yes the machine is not running in reverse but the tools are inverted.
In regards to cutting chamfers depending on the geometry of the tool if you off set your tool post you can cut internal or external chamfers without having to change tools.
this method of adjusting tool post and useing reverse is very handy when the angle of your chamfer is not critical,other wise if angle of chamfer is critical just off set compound slide to correct angle .
I suppose i for one like to be able to achieve as much machineing variation as possible with the least amount of tool changes.