Rockwell Lathe

[TimT]

Well, i can finally stop kicking myself for passing on the midi-lathe close-out at Lowes a couple years ago. I picked up a Rockwell 46-450 Lathe yesterday. I do need to do a couple things before I can start working, though.

A: It's wired for 3 phase. I need to run it on 1-phase.

B: It didn't come with the tool rest.

If any of you folks know how to solve those problems for me, I'd appreciate a tip or two.

[LCHIEN]

Well, i can finally stop kicking myself for passing on the midi-lathe close-out at Lowes a couple years ago. I picked up a Rockwell 46-450 Lathe yesterday. I do need to do a couple things before I can start working, though.

A: It's wired for 3 phase. I need to run it on 1-phase.

B: It didn't come with the tool rest.

If any of you folks know how to solve those problems for me, I'd appreciate a tip or two.

I'm not sure you can rewire for 3-phase, just thinking back, its a special motor. You have these options
1) replace the motor with a single phase motor
2) get 3-phase service for your house (often this is not an option as 3-phase is only supplied to industrial/commercial locations) - expensive if they have to run new power to your house.
3) get a single-phase to 3-phase converter, won't be cheap and take up space. Here's a DIY phase converter - requires a second motor the same HP size as yours and a bunch of control stuff, not practical as #1 unless you have several tools to make run on 3-phase.

Anyway, it soulds like the minimum cost is at least equivalent of a new or used motor the same HP as you have now plus a lot of headache.

[LJR]

Tim, you can pick up a frequency drive and use single phase to feed the drive and then use the drive to feed the three phase motor. If you can find a good deal on a drive it may be reasonable to do.

[kwgeorge]

Shortly after purchasing the Nova 3000 lathe I upgraded it to 3-phase variable speed. I recorded the project on my Web site and I believe I listed the sources for everything.

You would be better off keeping the motor that is on that lathe and purchasing a controller for it. I know I have been happy with mine.

http://www.theturnersshop.com/turnin...va3phase1.html

[TimT]

You would be better off keeping the motor that is on that lathe and purchasing a controller for it. I know I have been happy with mine.

http://www.theturnersshop.com/turnin...va3phase1.html

Well, there's a place out of arizona on ebay that has the static phase converters for 89 bucks delivered. A friend of mine bought one within the last few months for a piece of machinery. He's happy with the product and the price. That makes the whole motor/electricity issue a no-brainer.

The toolrest on the other hand......
That seems to be another story.

[Wood_workur]

For the tool rest, I would rig something out of pipe. Can't help on the motors, though, but Loring most likely has the nail on the head. (.0001% chance he is wrong. Same percent that the motor is one phase, but the seller is playing a cruel prank.)

[TimT]

update

Well, things were a bit crazy this summer and I didn't really get a chance to mess with the lathe until now...

First, the tool rest. Not going to be a problem. I found out that a friend has one to offer from a couple of scrap machines he has.

The motor on the other hand.... I did the static phase converter and smoked it the first time I turned the machine on. I assume the "slow start" panel might be interfering with the converter, or the converter is trash to begin with. An engineer friend said that if the phase converter only provides juice on the 3rd phase for motor startup alone, then we'd be running the motor hot and at significantly reduced hp.

I expect I'll get a harbor freight 1hp farm duty motor. I kept my eye open for a variable frequency drive, but the units on ebay that matched the appropriate input and output voltages keep going for a good chunk of change.

My "bargain" has turned into money pit..

[tribalwind]

hey tim'
goodluck with the lathe project'

what are the capacities of that rockwell? and do you happen to have any pictures of it,i cant find any online. a friend of mine has a rockwell lathe that he wants to give to me(i dont know what model but its old iron), i've already got a 60's powermatic model 45(or is it 40) 36" bed with 12" swing. if the rockwell does a bit more i'll have a PM for sale

[Pappy]

Here's a little info on one.

http://www.owwm.com/PhotoIndex/detail.asp?id=3367

[TimT]

Thanks, Pappy, that's the one. I'm a sucker for old tools. I have a 1957-ish RAS, too. I can't recall the capacity.

Here's a cut and paste from a 499 on ebay. I believe it's about the same. (Including the 3-phase motor)

Specs:

*
Swing over bed ----- 12"
*
Swing over bed gap --- 16-1/2" dia. for 3-1/2" stock
*
Distance between centers ----38"
*
Length of bed (overall) ----- 59-3/4"
*
Variable speed drive - 340 RPM to 3200 RPM
*
Spindle diameter --------- 1-1/4"
*
Spindle thread ----1"-8
*
Overall length 63", width 22", height 46-1/2"
*
Spindle hole ----- 5/8"
*
Head stock & tail stock tapers -- No. 2 M.T.
*
Height - centerline of spindle to floor ---42-3/4"
*
Motor - 1 HP220/440 volt, 3 phase
*
Approx. shipping weight -- 494 lbs.