Has anyone tried to add variable speed control for this mini lathe? Does motor supports this kind of enhancement?
2007149
Perhaps it can be done, but the motors are really not equipped for variable speed control. A really good motor-man or electrician might be able to figure it out. But you might also end up burning up the motor.
2007150
You really don't want variable speed on this lathe...either way it is a very dangerous piece of equipment if you are a "Tim Taylor" type. Shaping wood requires RPM, very sharp cutters and even sharper focus. That is all.
2229870
You can add a motor to this model? Do you know where I could find one of those?
1983572
Yes, it is variable. You should buy a PMW controler to vary the speed. But be careful if you need to reverse the motor with a polarity reversing toggle switch. Put the motor leads on the toggle switch, not the power leads.
2033150
No, you will need to buy a 1/2 inch variable speed drill to use this machine. I also would reccommend that you use an electric type instead of a battery operated. I purchased a Ryobi, and it works fine.
912212
One could always install a Rheostat (just like on a Router Table) and control the speed from "0" to what ever speed it will do. The low speed is plenty slow for turning or polishing anything..............if one desires very, very slow........consider the "Mini Lathe". Just suggestions.
461770
yes, it is variable speed...speeds varies with how hard the trigger is pressed
1147380
On mine there is numbered rotating dial which provides continuous variable speed settings. There are some "flat" spots so it is not very smooth.
446210
It is not variable speed. I used it for some flagstone and stone veneer. Cut was excellent.
292886
Yes it is variable speed. And I have a 120 volt saw plugged into mine. It works fine with that. I would imagine that it would work with anything with a standard US plug. Best check with your particular machine first though.
724338
The answer to your question is in the model # of the lathe. It has a 12" throw and a maximum length of 36". It also has six speeds which were not given with the lathe. I had to call the company to find out what they were. 550rpm, 800, 1250, 1650, 2600, & 3000. I hope that this helps you out.
121495
No it is not variable speed. There is an on/off switch on top of the housing just behind the front handle. One speed!
280761
Short answer is no. You could possibly hook up a variable speed controller but that might burn out the motor - haven't tried this.
2001409
Like with many tools, it depends on what you want to do. I started with a used Atlas lathe that didn't have variable speed but step pulleys and learned that it didn't go slow enough for an out of balance bowl blank. It was fine for spindle turning just not safe for faceplate. If you're just playing with the idea of turning find a used one on Craigslist with variable speed and a 10/12" swing. Jet mini lathes are quite popular with new trurners. The best lathe is a matter of opinion-I'm partial to a Oneway 1640 but unless I could justify it with making money off of it I would go for the Jet 1642, 2 hp. I also have Delta 460 midi.
1825953
As the variable speed button is right on top of the 788, I have not seen a need to use a variable foot switch. I do have a foot switch that is a simple on and off pedal which I also don't use for this saw. If you can't find what your looking for here, Harbor Freight sells both types of foot pedals for around $20 each.
2070841
My recommendation would be a variable power drill either corded or cordless that you can put a hose clamp on to vary the speed. They have a much greater range of variance without damage to the motor.
1163269
Yes, the speed is variable based on the amount that you squeeze the trigger. It can be used as a screw driver you just need to put in a screw head (it comes with one). The best thing to do is use the torque adjustment when using it as a screwdriver so you don't over tighten and/or strip your screws.
1983568
Greetings:I will give you a qualified yes on the variable speeds. THe motor is a standard brushed DC motor, so load and drive voltage affect speed. You can vary the speed by either varying the drive voltage, or, as in current automobiles, with a pulse-width modulated source.Hope this helps!Terry S.