How much power is really needed for threading? (or, speed controller OK?)
Hi guys,
You guys are my go-to for machinist advice. Here is where I am at:
I am threading with a hand crank on my toy lathe because my lowest speed setting is 150 RPM on the belts. This is OK, but can get tedious.
I'm using a std 1725 RPM .8 HP motor, no 3-phase.
I've seen the dial turn variable speed controllers for dremels and such which the lathe community says a resounding NO! Don't use! Because ostensibly the speed slows and so does the power. So I'm on board with that.
But then I have to wonder, how much is needed just for threading? If I will only use the speed controller for slowing the lathe down to 30-40 RPM for threading, is it OK if I take a hit on power? It's easy to remove a variable speed controller when I'm doing every other operation.
So: can I get away with one for threading? or is it best to stick with the hand crank?