Boxford AUD clutch

[SakuraParticipant @sakura]

Has anyone retrofitted a clutch to a Boxford AUD. Never really felt the need for one but I'm sure somebody has done this.

[SakuraParticipant @sakura]

[Nick Clarke 3Participant @nickclarke3]

Never felt the need either when I used to use a Boxford regularly, but thinking about the design of the headstock now I suspect I should begin by investigating the availability of motors with the clutch built in as used on industrial sewing machines due to lack of space elsewhere on the Boxford *UD lathes for a clutch.

[Johnboy25Participant @johnboy25]

If my memory serves me… I seem to remember see a clutch fitted as an optional extra. If I can find any other details I’ll see another notification across.

John

[SaxalbyParticipant @saxalby]

I have both a ME10 and an AUD. Don't have a clutch on either. A clutch was available as an extra on the ME10 but not on the AUD (not listed in the original list of options that I have)

As nick sugests, motor with built in clutch, as I also nt see where one could be fitted on an AUD

Barry

[SakuraParticipant @sakura]

Yes, I considered a sewing machine motor but I'm not sure what hp they are and my motor is 3 phase with an inverter. As I have an inverter I don't need the step pulley on the countershaft so could possibly squeeze a jap bike clutch in there. It's just a thought. I've used it for 40 years without! Somebody will have done it!

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

If you look at this thread it shows a 'clutch' effect by slackening the drive belt on another lathe which you must be able to arrange somehow with a few rods and levers. Don't forget this is the principle behind th Myford Tri-lever speed selection. There is a tendency for the belt to spring into a round shape and maintain some contact with the pulley. In the above referenced video you will see a shiny bar across the belt that encourages it to remain oval and not in firm contact with the pulley.

Once yoyu have a good design you can publish it in MEW.

[SakuraParticipant @sakura]

Posted by Bazyle on 24/03/2020 18:21:02:

If you look at this thread it shows a 'clutch' effect by slackening the drive belt on another lathe which you must be able to arrange somehow with a few rods and levers. Don't forget this is the principle behind th Myford Tri-lever speed selection. There is a tendency for the belt to spring into a round shape and maintain some contact with the pulley. In the above referenced video you will see a shiny bar across the belt that encourages it to remain oval and not in firm contact with the pulley.

Once yoyu have a good design you can publish it in MEW.

I'm aware that the slipping belt arrangement has been used in the past, particularly with flat belts. It is,however, discouraged today. I suspect the difference is between v and flat belts. A v belt could still drive, not good if your hands are in the danger zone and the motor is still running. Thanks for your input anyway.

[clogsParticipant @clogs]

I got the idea from MR S O duffer……..

my lathe is a Student sq top……sorry cant load the photo's…..

but

used a deck lever from a 60's ride on mower with a long adjustment rod to the motor mounting plate……

life is so much better now….

[Howard LewisParticipant @howardlewis46836]

A long time ago, a Mr McMahon published his design for what he called a "Psuedo Clutch" on his Warco BH600. in MEW. m Which sounds like the device alluded to, above.

Am ashamed to say that on a dfew occasions, I slipped the belts!, (Did not immediately apply full tension ) on my ML7, as a form of clutch.

With the VFD on the present machine, the belt is just tightened fully, and the VFD slow ramp up takes care of things; or the "jog" facility is used.

Howard

[Clive Brown 1Participant @clivebrown1]

When I acquired my Boxford ME10 back in the '70s, I wasn't keen on frequent switchng of the expensive single phase motor that much of my work seemed to require. I modified the motor mounting to provide a "clutch" by slipping the primary belt. This has proved entirely satisfactory over the years, so much so that I retained it when converting to VFD. OK, perhaps slight slip if I'm really greedy with the cut but no real problem. I wouldn't be without it for speed and convenience of starting and stopping the spindle.

The vee-belt is still the original.

Boxford did offer a factory fitted clutch, an expensive extra and now as rare as hens' teeth.

[SakuraParticipant @sakura]

Posted by Clive Brown 1 on 24/03/2020 21:08:36:

When I acquired my Boxford ME10 back in the '70s, I wasn't keen on frequent switchng of the expensive single phase motor that much of my work seemed to require. I modified the motor mounting to provide a "clutch" by slipping the primary belt. This has proved entirely satisfactory over the years, so much so that I retained it when converting to VFD. OK, perhaps slight slip if I'm really greedy with the cut but no real problem. I wouldn't be without it for speed and convenience of starting and stopping the spindle.

The vee-belt is still the original.

Boxford did offer a factory fitted clutch, an expensive extra and now as rare as hens' teeth.

It would be easy to modify the countershaft adjustment lever to make a "clutch" lever but I've always been reluctant to try it. I have never heard that Boxford offered a clutch, perhaps someone has more info.

[Boiler BriParticipant @boilerbri]

I had a model A and the worst thing I did was sell it. It was a 5" as well. The Chester I bought is ok but I still miss the Boxford.

I cant see the benifit in fitting a clutch. For production engineering maybe but for modelling one off's ?

Threading. I turn the chuck by hand with a tap or dye.

Bri

[SaxalbyParticipant @saxalby]

Many moons ago ME workshop published plans for a counter shaft clutch for Myford lathes. Which is essentially what the Boxford option was. I did start to make the bits to modify the ME10 but other projects take over.

Barry

[Martin 100Participant @martin100]

The very early rear drive Boxfords (as per one of mine from 1950) have a lever that goes through the headstock foot that moves the motor platform fore and aft, essentially for tensioning the motor to countershaft belt, but restraining the belt in the manner mentioned in the link mentioned above would presumably achieve a pseudo-clutch.

image from lathes.co.uk

[SakuraParticipant @sakura]

Posted by Saxalby on 24/03/2020 22:16:44:

Many moons ago ME workshop published plans for a counter shaft clutch for Myford lathes. Which is essentially what the Boxford option was. I did start to make the bits to modify the ME10 but other projects take over.

Barry

I seem to remember that. Probably the best way to go.

[Clive Brown 1Participant @clivebrown1]

My version of a belt "clutch" operated by the black knob to RHS of the gearbox. (It's actually a gear-lever knob from a 2 1/2 litre Riley.)

The lever pushes in to operate a spring loaded latch which holds the clutch in the stop position with the motor mounting plate in the up position.

Guides inside the belt cover prevent the belt from snatching at the pulleys when in the stop position.

Sorry abour orientation.

[SakuraParticipant @sakura]

Posted by Clive Brown 1 on 25/03/2020 11:03:40:

My version of a belt "clutch" operated by the black knob to RHS of the gearbox. (It's actually a gear-lever knob from a 2 1/2 litre Riley.)

The lever pushes in to operate a spring loaded latch which holds the clutch in the stop position with the motor mounting plate in the up position.

Guides inside the belt cover prevent the belt from snatching at the pulleys when in the stop position.

Sorry abour orientation.

That's interesting. My belt lever is on the lhs. Have you modified the shaft to bring it out on the rhs? More pictures would be good.

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