Add on variable speed control

You probably have an induction motor and they do not lend themselves to the usual variable speed methods so you would have to get a motor as well as a controller. Probably cost as much as your lathe unless you can find some surplus stuff. Billh

controler.

You could get a 1/2 to 1hp 3 phase surplus motor on ebay for less than $20-$30 probably. With this, you could use a surplus 1hp or fractional hp Variable Frequency Drive. I bought one of these on ebay for about $80. This would allow you to control the speed of the motor to a degree. I don't think that you would want it to run too slowly. I'm throwing common prices out there that I have seen. YMMV.

Eric

If he keeps his current step pulleys he shouldn't have a problem with slow speeds. My big General VFD still has pulleys for lots of torque at low rpm if you want it. Although I imagine that a lathe with a 10" max swing wouldn't have to go extremely slow anyway. Billh