Lathe has taken to running backwards

[PAC1]

I have a Record Coronet Herald. I switched it on today only to find it running backwards but in “F” forward mode and yep, if I put it in R reverse it went forwards. I tried switching it off etc but it continues to misbehave! Any ideas to fix it?

 

[9fingers]

Single phase motor or is it electronic variable speed?
If the former, check the starting capacitor.

 

[PAC1]

It is electronic variable speed. I will take a look at the starting capacitor. Thank you

 

[9fingers]

No that was not what I suggested. Read it again.
Most likely is a problem with the direction control switch or the control wiring to the inverter

 

[Dr.Al]

Has any of it been rewired at all recently? If it's electronic variable speed with a three-phase induction motor, then swapping any two phases (on the output of the variable speed drive or input of the motor) will result in it running in the opposite direction. If it's got a brushless motor then it might be more subtle depending on how the position feedback has been implemented, but could also be that simple.

 

[9fingers]

Having just looked at the manual, I see the fwd rev is a single button that toggles between the two states and it is just possible that the push button is out of sync with the display. I can't anything in the manual about being able to reset to factory settings.
Maybe just get used to it (?) Direction is obvious when using the machine.

 

[PAC1]

Oops. I should have read it properly!
The downside with just getting used to it is that in order to put it in reverse you must press and hold the button for a few seconds before staring and then for safety reasons every time you stop the lathe it reverts to "F".
I have Record on the case as it is still in warranty.

 

[9fingers]

In that case, warranty support is certainly the way to go to sort out obscure faults like this.

Good Luck

 

[Deejay]

Afternoon PAC

There may be a clue in this clip from 5 years ago.

Cheers

Dave

 

[9fingers]

Good find Dave!

Should help no end.

Bob

 

[PAC1]

Well done. It made me think. So I tested the thought.
Apparently there is another hidden feature which is that when you have it permanently in reverse, if you press and hold the reverse button it puts it in forward mode and then rather than staying in forward when you stop it it goes back to reverse. Last time I used the lathe I finished with sanding and so put it in permanent reverse (I knew of that hidden feature in the video) and forgot to take it out of permanent reverse. So when I came to it yesterday it was still in permanent reverse. I need a note to say make sure you take it out of permanent reverse when you have finished sanding and before switching off the lathe.
Thank you for all the help.
I better let Record know.

 

[RogerS]

I need a note to say make sure you take it out of permanent reverse when you have finished sanding and before switching off the lathe.
Thank you for all the help.
I better let Record know.

I have a note on the inside of the workshop door telling me ‘Thicknesser’. If I don’t then it will develop a slight flat on the engaged roller so that the next time I use it in either planer or thicknesser mode it goes Thunk Thunk. It eventually goes but wouldn’t wish it to stay.

 

[Eric the Viking]

I have a piece of card jammed under the blade guard clamp of my bandsaw, telling me I have slackened it off by seven half-turns of the tension wheel. I can't attempt to use the saw without removing it, and of itself it's almost enough of a reminder to un-tension after use.

I do need to work on something better for when I tidy up/"put away" the machine though. For six months or so last year, I forgot to un-tension it, and had to replace both tyres. Served me right.

 

[RogerS]

I have a piece of card jammed under the blade guard clamp of my bandsaw, telling me I have slackened it off by seven half-turns of the tension wheel. I can't attempt to use the saw without removing it, and of itself it's almost enough of a reminder to un-tension after use.

I do need to work on something better for when I tidy up/"put away" the machine though. For six months or so last year, I forgot to un-tension it, and had to replace both tyres. Served me right.

Interesting. Some folk do. Some folk don't. Peter Sefton doesn't and so that's good enough for me not to.

 

[AndyP]

Why do you find it necessary to sand with the lathe in reverse?
I do not have the option. Does reverse sanding speed the process up?

 

[duke]

Why do you find it necessary to sand with the lathe in reverse?
I do not have the option. Does reverse sanding speed the process up?

It easier to control the sandpaper etc., Andy, just my opinion though.
And if using a dust collector located behind the work than dust shoots towards it.

 

[duke]

I could be wrong regarding the dust collection?

 

[AndyP]

I could be wrong regarding the dust collection?

I think so. I sand with the extractor behind the lathe and the paper just below half way up the turned object.

With the lathe running backwards I can’t image how sanding dust can be collected .

 

[PAC1]

If you sand with the paper at 12 Noon and the lathe in reverse the dust is sucked straight into the dust extraction port behind the lathe.

 

[CHJ]

I've never experience any advantage in running the lathe in reverse for sanding.
If there are any areas of rogue or swirl grain that are not responding from light pressure sanding with sharp grit then I stop the lathe and sand in the most beneficial direction by hand or with hand drill powered sanding disc.


If the extraction system is adequate then I can't see any significant amount of dust escaping regardless of the lathe direction.

 

[akirk]

there is a school of thought that says it is worth sanding in reverse as it gives a finer finish by laying down wood fibres / cutting them off - whereas sanding in only one direction encourages them to stick up...

not sure in my experience that it makes as big a difference as just sanding well...