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Jet 1236 question

Joined
May 28, 2015
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Bainbridge Island, WA
Hi everyone, I've missed the forum, and hoping to spend more time here starting now. :cool: I'm teaching at a big facility that has several lathes, one of which is a Jet 1236. I'm quite familiar with this model, since I own an older version that has been more than a bit of a pain. The lathe in question, at BARN, has twice stopped changing speed because the KEY has tipped up a hair and prevented the spring-controlled pulley from moving with the shift lever (Reeves drive). Has anyone ever encountered this problem before? Suggestions?
 
Hi Jamie, I was about to organize a search party to try to find you. :D

Reeves drives are a pain ... at least those in the mid price range made in the last 15 years or so. Older lathes like the Powermatic 90 had a much more rugged Reeves drive.

The keystock tipping up sounds like it might be too short or possibly worn to where it is too loose in the keyway of the motor shaft. You can buy oversized keystock that can be sanded down slightly to give a tight fit in the keyway so that it won't slide around and tip up.Your keystock is probably 4 mm square. Many years ago I bought some oversized keystock for my old Delta Reeves drive lathe and they sold it in long lengths only so somewhere I think that I still have some. If yours turns out to be 4 mm and if it looks like oversized keystock would solve your problem, I would be happy to give you some if I can find that "good place" where it is stored.
 
Hi everyone, I've missed the forum, and hoping to spend more time here starting now. :cool: I'm teaching at a big facility that has several lathes, one of which is a Jet 1236. I'm quite familiar with this model, since I own an older version that has been more than a bit of a pain. The lathe in question, at BARN, has twice stopped changing speed because the KEY has tipped up a hair and prevented the spring-controlled pulley from moving with the shift lever (Reeves drive). Has anyone ever encountered this problem before? Suggestions?

As a side note, I was very impressed with the 1940's CA Redwood logging video in Jamie's "BARN" link:\
View: https://www.facebook.com/shawswireropes/videos/785300494913659/
 
Cool video. I have cut trees with an AX. Cannot even imagine cutting something that huge. I got my chainsaw stuck one time and was out by myself. I had to free it by cutting a section about 3 feet away and letting the log fall. It was about 28" diameter. Took me quite a while to get that done. Of course I'm sure their axes were better and sharper and their technique was better.
 
Hi Jamie, I was about to organize a search party to try to find you. :D

Reeves drives are a pain ... at least those in the mid price range made in the last 15 years or so. Older lathes like the Powermatic 90 had a much more rugged Reeves drive.

The keystock tipping up sounds like it might be too short or possibly worn to where it is too loose in the keyway of the motor shaft. You can buy oversized keystock that can be sanded down slightly to give a tight fit in the keyway so that it won't slide around and tip up.Your keystock is probably 4 mm square. Many years ago I bought some oversized keystock for my old Delta Reeves drive lathe and they sold it in long lengths only so somewhere I think that I still have some. If yours turns out to be 4 mm and if it looks like oversized keystock would solve your problem, I would be happy to give you some if I can find that "good place" where it is stored.
Thanks, Bill. It may be a week or so before we get time to look at it again, but I will definitely keep your offer in mind! The thought crossed my mind that perhaps the speed range is out of whack, and the pulley goes too far (perhaps to the right) and lets the key pop up, but from what you're saying, it shouldn't pop. up. period.

Yep, I have been MIA for sure. Really takes some juggling to fit in being on the Board, finding people to demo, AND cutting up all these trees that keep falling! Also, when summer hits in the Great Northwest, seem like everything needs to be done at once. The thought of rain-rain-rain is always in the back of my mind. I spend a tremendous amount of time at BARN, both turning (love the Powermatic) and teaching, plus being available for students during Open Studio. We're gradually building a group of people who are intrigued and determined.
 
Yep, I have been MIA for sure. Really takes some juggling to fit in being on the Board, finding people to demo, AND cutting up all these trees that keep falling! Also, when summer hits in the Great Northwest, seem like everything needs to be done at once. The thought of rain-rain-rain is always in the back of my mind. I spend a tremendous amount of time at BARN, both turning (love the Powermatic) and teaching, plus being available for students during Open Studio. We're gradually building a group of people who are intrigued and determined.

That sounds very exciting and the facility is really nice.
 
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