The tach goes up to 2500 so I would like to get the machine up around that number even though it will probably never be used in that range. The motor in there is made in Mexico with no max rpm on the nameplate. I will contact granger to see what the is the rpm limit on that model.
I doubt it will much matter. It is probably good for far higher RPM before it self-destructs, mechanically, than you can drive it, electrically, per prior observations in re corona discharge & c.
I received the larger pulley but haven't put it on there yet. I was looking around ebay for a used black max 5hp but I'll try the current setup first. What is a good test for torque? How deep a cut with what feed rate should a 10ee be able to comfortably take?
More than you can even get CLOSE to with a mere 5 HP AC medium-RPM motor. It is a sustainable TORQUE thingie, and that is Dee Cee turf.
Not a lot of formal yardsticks around, but the late Harry Bloom (beckley23) included some basic RPM-drop-under-cutting-load tests in his partial-attempt at use of solid-state DC Drives nearly fifteen years ago now:
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/monarch-lathes/10ee-electronic-controllers-98851/
http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/monarch-lathes/10ee-electronic-controllers-update-99897/
Over ten years AFTER he made those tests, and not yet then aware of them, I was in the process of replicating the journey, but from the approach of an electronics guru, more than that of a Machinist. We corresponded, in posts and "offline". I have the (basically obsolete, now) Carbide insert ID to replicate his tests. If even it matters.
So... Some caveats:
- Harry noted, way back "then", the need for boosted input voltage, but ceased his experiments before he ever reached even the basic fully-powered DC Drive's capability level, nor matched the OEM DC Drive -
which Monarch/Reliance ran at MORE THAN nameplate voltages. Eg; 250-260 VDC, not 230 VDC. Harry had gotten to roughly HALF normal Dee Cee power before he'd run out of still-working DC Drive equipment.. and patience. Or maybe just uncommitted funds and spare time, as Harry was an inordinately patient and persevering individual among men.
So.... he "settled" for a 5 HP AC 3-P motor + VFD conversion.
Suited his needs for the machine. He was happy with that. Harry always had
at least one heavier lathe, used such - more than the 10EE, anyway, most weeks, didn't expect his 10EE to hog.
Larger "other lathe" or not,
(mine is a 7.5 HP Cazeneuve HBX-360-BC), lots of folks are just as happy with that as Harry was.
Hopefully, you will be among them.
Because...there's NFW your present rig will match the broad power band of even an early 1940's 3 HP large-frame "Round Dial" MG 10EE, as-shipped. "Half" would be a reasonable expectation, and that will, after all, make chips pretty damned well.