Peter Colman
Stainless
- Joined
- Sep 22, 2004
- Location
- Rugeley UK
Like many other HLV owners I have had trouble with the DC feed motor on the apron.
My machine was UK built and the motor made by a long defunct supplier, when the lathe was rebuilt and rewired the motor com segments were cleaned out, it ran ok for several years but one day it died in a cloud of blue smoke.My rewinder could not help either with repair or replacement as the shaft end of the motor and it’s bearing run in a special casting.
I tried replacing it with a 1/3 hp 3 phase motor and VFD, this was ok but there was not enough torque particularly at low speed.
I have now gone for a 12 volt 150 Watt permanent magnet motor, these are fitted to electric bicycles and the like, I had to make up an adapter ring and sliding connector so I could use the front bearing of the old motor and the housing.
The motor and it’s speed controller came from eBay for a combined cost of under 30
GBP much the same in USD. The free running speed of the motor is 2000 rpm so a bit fast, hence the controller.
I have been using a 12 volt car battery for my trials but need a proper power supply, this will be the most expensive part of the project.
It is great to have the feed going properly again
My machine was UK built and the motor made by a long defunct supplier, when the lathe was rebuilt and rewired the motor com segments were cleaned out, it ran ok for several years but one day it died in a cloud of blue smoke.My rewinder could not help either with repair or replacement as the shaft end of the motor and it’s bearing run in a special casting.
I tried replacing it with a 1/3 hp 3 phase motor and VFD, this was ok but there was not enough torque particularly at low speed.
I have now gone for a 12 volt 150 Watt permanent magnet motor, these are fitted to electric bicycles and the like, I had to make up an adapter ring and sliding connector so I could use the front bearing of the old motor and the housing.
The motor and it’s speed controller came from eBay for a combined cost of under 30
GBP much the same in USD. The free running speed of the motor is 2000 rpm so a bit fast, hence the controller.
I have been using a 12 volt car battery for my trials but need a proper power supply, this will be the most expensive part of the project.
It is great to have the feed going properly again
