01-10-2018, 08:53 PM
A minor problem with the variable speed motor corrected:
The Penn State Industries variable speed motor is primarily designed for mini lathes. (PSI caters primarily to pen turners.) As such, the motor shaft has a three step pulley mounted. I have one more conversion to complete (a second Viel, using all the newly designed and modified parts).
With a good gear puller, the pulley is easily removed. With my cheap puller, it is at best a nightmare. My puller has a thin and short sliding T handle which provides almost no leverage. I have had this puller for more than twenty years. I have no memory of purchasing it. Tools, both good and mediocre, last a long time. I almost always buy quality, heavier duty than I need tools. This tool is one of the almost in almost always.
I ground off enough of the flattened end of the T handle to remove it. Then I ground two flats using the Kally equipped with Mark Reich's excellent platen. The flats allow a 3/8” open end wrench to fit snugly. Substituting a heavy duty twelve inch Crescent wrench will give plenty of leverage. The threads on the puller are poorly cut, very shallow. I think I can remove the pulley working carefully. Twenty years ago, I would have purchased a pro grade puller. This may well be the last time I use the puller; it should suffice.
Modifying the gear puller is an example of the quick work the Viel or Kally make of many shop tasks. A belt grinder is a very handy shop tool.
Ken
The Penn State Industries variable speed motor is primarily designed for mini lathes. (PSI caters primarily to pen turners.) As such, the motor shaft has a three step pulley mounted. I have one more conversion to complete (a second Viel, using all the newly designed and modified parts).
With a good gear puller, the pulley is easily removed. With my cheap puller, it is at best a nightmare. My puller has a thin and short sliding T handle which provides almost no leverage. I have had this puller for more than twenty years. I have no memory of purchasing it. Tools, both good and mediocre, last a long time. I almost always buy quality, heavier duty than I need tools. This tool is one of the almost in almost always.
I ground off enough of the flattened end of the T handle to remove it. Then I ground two flats using the Kally equipped with Mark Reich's excellent platen. The flats allow a 3/8” open end wrench to fit snugly. Substituting a heavy duty twelve inch Crescent wrench will give plenty of leverage. The threads on the puller are poorly cut, very shallow. I think I can remove the pulley working carefully. Twenty years ago, I would have purchased a pro grade puller. This may well be the last time I use the puller; it should suffice.
Modifying the gear puller is an example of the quick work the Viel or Kally make of many shop tasks. A belt grinder is a very handy shop tool.
Ken