Boxford

[kevin largeParticipant @kevinlarge76611]

I’ve just bought a model a on getting it home and set up if anything more than a few thou of cut and the motor slows down any ideas on what to look for its single phase

[kevin largeParticipant @kevinlarge76611]

[Bob Brown 1Participant @bobbrown1]

Are you sure it is the motor slowing down or is it belt slip?

[kevin largeParticipant @kevinlarge76611]

Yes I think so it sounds as though the motor and chuck are slowing together

[Steve PaveyParticipant @stevepavey65865]

I had exactly the same symptoms on my Boxford. Mine would slow to the point where the thermal cut out on the NVR would trip, particularly if trying to run at the highest speeds. The problem was that the headstock spindle bearings had been over-lubricated with grease, most of which had hardened. As I wanted to replace the drive belt I stripped it out and cleaned everything up, re-greased the main bearings, oiled all the other bearings and it now runs perfectly.

I assume the motor is big enough? Being single phase it is probably a replacement, so it could possibly be undersized. I think ½ hp is the minimum you'd get away with on a Boxford.

[AjohnwParticipant @ajohnw51620]

Yes 1/2hp is what they fitted to the ME10. I think some of the under drive lathes have a bit more 3/4hp but not sure. Sometimes people change this style of lathe to other sizes so best check.

The bearings always tend to get over filled with grease eventually if they are greased from time to time and have grease nipples, Some don't have those. The fresh grease just pushes the old stuff out and eventually fills up the bearings.

John

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[Martin 100Participant @martin100]

Are you absolutely sure you have the headstock levers for the backgear (or not) set in the right combination?

[Nicholas FarrParticipant @nicholasfarr14254]

Hi, the 4 1/2" Boxford's normally have a 3/4 HP three phase motor fitted, if it's converted to single phase, then a 1HP motor should be used. I fitted a 1 HP single phase motor in place of the 3/4 HP one on my Boxford and have had no issues with speed or power.

Regards Nick.

[Bob Brown 1Participant @bobbrown1]

I need to check the motor size but my 5" AUD was built single phase as all the switch gear and suds pump are single phase, never had a problem with motor power, had problems with large cuts 5mm + and belt slip but no sign of stalling the motor.

[HevansccParticipant @hevanscc]

Coincidentally, I've just pumped new grease into the headstock bearing on my Viceroy, which is pretty much the same as a Boxford, and the same thing happened at first. It also has a 1 phase motor. If you run it for a while on slow speed it may sort it out as the excess grease spreads around.

[Bob Brown 1Participant @bobbrown1]

BTW:

My Boxford does not have grease points so assume the bearings do not require further grease.

[RobboParticipant @robbo]

If you have just got the lathe then it may not have been run for a long time. Suggest you let it run with no load until the headstock around the bearings feels warm to touch and then check what happens when you cut metal.

[kevin largeParticipant @kevinlarge76611]

Thank you all I’ve let run for a while and now all seems fine

[AjohnwParticipant @ajohnw51620]

If the boxford hasn't any grease nipples on the headstock bearings it's pretty easy to take the covers off and maybe get a bit out with a cocktail stick etc and poke a bit of new grease in.

John

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[Speedy Builder5Participant @speedybuilder5]

My AUD has a 3/4 hp single phase motor which is still a bit light for heavier cuts. I would say that 1/2 Hp was too small especially if you are using the auto feed.
BobH

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