Vintage Wood Lathe Fix and Variable Speed Upgrade

TL:DR:

Bought an old lathe

Removed old motor

Replaced with a 3 phase Motor

Wired 3 phase motor to a VFD

Using lathe to make stuff out of plastic

Long Description

I bought this old lathe and it made a crazy noise... I've wanted a variable speed lathe, but it cost ~ $1k for a decent new one. These old Delta Lathes are easy to find used for less than $200. 3 phase motors can also be found for less than $100 used and they're reliable, and more quiet IMHO. The VFD is the most expensive part at $195 with the reverse switch. In the end, I have a variable speed lathe for ~$500 out of used stuff with the exception of the VFD.

I hope this video is helpful in showing more ideas on upgrading old tools to feel like newer/better machines. Please give me comments and ask me questions! Thank you for reading and see the helpful links below:

To learn more about VFDs and motors please see my playlist below (specifically check out the House/Work video added recently. I wish I had this video when I was setting up my motors):

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuDk-hAJYqoi0Xqiw3rEvqM-2EbUjU4Yv

See link to original VFD wiring diagram:

https://bit.ly/32IA8mM

Supplies

Old lathe - The one I got is an old Delta.
3 phase motor - You can also find these 3 phase motors used on offer up or facebook marketplace. HVAC guys tend to have these around. For the lathe, I would recommend 3/4 or 1 HP for the motor to be used with the KBAC-24D VFD. If you get a larger horsepower motor KB electronic does make a VFD for that type of power as well.
KBAC-24D VFD - This is the easiest VFD to wire and start using. I love this thing.
Hand Tools - Mostly electrical wire stripping tools although I did have to use my drill for the new hole Pattern

Optional:

3 Pole 4 Wire Grounded Locking Plug - I share my VFD with my bandsaw so these allow me to use one VFD with more than one machine as quick as possible.
New belt - I was using the belt that came with the Lathe but it was old so I upgraded to the Adjustable Link V-Belt. I'll be adjusting all of my belts to the adjustable style as I really like the adjustment.

Step 1: Get an Old Wood Lathe, Motor, and VFD

Thank you OfferUp! As time went by, I did notice that this was the common price for a used lathe.

I was keeping my eye out for a lathe as well as motors. I found a guy via craigslist for the motors and I ended up buying 3x 1 HP 3 phase motors for $50 each. I think I got lucky with those.

The VFD can be purchased from KB-electronics:

https://www.kb-controls.com/category.sc?categoryId=26

For simplicity, I like this VFD a lot, the only piece of equipment that I need to upgrade to variable speed would be my drill press.

Also, for the wires, I dumpster dived the chords from washing machines but the safer and easier way would be to follow what @housemade.us did or buy his wiring setup:

https://youtu.be/-lOakRWXXoo

Step 2: Wire the VFD

Follow the wiring diagram attached. Getting the right location for the U, V, & W wires is not a big deal. It'll change the direction of the wires but this is the advantage to buying the reverse, forward, and break switch from KB electronics.

Also, for more reference, I suggest watching the videos from Housemade/Houseworx videos as he articulates everything better than I ever could. Link to the video again:

https://youtu.be/-lOakRWXXoo

Step 3: Wire the Motor

Wiring the motor is a lot about labeling the wires. I found this video that best explains wiring 3 phase motors for me:

Step 4: Mount the Motor

I hade to drill out a new hole pattern for the new motor but it was pretty easy. I re-used the old hardware that came with the old motor to install the new motor.

Optional: At this point, it would be good to change the belt if the old belt looks bad.

Step 5: Plug in and Start Turning Things

So far, this is what I've been turning:

Fixed my pepper mill
Turned a new pepper mill
Modified some chess pieces
Turned a new mallet head that I plan on making a mold for recycled plastic mallets

The variable speed, and reverse feature that comes with the VFD is a significant improvement. Sanding is almost pleasurable.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave me some questions.