Author Topic: Variator for small lathe  (Read 13837 times)

Offline BillTodd

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Variator for small lathe
« on: October 21, 2022, 03:09:42 PM »
AKA Distraction 4

Small disc variator for the mini lathe I've just bought .

It's fairly simple in operation : The input wheel from the motor drives the two rubber faced side discs. The out put wheel slides along a keyed shaft and spins fast as it gets closer to the edge. It should have about an 8:1 range
Bill

Offline vtsteam

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #1 on: October 21, 2022, 05:09:44 PM »
That should definitely be a distraction! Looking forward to seeing it in the flesh.  :coffee: :coffee: :coffee: :beer:
I love it when a Plan B comes together!
Steve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sDubB0-REg

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #2 on: October 22, 2022, 05:50:52 AM »
Having most of the materials in stock seems a good Omen.
Bill

Offline philf

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #3 on: October 22, 2022, 10:51:46 AM »
Bill,

Would a Kopp variator do?

I've got a couple of 1/3hp units doing nothing on  a shelf.

Phil.
Phil Fern
Location: Marple, Cheshire

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #4 on: October 22, 2022, 04:40:30 PM »
A Kopp would do fine...

But I've started cutting the metal 8⁠-⁠)

What range do the kopp unit have?

Bill

Offline philf

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #5 on: October 23, 2022, 03:10:17 AM »
Hi Bill,

1:3 to 3:1

Phil.
Phil Fern
Location: Marple, Cheshire

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #6 on: October 23, 2022, 05:58:20 AM »
PM sent
Bill

Offline Muzzerboy

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #7 on: October 23, 2022, 06:27:07 AM »
It's hard to tell from the CAD views but I can't see how the pressure is applied between the 2 large disks in this concept. On a Kopp variator, a higher input torque results in a greater compression of the input / output cones, drive balls and containment ring. Equally, I'm not sure how well a rubber face would survive. Kopps use plain (hardened and ground) steel surfaces. Hopefully Phil has the answer for you!

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #8 on: October 23, 2022, 07:05:24 AM »
Pressure is set by adjusting the depth of the two side bearing blocks (by either shims or a set of screws pushing the bearings inwards - design is still in flux) . I did consider other designs that would regulate tractor force, notably a cone/ring design , but it wasn't particularly compact.

I'm aware that all commercial variators tend to use hardened surfaces , but that is not really doable in the home shop hence using rubber facing .

I'm calculating /hoping that the traction beats torque, for most operations of a small lathe  at high speeds.

I may well end up with something from Phil :⁠-⁠)  but I have an attraction for making this thing anyway
« Last Edit: October 25, 2022, 05:50:32 AM by BillTodd »
Bill

Offline kayzed1

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #9 on: October 23, 2022, 05:24:44 PM »
Have you checked on how a variator works on Google, as small scooters have compact units and are available cheaply from places online.
May well be the start of a solution ...lyn.

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #10 on: October 24, 2022, 05:42:45 AM »
Actually, I used a scooter variator on a milldrill conversion, a while ago ( is it really 15 years ?) .

Most automotive variatirs will only have about a 3 and a bit to 1 range (it is all that's required for most engines) 

But , yes they work well 8⁠-⁠)

Well only 14 years :

https://www.cnczone.com/forums/uncategorised-metalworking-machines/89480-cvt-continuously-variable-drive-rf30-type-drill.html
« Last Edit: October 24, 2022, 12:53:30 PM by BillTodd »
Bill

Offline vtsteam

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #11 on: October 24, 2022, 08:55:02 AM »
I'd like to see one built, naturally. Far more interesting than installing a manufactured unit. Whether it has problems in development or construction is irrelevant to a good project thread. It's what is tried and learned that is so valuable to read about and follow. I understand if it's just easier to go with an existing unit, and I've done that many times myself. But I do hope for something truly inventive to liven up these MadModder pages.  :coffee:
I love it when a Plan B comes together!
Steve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sDubB0-REg

Offline vtsteam

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #12 on: October 24, 2022, 09:21:16 AM »
I think the biggest obstacle in the disk design is that the driving area of contact is very small by comparison with a belt drive. You can't widen the rollers to increase the contact area since that will cause increased skidding. The two edges of the rollers will apply against different areas of the driving disks. Rubber might make up for a small differential there, but not a large one. Also the wider the roller the smaller the reduction ratio range.

