Gunsmithing Geared Head vs. Variable Drive?

[Dennis_in_VA]

Can I get some Pro's and Con's on the Geared Head Lathes versus a Variable Speed Drive?

I am under the assumption that a 3phase motor can be ran off single phase with a

variable drive. Is this true?

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Re: Geared Head vs. Variable Drive?

Yes, this is true.

It can ALSO be run off of a phase converter. Also known as a Roto-Phase. Of which there are various manufacturers. I've some experience with one particular brand and there have been NO negative issues thus far.

 

[Dennis_in_VA]

Re: Geared Head vs. Variable Drive?

Well if you had the choice of a Variable Drive vs. a Gear Head, which would you opt for?

 

[Straight Shooter]

Re: Geared Head vs. Variable Drive?

I opted for a gear head for it's strength and reliability but have a VFD between my Rotary Phase Converter and my lathe. The allows almost infinitely variable speed without losing any power. On my mill we went with a variable speed head.

 

[DAVETOOLEY]

Re: Geared Head vs. Variable Drive?

Buy the heavest, most rigid lathe with the best bearings you can almost afford regardless of whether it's a gearhead of VFD. Back in the darkages when I started the debate was gearhead VS belt drive.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Re: Geared Head vs. Variable Drive?

And yes, I myself prefer gearheads. Forgot to add. Simply because belts suck. And with a gearhead, one can add to it, as stated above.

Personal aversion to belts. Hate 'em. And VFD's (if one has the money) have incredible capabilities.

 

[E. Bryant]

Re: Geared Head vs. Variable Drive?

Gotta be careful running a motor at low-speed/high-load with a VFD - most motors are air-cooled using a rotor-mounted fan and thus might not be cooled properly under the aforementioned condition. This warning doesn't apply to water-cooled rotors, of course.

 

[hero's machine]

Re: Geared Head vs. Variable Drive?

I have a pm 1440bv. My biggest complaint is lack of a qc box. That said, most of us don't do many different pitches anyhow. I love being able to speed up as I face into a smaller diameter or kick the machine into reverse on a metric cut and reset at full speed and bs k to cutting speed with the flick of my finger.

But as said, many ways to do this, and they all do something a little better and a little worse than the other guy.