Yates American J-170 lathe

Is it like mine?

James, I went to your home page, really neat turnings and metal spinning. Martin

I love this old industrial lathe. It is heavy (650 pounds or so), solid, and reliable. The variable speed works nicely. Mine is 3 phase; but a different motor could easily be installed. I did have a spindle adapter made to change the spindle to 1"-8. The original 1 1/8"-8 is a little difficult to find fittings for. With a 1 1/8"-8 tap I can easily make my own faceplates etc. as needed. Mine does not have the gap bed; but that is not the type of turning I do - so I do not require more than 12" of swing. These are nice machines that can take continuous work without falling apart. What else do you need to know?

Martin; Thanks, I try. Jim

You told me most of what I was wondering. One thing I have not gotten a good answer on is what is it's lowest speed? I have heard/deduced that around 700 rpms is typical for other j-line models. So does that sound about right? I want something slower but otherwise I like what I am hearing about this lathe.I will be turning lots of large unbalanced blanks so slower speeds are essential.

The one I am looking at has a 3 phase motor and I am seriously considering just adding a VF Drive to it. Program it for say 3 fixed speeds on the motor and using the lathes variable speed control. Does that sound feasible? Or would it be better to just go full electronic speed control and skip the reves drive?

Once I get it in the shop and torn apart that will really help me decide.

The manual indicates a speed range from 630-3450. This works well for me. Most of my turnings are done at full speed. Putting a VFD along with the current drive would work fine. Yes, I have the manual and parts diagrams ;-) Jim

SNIP---------

=============== All electronic is OK if you have enough horse power. Otherwise, the Reeves drive can give you additional torque at low RPMs. If the low end is in the

Ken Moon Webberville, TX.

If I do buy this lathe and I think I am. Would you be willing to make me a copy of the manual? I am not asking for a freebie. I would be happy to pay for doing this.

The part diagram would be great to have when I start to rebuild it!!

Kudzu; Send me another email. I have the manual scanned; but your email went out with the trash. Jim

It looks like a beefy little monster - enough iron to make a dozen more modern ones! It's a 12" by 36" with 15" swing over gap.

J-Line 170 12" Lathe - Instructions and Parts List.  7 Pages, 1.40 MB.  Publication Date: Unknown.

J-Line J-170 12" Lathe.  2 Pages, 208 KB.  Publication Date: Unknown

Hope this helps...

Joe

Thanks Joe! I had visited that site but now seen the manuals on it. Guess I need to dig a little deeper!

are there still parts available for the Yates American J-170 lathe

Hello I have a J170 YA. Need a manual. Would you be kind enough to share a copy of the manual with me. In need of repair thank you so much in advance Michelle Marguerite

Dave