I have an old REX 11-155r WF machine and after doing everything slow it down( 1 1/2 " pulley, extending motor arm etc) I decided to try and build my own version of a Speed Reducer. I did and it works. Great. Made exclusively from plywood and Pine. I've made a few others and they were made Totally from MDF and work just as well. I also used a 10" x 1/2" bolt for the shaft and it worked just fine too. That cut the costs to under $10 bucks. I used 2- 1/2" bore bearings, a 12" piece of 1/2" shafting(cut down to 9") 2- 1/4" bolts. Total costs...$15 bucks. the Ones Online costs $225.00 It works GREAT!!! Slows the machine to 1/2 speed and makes it sooooo much easier to use. A bigger diameter pulley would slow it down even more. Mine is 8" with at 2 1/2" on the side going to machine. So if any of you want to calculate the reduction it's 1 1/2" to 10" then 2 1/2" to the Machine. Not sure what it is Maybe 4 ". Here's a pic of what I made.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1018.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Faf303%2FWoodOnGlass%2FSpeedReducer.jpg&hash=b18243ecea2468f65d97a0e1cbb91a57)
I made up some rudimentary plans and instructions if anyone's interested. Send me and email and I send them along. Super easy to build Takes about 4 hours shop time. Band Saw, Table Saw, Router and Drill Press
That looks beyond beginning woodworking and I guess you turned the pulley round using the drill press ? Nice work - and satisfying I'm sure. Patent Time !
I have a clutch motor - old as the hills and it sews from zero to full out as easy as pie. Always in full control. I often wonder if my old motor goes will I upgrade to the servo type motor. I don't mind working slower with the clutch motor but those servo motors are tempting
SA
I made the 8" circle with a rudimentary circle cutting jig on the bandsaw...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uem-9Wz1Dt8 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uem-9Wz1Dt8) then cut the groove in it on the router table, but you can do it all at the same time on a table saw with a simple jig...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDRyH_ZG314 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDRyH_ZG314)
Or on the router table...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmGXE8dmn2g (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmGXE8dmn2g)
The rest is done on the Table Saw and Drill press. It is Really pretty basic stuff. Like I said, I drew up some plans if anyone's interested. Hey, If I can build it I'm pretty sure anyone with basic skills, can build one too.
QuoteSo if any of you want to calculate the reduction it's 1 1/2" to 10" then 2 1/2" to the Machine. Not sure what it is Maybe 4 ".
Just to prove how badly I want to postpone tonight's domestics I will do the math;
The circumference of the large pulley is 31.1429 ". The smaller pulley has a diameter of 7.8573". Net reduction would be 3.9636:1. Simply comparing the diameters would give the same result---but kill a lot less time. grin.