woodfast lathe speed

[micklure]

Hi there
I have just bought a old woodfast lathe I think its a 6wl ?? model it has 3phase motor and 4 pullys can any one help me with a few questions
1 what speed would the 4 pullys give me
2 what thread size would the shaft be
3 any advice on fitting a vsd to give me 3phase 240 volt and speed control
thanking you in advance
Mick..

[Paul39]

Hi there
I have just bought a old woodfast lathe I think its a 6wl ?? model it has 3phase motor and 4 pullys can any one help me with a few questions
1 what speed would the 4 pullys give me
2 what thread size would the shaft be
3 any advice on fitting a vsd to give me 3phase 240 volt and speed control
thanking you in advance
Mick..

Do a search for Woodfast in this forum.

If you are turning a bowl, put the belt on the smallest motor pulley and the largest spindle pulley. This is speed 1, it will be around 600 - 800 RPM.

If you are turning a small spindle, 50mm or so, start on speed 3.

Measure the end of the shaft with an inch scale or calipers, top of threads to top of threads, it will most likely be 1 inch or 1 1/4 inch. Count the number of thread tops per inch, it will likely be 8. So the thread may be called 1 X 8 TPI, or 1 1/4 X 8 TPI.

Do a search on Variable Frequency Drives in this forum and Google same. See also:

Transformers, Phase Converters and VFD

There are some Woodfast owners and rebuilders here that will probably chime in.

I have a 20 inch swing short bed Woodfast that is wonderful.

Welcome to the addiction.

[hughie]

here you go a pulley speed calculator on line and can be downloaded for your desktop.

RPM and Pulley Calculator


Inverter, if you can get a new one do so perhaps via Ebay as they will be cheaper. The VSD or VFD / inverters will come in various sizes relating power output. So you will have to know your motor HP/KW etc. However and this is important, As you lower your speed so you lower your power, even with the mechcanical advantage of the stepped pulleys on your lathe.

So its advisable, if your budget allows, to install a bigger motor ie if its 1hp now consider 3hp. This will help to offset the power loss in speed reduction. But makes sure your Woodfast has enough space to accomodate the larger motor.

Modern inverters etc are simple to set up and the instructions are straight forward. Heres a link to my Woodfast 400 overhaul.

https://www.woodworkforums.com/f8/ove...tested-138076/