I wonder if someone could help me with a lathe motor question. I have a Cromwell S800 which was fitted with a Ward Leonard motor control. The ac motor and dc generator and all of the original wiring are missing, but I have what I think is the original DC motor. If possible, I'd like to reinstate this in the lathe. The motor plate is attached. There are 5 wires going into the motor, whereas I would have expected only 4 – 2 for the armature and 2 for the field winding. Could someone suggest an appropriate controller and what the 5 wires might be please? Or is this not worth the time and effort? I currently have a 1/2hp 3 phase motor installed with a VFD, which is a little bit underpowered and doesn't provide the speed range of the original system.

Thanks

Stephen

Thanks all. I think I'll change to a 1hp 3 phase motor, and likely go to direct drive (which was how the original motor was set up). I can always reinstall the countershaft that someone has put in if needed.

Dave – your restored lathe looked very smart, but I know what you mean about the controls! I've restored the base on mine but need to tackle the lathe itself next.