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Cowells lathe motor housing

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uuu:
I've bought myself a second-hand Cowells lathe, but it's up in Yorkshire, and I may not get to pick it up for a while.  And I have some ideas that one of you may be able to help with.

It's one that has a single pulley on the motor, so the top speed is limited.  To improve things I could change for two-step pulleys, if there's room.  Or I could fit a little three-phase motor and inverter/VFD.  I quite like the three-phase solution - most of my machines are set up this way.  Speed change is so easy - just twist a knob.

But how big is the motor housing?  There's no point sourcing a motor if it's not going to fit.  If one of you could have a measure and let me know, I'd be grateful.  Or if you have other suggestions, please say.

Wilf

AVTUR:
Wilf

I assume you have an ME90. Do you have the little handbook, "The Cowells 90 Lathe" by Andrew Smith? It is worth getting. I think it is readily available.

I have a Cowells ME90 with the double pulley on the motor which I am loathe to turn it up side down to measure the motor cavity. It is a bit heavy and I will get very oily. I will try to guess the cavity dimensions from measurements taken outside the base casting this afternoon.

I considered converting mine to three phase with an inverter but decided the only advantage would be the smooth start provided by such a motor. I feel that back gearing on such a small lathe is a necessity. If it is any help I attach a picture of the available speeds. Also, the dials are so clearly marked and easy to use that, I think, a DRO is of little use.

If I can be of further use just message me.

AVTUR

uuu:
The front of the lathe just says "90" on it.  And it comes with an instruction book and another document.  And a whole host of bits, that are likely to come in useful - and save a lot of cash tooling up.  I don't think it has the Andrew Smith book included, so I'll keep a lookout.

I know I should wait until I can see it for myself, but if I can get ahead of the game, I can lurk on ebay looking for a bargain motor and inverter.  I'm hoping a "56 frame" motor will go in.  A 1425 rpm motor should have bearings that are comfortable at twice that speed.  I think my speeds are equivalent to your lower range, so I expect to be able to get up to 1800 rpm without effort.  I'm assuming the countershaft and spindle bearings on this model are the same as current, so they should cope.

I've not got a DRO on my primary lathe - I'm not sure I'd be without one on a mill, but I've never felt the urge to go further.

Thanks for your help.

Wilf

Edit - double-checking the photos I have, it seems I'm getting the Andrew Smith book in the bundle of bits.

Jo:
I think we need to see some photos of the lathe to be able to advise. John is referencing a Cowells mounted on the cast Ali :Love: base. Earlier machines (single belt drive) were mounted on a steel 'Cabinet'.

And if you let us know where it is in Yorkshire someone maybe able to help recover it... (My Tai Chi instructor lives in Yorkshire and comes down to Hampshire Monday to Weds each week)

Jo

uuu:
Yes it's on the cast alloy base.  I've been struggling to identify exactly which model - it might be a mongrel.  I've been comparing it to phots and descriptions on lathes.co.uk.

It's got the plastic cover - and the black graduated collars on most of the handwheels.  But it's just got the toggle forward/off/reverse switch, and not the later push buttons.  Perhaps I'm wrong about the single speed?

s-l1600 (1) by Wilf, on Flickr

I'll send you a PM on the possible transport offer.

Wilf

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