Craftsman Lathe (Variable Speed)

Mike I have that lathe, in fact I have had one for about five years now, give or take. It sounds like a problem with the Reeves Drive. Are the pulleys jamming? Every now and then I put a spot of oil on the shafts at the pulleys since I understand that the pulleys on a Reeves can freeze up. Besides, I think that moving parts need oiling now and then, especially in a dusty enviroment.

Hey Darrell, does oil or grease work better for these? Rick

Rick I am not sure if oil or grease would work better on the Reeves drive. I use oil but I imagine grease would work as well or better, but it would be more akward to apply in this case. Some time I might try one of those graphite sprays in hopes of attracting less dust, even though it has not been a problem to date.

First, let me make it clear that I don't have any first-hand experience with a Reeves drive. But there are a lot of lubricants out there that might be suitable. Given the dusty working environment, I might be tempted to try one of the dry spray lubricants. Some have Teflon, silicone, various polymers, graphite, etc. They might be less likely to attract and retain dust, which is probably the root of your problem in the first place.

Barry

Darrell, I not able to access the beginning of this thread. Could you tell me what part of the drive that you are applying lubricant?

Denis A Reeves drive has two pulleys that expand or contract ot control the speed of the unit. I am lubricating the shaft on which the pulleys ride.

Thanks Darrell, What I did before greasing is to clean the shaft with solvent. Then I, with a cue tip, applied wheel bearing grease. The second time I used silicone grease. The later did not make much difference. Next time I'll experiment with outboard marine grease. Lubricating does not cause me much problem. The OEM belt was the real problem. Now that I have replaced the belt with a GATES equivalent made in the USA the drive runs smoother.

You might want to consider one of the graphite-based products like

to reduce dust adhesion. I like it for lubing the tractor linkages, a pretty messy thing if I use oil or grease. Also great for the table and band saw trunnions.

At first I tough about using spray lubricant directly onto the shaft. Then I got a little apprehensive that even if the inside walls of the pulleys were covered the lubricant could end up on them. I did take any chances to alter the friction between the belt and the inside pulleys. Conversely I could have used a degreaser on the pulleys after the spraying. I felt more comfortable using grease instead. BTW I soon learned it's much easier to remove the belt and spring to do a good lubricating job. If you are not familiar with the process do not do it unless you have the instructions.

Sounds a bit tedious. My Jet mini doesn't have a Reeves drive, so maybe I won't have to worry about it.

Barry

Many pieces of art are turned on multi-sheaves drive with great success. Over here some people make their own lathe using multi-sheaves drive. With these drives they can turn down to as low as 620 RPM as still have full torque.

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