Questions about turning center spindle clutch
Posted by
vinnygenovese
on 2005-04-09 16:53:17 UTC
I am in the process of converting a Ikegai 1980 turning center to full PC operation.
I have 2 Rutex drives running the 2 lathe axis's with MACH2 running the drives. My next
step is to replace the original 15 hp dc motor and verispeed 505 drive with a modern AC
motor VFD drive.
There is a large (perhaps 500 lbs) magnetic clutch/jackshaft assembly between the motor
and the spindle. it is energized by a 24 volt feed. The spindle motor spins free when there
is no power to the 24 volt coil.
I have never seen a device like this on a lathe and I am not sure why it is (was) needed and
if I can remove it. My various guesses have it as a safety device to decouple the motor
from the spindle or to slip if the motor is overloaded, or power fails ?
I would like to remove it if would be of no benefit after installing a 15HP ac motor / VFD
drive. any input would be welcome.
I have 2 Rutex drives running the 2 lathe axis's with MACH2 running the drives. My next
step is to replace the original 15 hp dc motor and verispeed 505 drive with a modern AC
motor VFD drive.
There is a large (perhaps 500 lbs) magnetic clutch/jackshaft assembly between the motor
and the spindle. it is energized by a 24 volt feed. The spindle motor spins free when there
is no power to the 24 volt coil.
I have never seen a device like this on a lathe and I am not sure why it is (was) needed and
if I can remove it. My various guesses have it as a safety device to decouple the motor
from the spindle or to slip if the motor is overloaded, or power fails ?
I would like to remove it if would be of no benefit after installing a 15HP ac motor / VFD
drive. any input would be welcome.