hey I use these forums but never had an account but now I have become curious about something and cant get much information on it so any little thing will help

I bought an old lathe last week and set it up its going like a charm the old guy who owned it has it run off an old washing machine motor which he has done some nice work to make it go forward and reverse and also has put a variable speed on it which is really handy but i was wondering if someone could explain to me how this is done? Im not very good with electronics i have the bare basics we learn in college (im studying mechanical engineering so we don't do much electronics). If anyone could help me id really appreciate it

Jimmy

 

You need to find out the technology of the motor, a simple (older) 1ph split phase washing machine motor does not vary speed, not without problems anyway, if this was a variable speed on the washer, then it is either a Universal motor, controlled by a Motorola TDA1085 IC controller or a later brushless multi-pole AC motor.
Max.

 

Thanks for the reply by the look of it I think the old fellow put it all together himself there's two simple boards on it. How would I find out about the motor? or is there a way to do it?

 

Take any info off the motor plate, or post a photo, if possible and the boards.
Max.

 

Okay cool I had it down earlier today looking at it so il get some pictures tomorow

 

This is how I wired an old washing machine induction motor for a lathe, so it could be reversed.

 

Reverse is usually no problem, it is varying the speed that would be the challenge.
Max.

 

This is how I wired an old washing machine induction motor for a lathe, so it could be reversed.

Use an On / OFF / On switch.

Picture is double pole , but single pole are available !