All of this will be a matter of degree -- whether it is practical for a small lathe vs a vehicle is the question.

Factors that would be helpful with the relatively low torque capacity of the disk drive are, a relatively high rpm motor, and a reduction after the variator.

A disk variator like the above can apply more pressure to the driven surfaces than a pulley and belt drive can because a belt is tensioned along its length and isn't actually trapped between the sheaves as a roller between disks is.
« Last Edit: October 24, 2022, 09:46:04 AM by vtsteam »
I love it when a Plan B comes together!
Steve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sDubB0-REg

Offline Sea.dog

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #13 on: October 24, 2022, 10:26:58 AM »
A conical roller surely would be best? The rolling radius of the inner and outer would automatically be compensated for.

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #14 on: October 24, 2022, 12:00:19 PM »
The trouble with conical wheels is that it they can only really be used with one conical disc and then one or both have to be able to move laterally .

Vtstream :

The contact patch limits the available traction. Increasing wheel size increases torque for a given traction (and slightly increases contact) so bigger wheels are better.  The wheels in this design are set by the depth of the extrusion, as are the disc diameter. The disc diameter determines range , from minimum contact diameter to the edge if the disc.

I could couple two sections of extrusion to make a bigger box for larger wheels, but then it starts to get quite big

As to making it, I don't want to upset Phil and his the kind generosity , but I may still make it just for kicks.
« Last Edit: October 25, 2022, 05:52:30 AM by BillTodd »
Bill

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #15 on: October 24, 2022, 12:09:39 PM »
As to the actual torque:  the 200w motor that I was intending to use produces about 1.3Nm at 1450rpm  so that's not a whole lot for the rubber faced disc to transmit.

I think I can get a 1.5 :1 speed reducer at the spindle pulleys and I may add a larger pulley back-gear anyway .

I don't think it'll produce too much smoke :zap:
Bill

Offline vtsteam

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #16 on: October 24, 2022, 12:21:57 PM »
Hi Bill, just a clarification: earlier I meant transferable torque, limited by the slipping of the rotors. Yes the size of the disks can increase the theoretical torque (vs RPM) as in all physical reductions. But the actual amount transferable is limited by the point at which the rotors slip.

If however the motor speed is high, and there is a reduction after the variator to compensate, more power can be transferred through the variator than otherwise, before slip happens, since power is a factor of both torque and rpm.
I love it when a Plan B comes together!
Steve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sDubB0-REg

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #17 on: October 29, 2022, 10:01:35 AM »
PhilF's generous donation arrived a few days ago, Cheers Phil  :headbang:

I have now to work out how everything will fit together.

With the pulleys shown, I should get a range if 240 to 2100 rpm , which should be about right for a plain bearing spindle. (Edit 9:1 range not 6:1 !)

Tony has just updated the lathes page with more pictures http://lathes.co.uk/unknown164/
« Last Edit: October 29, 2022, 01:32:25 PM by BillTodd »
Bill

Offline philf

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #18 on: October 29, 2022, 11:34:00 AM »
Bill,

Looking good.

A scan of the Kopp manual is winging it's way to you!

Phil.
Phil Fern
Location: Marple, Cheshire

Offline vtsteam

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #19 on: October 29, 2022, 03:03:50 PM »
Just noticing that the tailstock base is split, and the lock basically pulls the two lower sections together. Also the locking lever is on the backside of the tailstock.

Also, no set-over adjustment for the tailstock.

