Wood lathe...what hp?

Hi Joe, Usually the horsepower is in relation to the size of the lathe and the work you are going to be doing. For instance, I have a 2hp lathe that has a

24" capacity inboard, outboard its over 40" capacity. The 2hp is adequate for most my needs, but I wish I had gotten the 3hp now as I also core pieces. At the time when I bought the lathe though the upgrade to the 3hp was a lot more money. It is reversible, variable speed with three pulleys for different speed ranges. If you are trying to figure out what hp lathe to get, instead of asking us what we have, tell us what you intend to do. Do you want to turn bowls or spindles? How big a bowl or spindle... etc... then the group can better answer the question of what would suit your needs. --Jim M.

I have a Delta 46-715. It has a 3/4 hp motor. I have turned up to 13" bowls. I find it has a good level of power.

Derek

A 1hp motor would provide you the power you need. If you want power to spare go with a 1 1/2hp motor. On my Vicmarc VL100 mini lathe I actually have a

2hp variable speed motor. That has lots of power to spare. Only reason I got the 2hp motor was that one of our guys in the club got a deal on a several motors and control cards when we ordered 10 VL 100 lathes as a group. And somehow, when he dropped the motor and lathe off to me, I was given one of the 2hp units. A 3/4 or 1hp motor for the mini would be more than adequate. So for your 12" turnings 1hp is fine.

1/2 to 3/4 hp should be more than enough. I have a 24" swing on my lathe and have a surplus treadmill motor that is around 3/4 hp. Transfering the power to the lathe is just as important as the amount of power. A polyV belt is better than a regular V belt. Select pulley sizes so that the motor will run at full rpms for your normal turnings. For a 12" bowl you will want to be able to start around 100 rpm and finish around 1500 rpm.

"Jim M" wrote: A 1hp motor would provide you the power you need. If you want power to spare go with a 1 1/2hp motor (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ My Jet 1236 a\was about the size of the lathe you are building. It had a

3/4 HP motor, but the belt drive always slipped before the motor stalled, so I was actually getting by with less that 3/4. There were times when I felt short of power, but it is always possible to use a little coaxing, and get the job done (such as bowl coring with Kelton).

But, one thing no one has mentioned is that turners are seldom satisfied to stay within the limits they set for themselves starting out. If you really catch the turning bug, I predict that you will be looking for ways to expand your capacity, and your HP. So, buy as much power, within reason, as the budget permits. Variable speed, reversible is a great luxury.

...snip

...snip

...snip>

Yeh, Leo, why don't you tell the folks what you stepped up to.

Bill

************************ Joe, After looking at your pictures of the lathe, I would make a few suggestions:

1. Your fixed height toolrest may limit you in some applications. You might want to consider some sort of adjustment in the height, at least a 1/2 inch above and below centerline.
2. You could not find a spur drive. If you take the spindle back to the machinist and have him drill and taper the inside of the spindle for a number 1 Morse taper, you will find several accessories for your lathe available. Sears old tube tye lathe used a 3/4 X 16 tpi spindle with #1 MT, so you should be able to find those in their larger stores or their tool catalog. Also, you can find those items at most turning supply outlets.
3. If you intend to turn 12 inch bowls, I don't think the tool rest will stand up to very much abuse. You should put a piece of steel over the top edge to pick up the forces against the tool rest. Other wise, you'll have notches in the top of the tool rest and won't be able to move your tools smoothly along then rest.
4. Unless you'll be alone when you turn, you should have some sort of guard over the belt and pulleys. You don't want to have any kids who can't count to ten on their fingers.

Otherwise, it looks it should do for a fairly light duty lathe. Since you indicate an interest in doll making, maybe you'll stay within the limits of this lathe. But be warned, if you start turning very much, you'll be selling your doll equipment to buy more turning equipment.

Good luck, Ken Moon Webberville, TX

Thanks, Guys. I learned a lot. I haven't got the motor yet, but I've already made modifications such as making the headstock end a little taller.

BTW, I'm not a stranger to the lathe. My parents bought me a crapsman when I was a teen. I still kick myself for selling it. BigJoe