Chipmaster variator removal

1967 Metric model.

Going to remove the variator,not sure what RPM motor to use to maintain the widest speed range,I'm not so bothered about the the high RPM.

The old motor was a 1740 RPM,I'm uncertain if the variator would have geared up the RPM to the headstock.

Cheers Big Trev

Fit a Newton Tesla speed control unit with a standard motor 1500rpm. I have one on my Chipmaster for the past 10 years and it will give you the full speed range.

Trev, I think you'll find the top speed of the spindle was 3000rpm, but I think you'll get away with a lot less than that. I think the usual with the Chipmaster is to stay with 3Ph, and go to electronic speed control, you'v got a very solid little lathe there, I remember when I was at High School, we got a Chipmaster, it was amazing!! I think it had a 5hp motor. Ian S C

Dear Trev,

I have a Chipmaster which I baught 10 years ago for 500 Pounds! As mentioned by Ian I kicked out the variator and fitted a Newton Tesla variable drive.

I find it amazing that more people dont use these machines which are available in good condition for less than a Myford of a far Eastern import. The Chipmaster will beat the socks of any of them.

Harold

Cambodia.

Thanks for the replies.

Is the "Newton Tesla variable drive." a much better unit than of other makes? more £ than I was hoping to spend?.

What size pulley did you fit on the motor?

I'll be sticking with a 3 phase motor

Dear Trevor,
I have had the Newton Teslar unit on my lathe for 10 years without a hitch, they are worth the money. You will find the lathe runs ultra silent as the primary headstock drive is via a toothed belt which also result in a good finish. The original motor was 3hp but I have fitted a 2hp which gives plenty of power. My view is it is a little dangerous having a very powerful machine tool in a home workshop where the operator is on their own!

The motor pulley size is not fussy, I run my machine with 2.5dia pulley using 2 V belts (the lathe is fitted for 3 belts)

Last year I completed two big 7.25 engines with all the turned parts machined on my Chipmaster. Dont be afraid to give it some work to do, it is an industrial standard lathe but use some robust tools, non of these Micky Mouse tools used on ML7's! Having said that I have also screw cut threads down to 3mm dia on stainless,

If its in any reasonable condition you will find its a very ergonomic machine, light to the touch, responsive and the cam-lock chuck is great.

All the best,
Harold
Phnom Penh
Cambodia