Steel City Lathe - H/P & Amperage Question

[dkerfoot]

I am looking at the Steel City 60100 VS midi-lathe, thinking it looks like a great value from Tool King for $249.

In a FWW review, they found it took twice the pressure (15 lbs) to stall it at low speed as the PSI VS Turncrafter Pro.

When I looked at the Steel City specs, I saw something that I am hoping someone can shed some light on. Both the VS and the manual 5 speed version are rated at 1/2 HP continuous, but the VS draws 3 amps, compared to 5.6 Amps for the 5 speed. Why the difference? Is it just a difference between AC and DC motors? Does this affect the output torque?




60100 Mini Lathe Variable Speed
Continuous Duty 1/2 HP
Amps 3
Voltage 115V DC
Phase Single
Hertz 60 Hz
RPM 500-3800



60170 Mini Lathe 5-Speed
Continuous Duty HP 1/2 HP
Amps 5.6
Voltage 115V AC
Phase Single
Hertz 60 Hz
RPM 1725

[Uncle Cracker]

Could possibly have something to do with the solid-state nature of the VS. I think it might be interesting to put that question directly to the manufacturer.

[just started]

You also might want to ask them how DC has a phase or hertz.

[Uncle Cracker]

You also might want to ask them how DC has a phase or hertz.

That probably relates to the input of the machine, rather than specifically to the motor... I doubt the voltage for the motor itself is 115vdc, either.