One possible solution for that last if you want to turn tapers would be to adapt a small boring head design as a tailstock center.
I love it when a Plan B comes together!
Steve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sDubB0-REg

Offline vtsteam

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #20 on: October 29, 2022, 03:18:28 PM »
Hmmm, no gib adjustment screws either? Tailstock gibs? Maybe none..

I guess this lathe will need the headstock to be adjusted in position with scraping and/or shims to match the tailstock center location. The reverse of the normal method.
I love it when a Plan B comes together!
Steve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sDubB0-REg

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #21 on: October 29, 2022, 04:30:43 PM »
Hmmm, no gib adjustment screws either? Tailstock gibs? Maybe none..

I guess this lathe will need the headstock to be adjusted in position with scraping and/or shims to match the tailstock center location. The reverse of the normal method.

This does seem to have taken its design cues from Hardinge, my HLV-H also has no real adjustment for the tail stock.

The headstock has a small amount of lateral adjust , so I'll have to square up the headstock to the tail stock .

As for taper cutting, I have plans/dreams for a taper attachment. The cross slide nut has a lot of backlash and one option is to replace it with a tubular design that will slide in the existing hole. That will allow it to be controlled by a taper slide on the back of the lathe.




Bill

Offline vtsteam

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #22 on: October 29, 2022, 05:40:34 PM »
I've always wanted to do a taper attachment. Never did. That's a lot more fun than setting the tailstock over!
I love it when a Plan B comes together!
Steve
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sDubB0-REg

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #23 on: October 29, 2022, 06:08:14 PM »
I have a taper attachment on the HLVH,  you just set it up using the DRO (like a sine bar) abd it's bang on every time.

I cut a Jacob taper for a chuck the other day, when I slapped the chuck on to test it , I couldn't get it off!  So thought that's probably good enough.
Bill

Offline awemawson

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #24 on: October 30, 2022, 03:42:06 AM »
If you fit a boring head in your tail stock and a centre where the boring bit goes you can avoid mucking up the setting of your tail stock and cut accurate tapers.

There is a commercial version available. Obviously the tail stock taper has to be rigidly fitted as if it slips you are in trouble.
Andrew Mawson
East Sussex

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #25 on: November 04, 2022, 09:31:44 AM »
Not much of an update....

After adjusting the backlash and topping up the oil (lucky we had some old tellus at work for some other machine ) ,
I mounted the Kopp and motor on a U chassis to raise it and the belt to clear the headstock.

Nothing is bolted down yet as I may try to hifde the enormous power train under the bench top.
Bill

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #26 on: September 10, 2023, 06:41:01 AM »
Small update:

I have a small pile of 4040 extrusion with which I can make a stand for the lathe and motor.

Just a mock up ATM to check height
Bill

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #27 on: September 12, 2023, 10:16:36 AM »
I've settled on the basic shape.

The black motor plate determines the 600mm width of the frame.   . I have to add a counter shaft and pulleys to get the drive up to the headstock.

Bill

Offline philf

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #28 on: September 12, 2023, 04:15:51 PM »
Bill, Good to see the Kopp being put to good use. Phil.
Phil Fern
Location: Marple, Cheshire

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #29 on: September 13, 2023, 04:15:18 AM »
Yes  Phil, it's taken a while  :)
Bill

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #30 on: September 14, 2023, 03:36:20 PM »
Fitted the top , feet and added rubber fillets to hold the panels in.

Bill

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #31 on: September 19, 2023, 01:44:28 PM »
A bit more fiddling today. I've wired a control box with no-volt switch and psu for the speed adjustment motor.

I going to have to pull the kopp apart and clean out some debris, I noticed that since changing orientation,it has developed a click (the adjustment worm bearing show noticeable wear and I suspect crap from this has got into the mechanism. Changing oil didn't shift it.) And I have a oil leak from the speed adjustment port.

It'll be easier to make a motor driven speed change with it on the bench
Bill

Offline philf

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #32 on: September 19, 2023, 03:52:42 PM »
A bit more fiddling today. I've wired a control box with no-volt switch and psu for the speed adjustment motor.

