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DIY: Lathe Control Pod (kinda off topic)

Got tired of reaching around a spinning work piece to start, stop, and adjust lathe speed and built this pod out of crap in the junk box. Works with any VFD-S series motor controller, including those used on the Jet EVS, Powermatic, Delta, and any other which uses this series of controller. Just an idea to consider for those who might find the stock controls as annoying as I, as it's certainly not rocket science.

Five user defined speed presets allow quick selection of favorite speeds, and since the labels are Photochopped, they aren't necessarily representative of the final settings. The sixth selection enables the infinite variable speed potentiometer, which is actually a bit of a misnomer, since the granularity of the controller doesn't allow for "precise" speed selections.

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6 feet of 4 conductor w/gnd shielded cable connects this pod to the controller (M0, M1, 10v, AVI, GND). Magnets and a nitrile backing allow it to be placed on metal (and other) surfaces without slipping. The use of 10 turn pots was overkill, but on hand, and allowed for rear adjustment and the sturdiness desired. The rotary switch is a

2P6T. Since the controller's 10v source is limited to 10ma, the five 5k ohm linear taper potentiometer sources are switched as well as their wipers to limit current to 2ma, rather than the limit of 10ma. A 10uf electrolytic and 1k resistor dampen switching transients.

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Use of this pod requires reprogramming registers in the controller to enable the appropriate multifunction/AVI inputs. This may be done on the front panel of some controllers, but requires the use of software, a RS485 interface, and a computer on those that have had the panel programming interface disabled. If you have to ask...
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What a way to waste 2 hours, and yet I believe it will save time in the long run, in addition to being a more safe, sturdy, and eloquent solution than using the controller membrane buttons and that dinky PC mount potentiometer. FWIW

Greg G.

Reply to
Greg G
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Hi Greg

Yes you are right, it's not just very convenient but also for safety reasons one should be able to start and stop their lathe/machines safely and also quick in a case of things getting out of hand. You wouldn't want to have to reach over a spinning piece that is in the process of leaving the lathe, etc. As I don't have a VFD I didn't have to go through the building of what you have devised here. I have and wanted to point this out, a safe starting and stopping switch that is not that expensive, considering all else, and have used it for several years now without any problems. It has one added safety point over and above any normal electric wired switch, in that the switch uses an plastic air hose, so you won't be electrocuted when (not if) you pinch the wire, as it is an air hose. I find it very comforting to know I can switch the lathe on or off with my foot, while having both hands on a tool while hollowing, and also to have it right next to me while turning.

Here's a link for a look at the switch

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Have fun and take care Leo Van Der Loo

Greg G. wrote:

Reply to
l.vanderloo

Beautiful piece of workmanship!!!

Keith P.

Reply to
Salmo

DAMHIKT ;-)

My old Jet 1014 mini was much simpler, and quieter. And if the switch had not been located where it was, at my right hip most of the time, I would have probably opted for something similar to your suggestion.

This is quite true. However, one great thing about this pod is that you won't get electrocuted, or even mildly shocked should you sever the cord, or even drop the box in the bathtub. 17v at 3ma or 10v at

10ma is not likely to harm anyone. It switches low voltage optoisolated inputs, not line voltage.

In that vein, however, I personally would use conduit for any line current carrying conductors.

Now that you mention it, that might just be convenient for me as well. The ability to position a hollowing tool through a tiny hole while keeping both hands on the tool when powering up the lathe would be advantageous. I have a few old mil surplus pressure switches that I may add to the pod in order to augment it with foot switch capability.

Thanks, Leo. I'm stealing your idea.

Greg G.

Reply to
Greg G

Thanks, Keith! Although I generally reserve such exuberance for the wood turnings themselves. ;-)

Greg G.

Reply to
Greg G

Hi Greg Not mine, but you're welcome to it.

Have fun and take care Leo Van Der Loo

Reply to
l.vanderloo

I'm into electronics a bit, so I really envy people who can do neat layout and design work (that works and are willing to share - i.e. you could be marketing this controller :O)

Keith

Reply to
Salmo

I considered that very thing, but it would require bundling an interface and software with the pod, and the customer would have to own a computer in close proximity to the lathe for programming the controller. I guess all that's doable, but I don't own any Chinese factories either. As evidenced by their nearly total domination on store shelves, no one will buy a product unless it is produced by a poor, polluted, despotic country.

Greg G.

Reply to
Greg G

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