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HArbor Freight Lathe

A Reeves drive is a mechanical variable speed system that uses a lever on the front of the lathe to adjust the speed. When the lever is turned, the speed is increased or decreased because there is a special pulley inside that can spread apart or cinch together to change the pulley ratio between the lathe and the spindle.

Usually, there are two belts with the system- one from the motor to the Reeves pulley, and one from the Reeves to the drive spindle. The drive spindle often has a few different pulley sizes so that you can change the overall minimum and maximum speed to suit your preference.

As far as testing it goes, I'd imagine I'd just try it out under power to make sure it's working properly. Be advised that you won't be able to easily change the position of the lever when the lathe is not running- so don't just try it out on a floor model, and assume it is broken!

Personally, I really like mine. The newer lathes usually have electronic variable speed, but I know that if the Reeves drive goes out, I at least have a fighting chance of fixing it myself.

Reply to
Prometheus
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That's awfully nice, Zap. Kinda makes me want to make a train...

Reply to
Prometheus

I have. I've been rich and I've been poor. Rich is better ... but poor is workable.

You gave the young man good advice. Three cheers for a wife who wants to work alongside her husband in a family venture!

I've used that model lathe for two years now and turned some nice pieces with it ... with more on the way. It isn't a Oneway ... but if he waits until he can afford a top-shelf lathe, he may never ever become a woodturner.

I'd like to have a better lathe ... but I need better shop lighting first. The lathe can already spin wood ... it would be nice if I could see it better.

Bill

Reply to
Bill in Detroit

The HF tool set is a good start, but I really like Benjamens' Best (from places like Penn State). You can get specialty chisels for little money. Are they as good as $150 one, nope, but for those of use that are learning.... See

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Reply to
Ralph E Lindberg

Hi All,

The penn state benjamin's best is a nice pen turning set. For other work you'll want something more substatial in length for better control. Penn State's 8 pc set is identical to the HF 8 pc. set only $25 more. Several other retailers sell this same set, some are as high as $70.

Dan

Reply to
dan cordes

Wonderful craftsmanship! Well done.

Mike

Reply to
Mike R. Courteau

Cyrille,

Get the HF lathe (34706) and their HSS tool set (47066). I have both and they do the job. The lathe is IMHO under powered but both $500 Delta and Jet owners complain about the same thing. Sometimes people complain about the centers not kissing. Get the warranty and take it back for another one if needed. Better yet come over to Woodturners resource

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join us as several their have or have had this lathe. I go by BAM overthere and PM me. I would be happy to to go through the ups and downs of this lathe . But in short I have had to only replace 2 things so far , drive belt (less than $5 dollars at the local hardware store) and the tool rest ( a large chunk of wood broke it in 2 but I have heard from Jet/Delta owners doing the same thing). BTW the tool rest was about $6 dollars (plus shipping) to replace , at the same time I ordered more 6in face plates at $5.35 each ( they come in handy). The biggest problems with the lathe are the stand (it is too light weight ,entire lathe only weights 177lbs and the stand does make up for much of it) and the lowest speed is 600 . Making your own stand with more weight and a larger foot print would help, right now I have 300lbs of play sand on it. It will get you started and take you a fair ways. I would love to have Jet 1642EVS or even better a Powermatic 3520 but it not in the cards right now.

Reply to
BAM

A friend had a table saw with a large motor. Without extreme care it would send a 2x4 through concrete walls. He finally got rid of it and got a standard power good quality saw. So power is not everything. jl

Reply to
Joe Lauton

It does teach you to take light cuts. Maybe "power" is the wrong word. It could use more low speed torque when working on larger pieces.

Reply to
BAM

Your point is well taken.

Light cuts on a constant speed table saw is not practical. It sent me a real message also with 1/2 a sheet of plywood - right in my gut.

Reply to
Joe Lauton

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