Easiest way to convert HF 8x12 lathe to variable speed control

[sunnyday]

Is there a full kit that can be purchased to convert the HF 8x12 to a variable speed control with DRO option ?

[blades]

Doubt there's a kit, but TroyO did it himself using a relatively beefy 1.5hp motor out of an old treadmill. Sounds like a very worthwhile mod!

[TroyO]

There's no kit that I know of. Mechanically it's not that hard.. tap a few holes for the motor mounts (Or modify the motor base to fit the existing holes) and add a pulley. That will depend on the motor you get... there are better options than the treadmill motor (Such as one that's TEFC.. Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled) but if you already happen to have a treadmill that you want to get rid of... the price can't be beat, LOL.

The wiring is time consuming, but not really that hard. I might have changed a few things if I were to do it again (The biggest one being.. since you no longer need the step pulley/toothed pulley at the back of the lathe you can just take it out. That leaves a big old area under the belt cover I would have used to put the DC motor controller had I realized how much space there was. Hindsight 20/20)