Lathe Motor

Chris Hightower or Todd from mid America pool. I upgraded to a 3/4 HP DC motor on my midsize and would highly recommend it.
 
The problem with upgrading to a heavy duty motor like we use on the Deluxe is you lose the ability to slide your headstock up and down the bed. If you upgrade then you need a permanent bed extension which makes your lathe at least six feet long. If space and portabilty are non issues then the upgrade works out great.
 
Years ago I bought a pennstate motor and controller made a bracket for it ( think it was 1/2 hp dc)
For my other taig based lathes I ordered motor and controller from harbor freight I think that it was 1/3 horse Same thing that Bassel was using for his lathes
 
The problem with upgrading to a heavy duty motor like we use on the Deluxe is you lose the ability to slide your headstock up and down the bed. If you upgrade then you need a permanent bed extension which makes your lathe at least six feet long. If space and portabilty are non issues then the upgrade works out great.
I was concerned about my deluxe in that regard with just the single clamping nut and the mass of the motor hanging inside and added a support under the motor. Plus now I can loosen the head on the dovetail and slide up and down for live threading without it binding.

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Question: I just ordered a Mid America with the 3/4 motor and it doesn’t appear to have any extra support. Is it designed differently? Anyone that has one, have you noticed any issues?
 
I'm not real fond of it, so much that I have mine mounted on a plywood sled.
On the other hand a lot of people have them and I'm sure if there were problems Todd would have addressed it.

You could always just put a wedge or something under it if it concerns you.
 

Some lathes l put together years ago
 
I'm not real fond of it, so much that I have mine mounted on a plywood sled.
On the other hand a lot of people have them and I'm sure if there were problems Todd would have addressed it.

You could always just put a wedge or something under it if it concerns you.
Thanks. Once I get it I’ll assess it and reinforce if needed. I haven’t seen anyone complaining and as you said Todd would have addressed it by now. This thread just got me thinking.
 
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