I'm in the process of re-commissioning a 3" Russian lathe. Tony Griffith has a page which shows the machine in question here

http://www.lathes.co.uk/russian/

I haven't used the lathe for several years because of lack of space and the fact that the machine is hard to move, it's heavier than my "big" lathe a Sieg C3 mini lathe. Therein lies my problem, the variable speed on the Sieg is so good to use. The belts and pulleys on the Russian lathe seems so 20th Century. Because the machine is compact the pulley system is also compact and a real pain to use.

The existing motor is 500W and gives a spindle speed range of between 200rpm and 3,200rpm. This speed range is excellent, but the low speed is too high for screwcutting.

So I thought that if the motor could be changed for a variable speed unit and (ideally) if the lower speed could be dropped to say 50rpm a good machine would become terrific. Then if a toothed belt drive was used, the same type used on the C3 would be good from a spares reduction point of view, good but not essential.

So does anyone have any suggestions for a motor/controller system that would be suitable for someone with little or no interest in electronics.

cheers

Bill

ps this is the third time that I've written this, it has disappeared on the previous two occasions, hope it doesn't happen to this one!!