12 CK motor size, also, my crossfeed won't move

[RandallM]

Hello, I am a absolute newbie, and have purchased a Monarch CK, 17.5 swing, 30" ctrs. I'm about to purchase the rotary phase converter but I can't tell what size motor I have. It's my understanding that 3 HP is usual, but it could be 5 HP. There was no tag or any info that I could see on the motor housing, which is painted the same green as the lathe. I pulled off a maintenance tag that has some mysterious remarks which makese think it might be 5 HP turning at 1800rpm? (see pic). So, what shall I do? You can assume I know nothing about any of it.

Secondly, I can't seem to get the crossfeed to move. Is there a lockdown nut or something? The two levers in the pic allow the respective screws to turn freely, but the feed just doesn't seem to be engaged. Thanks so much in advance.

 

[hanermo]

Just buy a modern ac servo motor.
It´s cheaper, easier, and vastly better, and in a crash will fault and not trash expensive lathe metal bits.

 

[RandallM]

Thanks hanermo, but a quick glance makes me think this will cost as much as a 10 HP phase converter? I think the existing motor is fine. And then there would be mounting the new motor, changing up things to get belts lined up—that just sounds a bit past my goal of immediate satisfaction. I mean I’m looking ahead and terrified about just turning the lathe on without blowing the shop up. And I’m certainly no electrician to get the right motor!

 

[Cal Haines]

10HP RPC panels are available, starting at about $200. You can usually pick up a used 3-phase motor, for the RPC idler motor, for around $100. If add another 3-phase machine at a later date the RPC can power it as well.

 

[bsg]

Hello, I am a absolute newbie, and have purchased a Monarch CK, 17.5 swing, 30" ctrs. I'm about to purchase the rotary phase converter but I can't tell what size motor I have. It's my understanding that 3 HP is usual, but it could be 5 HP. There was no tag or any info that I could see on the motor housing, which is painted the same green as the lathe. I pulled off a maintenance tag that has some mysterious remarks which makese think it might be 5 HP turning at 1800rpm? (see pic). So, what shall I do? You can assume I know nothing about any of it.

Secondly, I can't seem to get the crossfeed to move. Is there a lockdown nut or something? The two levers in the pic allow the respective screws to turn freely, but the feed just doesn't seem to be engaged. Thanks so much in advance.

The lathe is equipped with the very rare, powered feed angular compound!
Here's a discussion about it, might help.............

Monarch CW 16 x 30...

Well, I am now the owner of this Monarch. It actually didn't look that bad from the pictures, so I drove up to take a look at it in person and it looks even better in person. It's in really good shape for it's age. They even let me look inside the headstock, at the gearing, pretty johnoder's...

www.practicalmachinist.com

YouTube channel that has some info about the compound on a newer Monarch.

https://www.youtube.com/@AlwaysSunnyintheShop/videos

Kevin

 

[RandallM]

Hahaha ok great! Beginners luck! I will check those links and come back with more questions!

 

[RandallM]

10HP RPC panels are available, starting at about $200. You can usually pick up a used 3-phase motor, for the RPC idler motor, for around $100. If add another 3-phase machine at a later date the RPC can power it as well.

Cal, ok that’s more reassuring than $1200 shipped for 10 HP American Rotary AR10, eeeks, so basically what I’m hearing is don’t worry about size of lathe motor, assume it is 5 HP and go from there.

 

[Cal Haines]

Correct. A 10HP RPC will be just as happy with a 3HP load as with a 5HP load.

 

[texasgeartrain]

Call Monarch at 937 492-4111. Have the serial number on hand. Order the build sheet and a set of manuals. The manuals will cost between $30 & $60 shipped to you. Ask her to email build sheet, and put a paper copy with manuals.

The build sheet will tell you what hp the motor was originally. And if you suspect the original motor is in it, there you go. The build sheet will tell you original owner plus other info too.

I love an rpc, i would suggest a 7.5hp minimum anyway, but a 10hp will handle a 5hp motor without blinking.

Like Cal said, I'd buy my own idler motor somewhere. There's a few outfits make the control panel, I've bought from these people, and would again:

CP-10 Pro-Line 10HP Rotary Phase Converter Control Panel - Loaded with Features | eBay

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