Lathe Hp?

[William Roscoe]

I'm new to turning and I'm using a 2 HP grizzly. I've been looking at some better lathes but noticed they seem to top out at about 2 HP. When I use my griz, the motor feels hot to the touch after 30 min. to 1 hr. Is this an issue of motor quality? It continues to run fine just feels hot. Wonder why you don't see 3HP or more on lathes?:dontknow:

 

[FredP]

there are 3 HP lathes out there but they dont come cheap.:nah: think oneway, robust, or vicmark to name a few. the big PM has 3 HP too. 2 HP is plenty for most. I stalled my PM 3520b once. then after a change of underwear decided I was being way too agressive. :gar-La; The motor should not be hot. warn maybe but hot is not good.:no: make sure your wiring is up to snuff and the wire run isnt too long. I hear lots of stories about grizzly motors. I dont have any of thier stuff so I cant comment one way or the other. If the motor is truely 2 HP it should be 240 volt.

 

[William Roscoe]

The motor is wired 110V. Should I get an electrician change it to 240V?

 

[WoodWrangler]

The motor is wired 110V. Should I get an electrician change it to 240V?

At 2hp, I would.

 

[FredP]

The motor is wired 110V. Should I get an electrician change it to 240V?

I would. I don't believe you can get 2 true HP from 110v. Others here are more qualified to give advice about this than I. what is the model #? need specs on the motor. any tools I have that will use 240V are wired that way. I believe its more efficient that way but I may be wrong.:dontknow:

 

[Mike Davis]

It should run cooler at 220v.

My lathe came with a 2 hp motor, but I haven't run wire for it so I'm using a 1/4 hp motor. I've turned some 11 inch bowls with it and it is fine. It does get warm if I run continuos for 30 minutes or more.

I have stalled it and am I glad it stalled instead of throwing me over the lathe!

Are you running slow speeds? That will heat a motor too.

 

[William Roscoe]

It's model G0462. I usually run it at about 1000 RPMs. I'm a little nervous dodging the spalted maple and don't want to go any higher if I don't have to. Is that too slow?

 

[Mike Davis]

Shouldn't be, I think the trouble comes in around 300 rpm and less, depending on the motor and controller of course.

I would like to get a slower, larger motor for mine but I have to wait till the wind is blowing my way and the money tree is shedding. :rotflm:

 

[FredP]

from what I can see on the website it only runs on 110V.:gar-Cr Maybe the 2HP is overstated just a little?:gar-Bi It does call for 20 amp minimum. 12/2 w/ground is need for 20 amp. if thats all good I would call grizzly about getting a new motor. It will be warm but should not be hot. you should be able to lay your hand on the motor without pain!:icon_thum

 

[William Roscoe]

Thanks FredP. I had already set up an electrician to re wire it. I'm sure he would have charged me for the visit to tell me it couldn't be done.

 

[Travis Porter]

I agree with Fred. It is a 14 amp motor, but I would recommend getting it on a 20 amp circuit. Hopefully, you already have a 20 amp and you are not running it on an extension cord.

 

[William Roscoe]

Already on 20A and no drop cord. I guess I'll just have to take more breaks!