I going to have to pull the kopp apart and clean out some debris, I noticed that since changing orientation,it has developed a click (the adjustment worm bearing show noticeable wear and I suspect crap from this has got into the mechanism. Changing oil didn't shift it.) And I have a oil leak from the speed adjustment port.

It'll be easier to make a motor driven speed change with it on the bench

Bill, I still have another and some spares if you need them. Phil. (I did have a flexible drive for the speed change knob so you could operate it remotely but don't know where it is - or even if I still have it.)
« Last Edit: September 19, 2023, 04:54:05 PM by philf »
Phil Fern
Location: Marple, Cheshire

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #33 on: September 19, 2023, 05:51:13 PM »
Cheers Phil,

I'm sure it'll only need a clean I was fine until I ran it on its side. When I swapped the bungs the magnetic one was quite furry , so there is sludge in there.

Vill
Bill

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #34 on: September 20, 2023, 10:21:10 AM »
Well, that was instructive. 


1, they are not difficult to take apart.

2, the largest piece of debris was a flake of paint (thst probably fell in when I opened it).

3, there is no perceivable wear , it's like new inside.

4, they are fiddly f####rs to put back together!

Still , I have fixed the leak


And decided the click is the motor coupling, which I may have to change along with the motor, as it lacks starting torque for the highest speeds.

Bill

Offline philf

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #35 on: September 20, 2023, 04:53:05 PM »
Good news Bill! 👍
Phil Fern
Location: Marple, Cheshire

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #36 on: September 25, 2023, 02:13:59 PM »
 :proj:

Itis - suffix meaning swelling

Well, having found that the motor has insufficient starting torque, first thought was to increase capacitor ... Great 25u starts it at highest speed, but wots that smell :Doh:

A 180w motor drawing 456w is not going to last long.

Casting around for a motor a friend delivered a 1hp monster (looked about the right size in the photo  :bang:)

Today I swapped out 1/2hp one on my saw for the 1hp - had to get creative with the motor mounts, and bore the pulley.


So now I have to redrill the plate to mount the motor, which will move the kopp an inch further back , causing a rethink of the counter shaft....

 :proj: indeed.
Bill

Offline pycoed

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #37 on: September 26, 2023, 04:06:33 AM »
An absolutely CLASSIC example of the case! :thumbup:

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #38 on: September 27, 2023, 07:19:38 AM »
I mounted the Gryphon 1/2 hp motor onto the plate with the variator . This assembly is as heavy as the rest of the lathe and stand.

Total weight is 60kg so far.

The variatir pulley is a inch or so to the left of where it was. Fortunately, spinning the counter shaft 180degrees brings the back into alignment.

Next, I have to make a motor drive for the kopp speed  adjustment.
Bill

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #39 on: September 30, 2023, 10:02:35 AM »
Electrical vari-speed made...


Of course it was not as simple as that ,  involving three attempts at making the C shaped body , including throwing one out of the mill vice and jamming my 4" facemill into the spindle .

The motor coupling filed for divorce - now I'll have to remove the motor again which is getting heavier every time I lift it


But it is sort of working  giving a continuous 311 to 2320 rpm 

Bill

Offline Muzzerboy

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #40 on: September 30, 2023, 02:13:38 PM »
Nice work! Have you got some form of interlock to prevent the speed changer from running when the motor is stationery? Those Kopp variators don't like being moved when the shafts aren't spinning. Presumably powering the speed changer from the motor starter takes care of that.

Offline BillTodd

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Re: Variator for small lathe
« Reply #41 on: September 30, 2023, 02:17:55 PM »
Nice work! Have you got some form of interlock to prevent the speed changer from running when the motor is stationery? Those Kopp variators don't like being moved when the shafts aren't spinning. Presumably powering the speed changer from the motor starter takes care of that.

Yes, super simple, the transformer that powers the dc motor is powered from the main motor circuit
Bill