Post meetup, AC motors versus DC motors on a lathe

[Dabbler]

Some of us were talking about using DC motors with a speed controller on a small lathe versus AC motors with VFD. Quinn Dunki, a youtube machinist (and Canadian, too - username Blondihacks) did a very good video on 'Import Lathe Buying Guide' that includes a great discussion on AC versus DC motors.

 

[DPittman]

Very good video, I've came to the many of the same conclusions/opinions now that I've owned a very similar lathe for several years. Seeing this video earlier on in the game would have been good for me. I did however learn more about AC and DC motors! Thanks for the link.

 

[Alawishes]

I put a Baldor DC motor and quality controller on my knee mill and it works just great. I installed a cheap chinese tach with pickup off the spindle pulley so I know what rpm it’s running at. I put an old treadmill DC motor on a bench drill press, along with cheap chinese rectifier and voltage controller, and it works well also. No room for a tach pickup so I’m installing a voltmeter to give me a rough idea of rpm — I could check it against a handheld portable tach, and see how well that idea works. Really nice to have when running a larger diameter hole saw.

 

[slow-poke]

Dabbler,
Thanks for posting. Another excellent video from Quinn. Perfect balance of detail while covering all the important points.

 

[pdentrem]

All the most haves and deal breakers are exactly what I have dealt with over the last 40 years. Very good information.