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Lathe Motor Reverse

doily_grunge

Active member
Joined
Dec 1, 2017
Messages
34
Location
Australia
I recently purchased a lathe and was wondering if it’s possible to reverse the lathe motor when I need to? I’d like to have it wired to a switch I could go forward and reverse.

Motor is old from 1950’s at least but still going strong.

AC motor
1/3 HP
240 V
50 Hz
2.3 Amp

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laser3kw

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Nov 17, 2012
Messages
7,276
Location
northen IL
just so you know, if a single phase motor has a starting cap with centrifugal switch and is reversible, the reversing is not instantaneous. You have to wait for the motor to slow to almost a stop (for the centrifugal switch to drop out) before you can switch directions.
 

Terry D

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Joined
Mar 25, 2015
Messages
2,202
Location
St. Louis, MO.
If possible, you would have to reverse he leads to the start winding. Two of those leads coming out from the motor could be the start winding. Problem is, those wires don't look to be in good shape at all. Moving them around could create problems. I would try to find a wiring schematic for the motor or try to find a replacement motor that is reversible. Sorry couldn't be more help.
 
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McFarmer

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Joined
Aug 29, 2009
Messages
2,139
I’ve got a couple barrel switches. Like they use on boat hoists.
 
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dogdog

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Nov 15, 2011
Messages
12,711
If possible, you would have to reverse he leads to the start winding. Two of those leads coming out from the motor could be the start winding. Problem is, those wires don't look to be in good shape at all. Moving them around could create problems. I would try to find a wiring schematic for the motor or try to find a replacement motor that is reversible. So couldn't be more help.

^^^ This thing in short ^^^

Without a hook up diagram for that motor, anything is really a guess... but in general 1 phase AC motor. If you reverse only the connection to the start winding, the motor goes reverse....

some thing on this might help you if you do decided to take the risk. the wires looks frail and brittle.

The start winding is always in series with the start capacitor.
It is also always in series with the centrifugal switch...


Not all motors have the leads out from the coils for start winding... If you do decide to venture, start at the centrifugal switch or the start capacitor.


YMMV on the motor, I have to dig into the coils to get the wires out for mine. and verse it with a DPDT. and that definitely void any warranty.
 

matt_i

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Joined
Mar 14, 2008
Messages
10,726
Location
SE Michigan
If your lathe has a plain threaded spindle (as opposed to D-** camlock or L-** long taper spindles) then its a no-no. Very easy for the chuck to unscrew itself under the cutting forces.
 
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