Two speed Motor on my New 10ER

fredsheldon · Post by **fredsheldon** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 3:28 pm

I just acquired my 3rd 10ER yesterday that I'm going to restore as soon as I finish with my 2nd 10ER and it came with a two speed motor made by Marathon Electric. I believe it's 3/4 hp 9.8 amps in the 1725 rpm mode and 1/4 hp 5.4 amp in the 1150 rpm mode. Having very little knowledge of anything electrical what are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of motor on the 10ER without a speed changer. Does it mean that it only puts out 1/4 hp in slow speed mode and if so is this good enough to use for turning bowls? It also is almost twice as long as the standard AO Smith motor and weights almost twice as much.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun Feb 10, 2013 8:11 pm

I am guessing it is somehow both a 6 pole and a 4 pole motor.

I cannot answer yer ? re sufficient power to turn bowls.

It would provide 575/1150/2300 to the speeds 'available' with no speed changer.

terrydowning · Post by **terrydowning** » Mon Feb 11, 2013 11:13 am

depending on bowl size, material and torque 1/4 HP may or may not be enough. It's really more about torque when turning than raw HP.
I'm not generally a "More Power" kind of guy but you do have to have enough to sling the bowl with enough torque (especially at slower speeds) that you get sufficient cutting action from the chisel. Of course sharp chisels are essential. My 1/3 HP motor on my Dunlap lathe works fine on small bowls < 8" (that's the swing on that lathe)