Speed Increaser run in reverse?

[SSSteve24]

I recently upgraded to a PowerPro headstock and was using it with my speed increaser the other day. I know not to exceed 4700 RPM when doing this, but what about running it at 4700 RPM with the headstock in reverse? Anyone know if this could damage the speed increaser? I'd just be guessing unless I take it apart to see how it's constructed. Opinions anyone?

[Matanuska]

Just curious - why would you want to use the speed increaser with the PowerPro?

[SSSteve24]

Not set up to flip the table around to allow the headstock to drive directly from under the table.

[SSSteve24]

Works very nicely, by the way. Very quiet.

[Matanuska]

Hadn’t thought of that - nice option for PowerPro upgrades without the dual tilt option. And why reverse?

[SSSteve24]

Was thinking of the ability to run a shaper cutter upside down if desired. Might be a valuable capability if it's possible to do it without damage.

[chapmanruss]

The Speed Increaser was designed to work on the Mark 5/V (all models) and the Mark VII from the 1960's. It has a friction drive not gear driven. I cannot find any reference to the contrary in the instructions about running it in reverse. The Mark VII had reverse but there is no mention of running it in reverse with the Speed Increaser. Sorry not much of an answer for yes or no.

[SSSteve24]

No problem on "not much of an answer", and thanks for the info on the old Mark VII. My inclination is to just try it at a very slow speed, see if there's any bad noise or vibration, and then SLOWLY speed it up a little at a time, making sure it stays smooth and quiet and doesn't get hot. Any thoughts on that?