delta 46-701 trouble

[madarchery]

Alright.  The lathe is a delta 46-701.  Bought used a couple years ago. Upon buying I noticed the drive was messed up. Took apart and noticed the daj belt plate with the bearing and the plastic cup was tore apart.

So I  ordered the parts $70 worth.  Then noticed the motor shaft was buggered up.  The shaft has a worn taper on the end and the key way widened from being run this way for some time. 

So I did what  I could do and replaced the parts etc.  I knew it was not perfect with the shaft being damaged but did not want to purchase a new motor for a lathe I just got and was unsure how much I would even use it.

Well I seem to use it. And again the sliding plate on the adj drive is broke.  That darn bronze bushing is cracked.  The rest is ok this ime.

Now looking up parts I of course need to buy an assemble at 70 again.

So now that I have 140 into fixes what are options?  Replace again to fail.  replace motor also?  Replace with a different drive system all together?

Thinking a electronic variable speed motor. Then just running a pulley to the existing head stock pulley.

Anyone with knowledge of this problem?  Prices to convert?

[alscalls]

That shaft? ....Is it not replaceable?
I am not familiar with that brand but I have fixed a few shafts in my day.
If it is tapered sometimes you can just sand them some to clean them up and it works but it depends on what kind of taper and how bad it is.
I would look for a parts list to see if you can replace just the shaft perhaps.

[madarchery]

Its a dumb design in my book.  Replace a motor shaft?  Not sure if you can. Beyond my knowledge.

Basically the system is a split pulley.  One side is fixed to the shaft.  The other glides on a bushing that is keyed to the saft to prevent it from spinning.  There is a plastic bearing cover that covers a bearing mounted to the outside of the adjustable side.There is then an arm that is used to push against this system to increase the diameter of the pulley to adj. the speed.

Now issue is the end of the shaft is slightly worn and this allows slop in the bushing to chatter.  That and the key way is worn thus allowing chatter.  So as you use the lathe it chatters slightly to the point that it cracks the bushing and then it really chatters.

So I can keep spending 70 a yr to get it buy. Or replace the system if it is economical.

[alscalls]

Plastic is never good when working on a motor.....I would try and find a local shop that rebuilds electric motors and see if that would be an option....it may even be cheaper....we have some here but they are getting hard to find.
My brother in law has a metal lathe and we have replaced some shafts some we could not.
We have rebuilt old motors just to see if we could....some we gave up on and took to the pros but even they have limits.
it is worth a look see. I hope ya get it worked out.

[Braz]

I would say try a google search. I just did and found several places that have parts, even discontinued ones, for the delta lathes. It is probably a lot cheaper to replace the motor with shaft, than considering buying a new lathe. Especially, one that size.

[madarchery]

Thanks guys.

I have found my parts.  Just was curious with the knowledge that you guys have. I was wondering if I was throwing money out the window repairing this type of drive.

But it seems it has its good and bad. So I will repair again. I will make soem changes I think.  And as soon as I run across a big enough variable dc motor. I think this system my disappear.

Ironically I found a forum that suggested replacing with a drive motor from a tread mill.  Well gollie I happen to have  a tread mill sitting in the basement.  I could take the motor and know one will ever know

[Al_at_THO]

PSI sells a variable speed motor for mini lathes that runs about 100 bucks.   You have to drill the mounting plate, but that might work in your situation.

The only downside to these motors I have heard of is one failure, and that the low speed is only 600 RPM where the mini lathes normally go to 500 RPM.  Some guys feel it makes a difference in sanding.   Maybe, but it's not that big of an increase.   I would check out Penn State.  See if what they have would work for you.  At only 30 bucks more, you get variable speed.   I'm just waiting for my motor to die but the darn thing just will not give up the ghost.  7 years old and runs strong.    Darn it.

Al @ THO

[HaMeR]

http://www.toolpartsdirect.com/cgi-bin/schematic.cgi/delta/46-701

[madarchery]

Not to worry.  I got my dad hunting down a 3/4hp dc motor. He already has the drives for it.  He thought he already had one but we were unable to locate it in his store/shed.  usually if ya need something its in there.

But othere then that I am turning a new bushing out of a high impact plastic mat'l and a pc of maple. I remembered we had a folder here at work that used maple bushings and it ran forever and still is somewhere.  It took a lot of abuse and never cracked one.  Since this design here traps the bushing it should last as well.  Once impregnated with oil it should run well.

All this trouble could be avoided if they just sold the bushing itself instead of an assembly.  Ticks me off.

[alscalls]

I have tore apart bearings that were wood......amazing how long they last.....Good luck I hope it works out for ya.

[Al_at_THO]

Lignum Vatie was originally used as bearings in ship motors because it so oily and impervious to water.   

Makes a pretty nice call too 

Good luck with the lathe.  Hope you are back up and running soon!

Al @ THO

[madarchery]

Thanks. Good think I am away for a wedding this weekend. No pressure

And I have time to glue up some blanks   Just wish I had more then maple and walnut now