Thread: Mc 900 woes

I dunno 'bout that Soundman. My MC-900 has been pretty heavily modified and I'm pretty happy with it as it is. Adding VEC would be the icing on the cake.

I've yet to see a second hand lathe that didn't need tweaking for one reason or another, and very few new mid-range lathes for that matter. Why spend the $$$ just to have to start tweaking all over again?

If the mod was in the $500 range then I reckon it'd be better to put it towards a nice big Vicmarc or similar, but $280? That's a mere drop in the ocean... I can spend more than that on just a couple of chisels or a new chuck! I reckon go for the mod!

Geepers, I stirred the pot didn't I?? Look guys, I just started turning, and I have to acquire basically all the equipment, tools, etc., so I don't have a big budget, I buy as I need. I know that the Vicmarc lathes make us drool...but I seriously don't have 2 or 3 grand to spend, keeping in mind that woodworking is not a source of income for me, I would like it to be as I enjoy it so much. So I have to agree..rather the devil you know...(as long as we can beat it a bit)..hehehe...

Now, as I am also new here in the ol' west (WA), does anyone here in Perth know where we can get our grubby paws on some pulleys and steel plates to construct the frame for the motor? I looked at the links provided and I must say that the mods don't really look that difficult. Hey, once I have all the stuff, I think I will put together a small how-to, with pictures and step-by-step instructions and electrical diagrams, courtesy of my good friend who supplied the electrical gear HOWZAT!!!

thanks again to all of you who have taken the time to respond, I certainly appreciate it, and like I said, as soon as I have all the parts, I will definitely keep in touch.

best to all
gb

I have had mine for nearly 3 years and apart from one pully wheel rebuild (chiped the aluminimum wheel changing belts) its been great, bearings are getting a but worn but in all its been a great little lathe. I also change the capacitor to a higher grade one which gives it a bit more oomph.

They do respond very well to be cleaned and lubed regularly, like very regularly, if not dust and woodcrap builds up quick and bungs things up, 'might' have what caused your wheels to warp.

Apart from some structural changes or the addition of an indexer etc i dunno if a higher grade motor would make much difference, maybe if you turning larger bits of wood. I changed the speed ratio a bit by putting the notched lever bizzo in at a different place, means it starts faster and has less speeds in its range (goes from slower to faster more quickly) but as it just goes up when the pully widens this just makes its speed up quicker.

Originally Posted by bosco555

HI guys,

well, let me tell you, my mate as quite a bit to do with Teco anyway, so, let me give you some part numbers, howzat hey??

by the way, if anyone is interested contacting via email, you can do it [email protected].

High performance Adjustable Speed Microprocessor controlled Inverter motor speed regulator:

Teco model FM50-201-OC TW series good from 1 to 3HP, that's about $200.00 i believe,
sorry, I have thrown away the box for the motor, but it's a standard 1HP and it costs $80, and don't let anyone rip you off!!! Indeed, doing it the electronic way, is much more efficient, not to mention quiet, no rattlings!

Please do not hesitate to contact me if ANYONE needs more info on parts and components. I do not have the switches with me, but will shortly. Please note that I am not gaining anything out of this, nor I am affiliated with any electrical contractor, just trying to lend a helping hand.

Wow - that sounds like a really good deal. I tried to find some specs on this controller, but can't find anything anywhere on the net - does anyone have anything? I'd love to see what it looks like and hear reports of it in use.

I've just got an old woodfast lathe, and this is the sort of upgrade that would be nice to do to it - variable speed that runs of 1 phase with no loss of torque is very appealing! Its actually the reason one of the reasons I went looking for an old solid lathe.

M

Ok - a bit more searching and I found the brocure for the Teco speed controller:

http://www.teco.com.au/files/FM50%20...20Brochure.pdf

So the FM50-201-OC is good for 1HP and is also IP20 rated with a filter. Looks like the bees knees.

There are also some photos of it put on a lathe here (with a nice speed contol knob mod): http://www.sydneywoodturners.com.au/...y/vsd/vsd.html

Looks like a worthwhile project to me. In the case of my woodfast lathe, the motor is mounted underneath on a shelf with hinge - I would think a new 1hp 3 phase motor would be an easy swap over....

I will contact the Brisbane Teco branch next week - if they give me rediculous prices I'll be speaking with our WA friend bosco555!

M

hi all,

no trouble at all

gb

OK - rang Teco brisbane - prices I got:FM50-201-OCVariable speed controller - $249 +GST3 phase 1HP motor $106 + GSTBosco - have you checked the prices you had - are they exact or approximate?Thanks!Matt

I have to agree with soundman,it has been well documented over this forum about the shortcomings of the MC900,putting a evs on something of this quality,similar to sticking a supercharger on your lawnmower.