Lathe Motor Mount Improvements

**PJs** · Sep 3, 2015, 12:48 PM

Thanks for the update an order info, Paul! The toilet washers are a handy idea! Have your rerun the FFT on it...is it even smoother now? ~PJ

**Paul Jones** · Sep 3, 2015, 02:55 PM

Thanks PJs,

The machined surface finishes are now extremely smooth with the addition of the new cylindrical vibration isolators and the flexible link belt. Even better than before. I will use the FFT smartphone app to see what I can detect.

I attached a photo showing parts I machined last night for another lathe improvement project to be posted at HMT ( see http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/l...7792#post37667 ). You can see the fine surface finishes produced without the need to smooth with emery paper. BTW - I cut the 5mm keyway using a stationary boring tool method I used before (see Homemade Keyway Broaching Technique ). The parts support thrust bearings on the lathe lead screw and feed rod and will remove any lateral movement (not really necessary for the feed rod) when cutting fine threads on the 12" swing lathe.

Paul

**PJs** · Sep 4, 2015, 10:07 AM

The machined surface finishes are now extremely smooth with the addition of the new cylindrical vibration isolators and the flexible link belt. Even better than before.

I would say so, Paul. That finish is amazing straight out of the chuck! Looks like a 16-32 finish and the broach looks nice and sharp!! Looking forward to your post on the feed screw thrust bearings. Thanks for the new picture and share! ~PJ

**Ralphxyz** · Nov 3, 2017, 03:56 PM

Could not find a app called FFT Vibration Analyzer on Google Play Store, I was surprised at how many vibration apps there were. I downloaded one with a 5 star rating so I am good to go.

Great posting thank you, very informative. I have a friend who mounted his lathe motor directly to the work bench not to the lathe, seems this would give some isolation of the motor.

Ralph

**Toolmaker51** · Jan 11, 2020, 05:42 PM

Vibration isolators beat furniture type pads because of the design, it occurs to me just now. Vibration isolators with top/ bottom washers are small diameter compared to height, with more material absorbing the cycles. Some use a through bolt; others each washer is tapped, even better.

Mushroom type mounts, usually levelers typical for punch presses etc, bolt to machine foot, float on rubber gripping the floor. The steel cap just makes a seat for leveling screw. Even the smallest are designed for 3-400 lb loads. Four feet and 1200 odd pound ratings not very effective for home sized equipment.