Mark V as Lathe - using weights and speed reductions

[algale]

Here's a video showing the guts of a speed reducer. The guy apparently had to replace the belts due to too much tension causing wear. I'd imagine too little would permit slippage/loss of torque.

[Hobbyman2]

I cant speak for any one else,,,, I have the MKV from the 80's ,,,it has a single bearing quill , it has more play in the quill then I like for turning, so far every thing is pointing to the single bearing quill ,,,, it may be important to find out if the quill is a single bearing or double bearing in the system you are looking at,,,then make the up grade . I plan on making the switch some day and see if it helps.

[jbdunlap]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned a 10E or 10ER with a speed changer as another option. I am not an avid turner either, but many members of the forum are, and many feel that the 10E(R)'s greatest strength is as a lathe. If you are unfamiliar with the 10E or 10ER and its optional speed changer, maybe you could investigate it too. As far as the speed reducer for a Mark V, I have used mine primarily for drilling operations and it has always worked well.

Thanks for this comment. I have researched the 10s, but the one I'm being offered locally and inexpensively is a Mark V. You are the second person to imply that the speed reducer isn't much used for the lathe. That's useful information.

[br549]

You are the second person to imply that the speed reducer isn't much used for the lathe.

I don't use it for the lathe only because I have done very little turning since getting my Mark V ... if I were to try turning again, I would not hesitate to use the speed reducer. I have used the speed reducer for drilling some holes in 1/4" thick steel before, for cutting hundreds of plugs out of white oak, and for using large diameter wood bits.

Just wanted to be sure you hadn't overlooked the 10's ... depending on where you live, they can be had fairly inexpensively too, and sometimes even with the speed changer. Under the Community Forum, the top "sticky" post is about good bargains that other members find but can't use themselves, and 10's frequently get posted there.

[jbdunlap]

Thanks for that clarification, and also for mentioning the Community Forum. I'm heading over now to really examine my friend's machine. One thing I've learned is to make sure the key accessories and parts are all there.

[PaulW]

I've done some lathe work with my SS Mark V and they turned out fully satisfactory. But remember that any multi-tool like a SS it terrific in its versatility but adds some compromises for each of its applications versus a freestanding tool specifically designed for the job. (For example, my SS is a terrific table saw but not at all in the same league as. let's say, a high end professional Delta table saw.)

If you are very serious about lathe work, then maybe you should buy a lathe and not a used SS that you say you can get pretty cheap.

For turning between two points, I've been extremely happy with my SS Mark V. (Remember to keep your chisels nice and sharp, too. And you can buy good chisels or you can buy cheap chisels. For my needs, I bought a set of cheap ones. They've served their purpose fine.

[heathicus]

I saw a video on YouTube where a guy got pretty low speeds on his Mark V by using a separate motor with a small pulley along with a pretty large pulley on the left (rear/auxiliary spindle) long enough to get the wood turned round and balanced enough to use the faster "slow" speeds of the Mark V's motor.

[masonsailor2]

I grew up learning to turn on a early MkV and have been turning on one ever since. I find the Mk V more than adequate for my turning needs. The speed reducer I think is nice for turning any large bowls. Also the steady rest really improves things. That being said I have turned quite a few bowls without either one. Weighing the SS down really helps. I personally use an attached tool cabinet under the SS for weight and if things really need stabilizing a ratcheting cargo strap around the bench and way tubes but that is pretty rare. I have never owned an official SS speed reducer but made my own. IMHO the biggest asset to turning isn’t the lathe but rather learning to get really sharp edges on the chisels. Dull chisels can make turning a miserable experience. It’s not necessary to spend a lot of money on a sharpening system. A SS belt sander makes an excellent sharpening system and in leiu of that you can make a very good one from a hand held belt sander from HF. Hope all this helps !
Pail

[chapmanruss]

BR549 is correct. You may want to consider a Model 10 with a speed changer instead of a Mark V for lathe work. The Mark V has a range of 700 to 5200 RPM whereas the Model 10's with a speed changer has a range of 425 to 6800 RPM. I have seen "special homemade pulley attachments made for the Model 10's which can drop the speed even more. Although standard with a 1/2HP or 3/4HP they can be changed to a larger HP motor. Also I have seen extensions made for the Model 10's to be able to do longer pieces. Another, more expensive option, would be to add a DVR motor with up to 2 HP to a Mark V giving it a range of 250 to 10000 RPM. There is a "YouTube" video out there showing a guy using a Mark V or Mark 7 with the DVR motor making a new column for his house out of a 10 foot log. All I can say to that is - impressive.
Russ