Wood lathe motor...what hp?

Aug 27, 2003 3 Replies

Hey you guys with wood lathes, What horsepower is your motor? Reversible? How many speeds? Thanks. BigJoe


Depends on the swing of the lathe. Mine swings 12" diameter and is a 3/4. Less swing would need less. Heavier cut and duller tools demand more. That's how you determine if your tools are sharp and your technique correct - the lathe doesn't stall or grab.

I don't reverse, four speeds available of which I use one, the lowest, at ~500.

1/2 HP, Belt drive, with 5 speed pulley system. When I want to reverse the direction I simply twist the belt in a figure eight but it does rub itself so I don't normally run it in reverse for long. The only time I reverse the lathe is when sanding. Vince

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