This machine came to me without any of the original drive components, just a 5hp motor and an old VFD. I'm going to upgrade the VFD to a larger size so I can run it single phase and I want more of the modern wiring options.
My question is, what to do with the drum switch? I really like the idea of using the apron ELSR controls to control the spindle, but I've seen some youtubers speak about the drum switch lever having a much more positive engagement than the ELSR controls for forward/reverse.
I have a nebulous idea of wiring a relay to switch control from drum to ELSR when the drum is in neutral, and switch back to drum when the ELSR is in neutral, but I don't know if this is dumb.
I'm going to have the original motor-generator switch to enable the VFD, and I'm probably going to stick an encoder or hall-effect sensor somewhere in the system to have closed loop speed control because just because. add a lockout for the spindle lock, and use the factory potentiometer gearbox and housing for speed.
I really like the idea of using the original controls for the lathe.
Is there any suggestion for a better use of the drum switch?
Any other suggestions while I'm in the planning phase?
I have some time before this needs to be decided. I'm still in the teardown/cleaning stage.
Cheers
Mooserov
My question is, what to do with the drum switch? I really like the idea of using the apron ELSR controls to control the spindle, but I've seen some youtubers speak about the drum switch lever having a much more positive engagement than the ELSR controls for forward/reverse.
I have a nebulous idea of wiring a relay to switch control from drum to ELSR when the drum is in neutral, and switch back to drum when the ELSR is in neutral, but I don't know if this is dumb.
I'm going to have the original motor-generator switch to enable the VFD, and I'm probably going to stick an encoder or hall-effect sensor somewhere in the system to have closed loop speed control because just because. add a lockout for the spindle lock, and use the factory potentiometer gearbox and housing for speed.
I really like the idea of using the original controls for the lathe.
Is there any suggestion for a better use of the drum switch?
Any other suggestions while I'm in the planning phase?
I have some time before this needs to be decided. I'm still in the teardown/cleaning stage.
Cheers
Mooserov