I have a question about an older lathe with a Reeves Drive (J-Line). This is an older lathe that has not seen use for some time. The manual says not to shift it without the motor running. If you take the belts off is it okay to shift it then? I want to get the Reeves drive shifting smoothly before putting it under power. I am guessing they say not to shift while not under power due to the load put on it by shifting it. Thanks!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ You are right. With the belt off, it should shift easily in both directions when it is not running. Chances are it won't, since it's been idle for a long time. Work it back and forth and clean it up, and you should be okay.
Then, with the belt back on, shift it only while it is running. Otherwise, as you try to close the variable pulley, you just put pressure on the sides of the Vee-belt.
Thanks! Will do. As always this group is very helpful. I have been learning a lot. Thanks!
Be careful taking the belt off.
I took the belt off a Jet Reeves drive and had trouble putting the belt back on. I was trying to lighten the lathe so I could bring it down into my cellar. I got the motor off and its pulley closed. The belt was held in place by the other pulley on the headstock.
I needed to use a gear puller to open the motor pulley so that I could put the belt back on.
Bernie Feinerman
If you decide to disassemble the motor pulley for any reason, be aware that there is a strong spring holding the pulley closed against the belt. If yours is like mine, removal of thye retaining clip will cause the parts to leap across the room. The spring and the clip will try toi get away from you.
My solution: tie one end of a cord to the clip, and the other end to the spring. Try to keep the string in hand as things fly apart.
John here's a link to a write-up by Darrell Feltmate, on changing/ cleaning and general maintenance on the reaves drive, HTH
Everyone else covered the cleaning, etc., just wanted to mention that it's ok to change the speed when the lathe isn't running, if you do it GENTLY while turning the spindle or pulley by hand..
Also, if you do take the belt off, unless it's brand new (unlikely) consider changing to a link belt... Quieter, less vibration and a LOT easier to change.. YMWV
mac
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Grizzly Imports:
The FD number will take you to the page but these were in machinery acc. I use these power twist on my wood and metal lathes. They were developed for heavy use conveyor belt motors so they stand up to work.
Martin
Martin H. Eastburn @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net TSRA, Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal. NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member.
Bob Daun wrote:
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I bought the belt for my 1442 at HF, Bob.. The Jet dealer that I bought the lathe from said it took 1/2", so I bought that... Damn good thing my bandsaw takes 1/2".. lol
mac
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"mac davis" wrote: I bought the belt for my 1442 at HF, Bob..
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Since the pulleys adjust to the belt position/width, I don't see why you couldn't us a 1/2".
It might possibly have a very minor effect on the speed range. BTW, changing the belt length can affect this also. Link belts can be tuned in increments of 1/2", which is useful in getting the best high and low limits. If you do buy link belt, buy several inches extra, and keep it on the shelf. If you stall your lathe (common with Reeves drives,) the motor pulley will probably burn a few of the belt links, which are then destined to fail maybe a month later. No need to replace the entire belt if that occurs.
Good point.. As I remember, I tried the 1/2" and it not only didn't seem to seat well in the pulleys but raised the low speed a bit..
mac
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One thing on the power twist link belts - if you have a longer length - buy two - as they link and unlink by the link length. SO add 7" or 3'.
Martin
Martin H. Eastburn @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net TSRA, Endowed; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal. NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member.
Mart>
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