Hi Ron

Most treadmill motors are 180 volts DC And in the 1.5 to 2.5 hp Treadmill duty which translates to about just over half the "Treadmill Horse Power"

Having said that they are an excellent motor for smaller lathes and mills.

Setting up the motor controller can be a bit tricky but when properly set they give great results.

My own machines are all DC powered ( Lathe two Drill Presses And a SX2 Mill Drill)

Very happy with the performance.

Keep us posted will be pleased to help get this project up and running.

Eric

Ron,

I'm astonished that there is no reference to HP, or KW, but:

What you have is broaldy in line with Eric's description and; if it's powerful enough to drive a treadmill then surely it must be enough for an SL7.

MichaelG.

Hi Ron

Regards a rev counter you could use a "Bicycle Computer" with the trip magnet on the lathe spindle.

There was an article in "Model Engineers Workshop" a while back that gave all the info How to do it.

You program the wheel circumference to 167 centimetres then the reading needs to be multiplied by 10

Therefore 127.5 = 1275 RPM.

Here is link to the controls that I use

http://www.surpluscenter.com/Electrical/Motor-Speed-Controllers/90-180-VDC-SPEED-CONTROL-W-POT.axd

They are small and compact and fairly easy to wire up BUT they must be set up to suit the motor being used.

You need have the skills required to do this as high voltage DC current is very unforgiving and can be FATAL.

Use the existing motor pulley and flywheel as it helps with a bit smoother running construct a new pulley for the counter shaft to match the "Poly Vee" pitch on the motor.

When you are up and running you will have an even more smooth running an very versatile machine.

Eric