Operation
Because of the higher maximum speed (approximately 7,000 RPM) and variable
speed control, the Foredom® Bench Lathe has several advantages over
conventional single or two speed polishing and buffing lathes:
1. The same size buffing wheel can be used to obtain different surface speeds, as
measured in surface feet per minute (SFPM). 3
″
or 4
″
diameter buffs can provide
the 1,750 to 3,450 SFPM recommended for polishing and the 3,450 and higher
SFPM recommended for buffing. The chart below shows the SFPM obtained with
different diameter wheels at various speeds.
2. The SFPM can be varied while using the same diameter buff or wheel. This will
give better results on different types of material.
3. The 7,000 RPM maximum speed will enable you to get much higher SFPM with
smaller 1
″
or 2
″
buffs or inside ring buffs, than slower single or double
speed equipment.
4. The new 3M Scotch-brite™ Radial Bristle Discs in 2
″
and 3
″
diameters also
require 5,000 or higher RPM for optimum performance.
5. The maximum speed of 7,000 RPM is also fast enough to permit the use of small
mounted abrasive points, brushes, cutters, or other accessories in the A-CHA-5
collet holder, S.BO-516 flexade or A-JCA-2 chuck holder.
For additional information on buffing and polishing procedure, wheel selection,
and Foredom buffing and polishing compounds, please refer to the Foredom
Buffing and Polishing Guide (Form No. 1234).
Assembly Instructions
BL Bench Lathes have 5/16” (8mm) straight motor shafts and come with A-TM5 (left hand)
and A-TM6 (right hand) tapered spindles. These precision made spindles are suitable for
speeds of 500 to 7,000 RPM. Similar accessories, supplied for slower speed polishing
motors, often do not run as true which can cause vibration and be a potential hazard.
Using
spindles and other precision accessories supplied for slower speed motors is not
recommended with this bench lathe.
Mounting Base:
The Bench Lathe comes with suction cup feet that help to secure the lathe
to a smooth work surface. To further prevent movement while pressure is being applied to a
buff or wheel, the base should be bolted or screwed down to a solid work bench or table.
Use the four mounting holes in the base for this purpose.
Attaching Accessories:
The supplied A-TM6 tapered spindle, and optional A-CHA-5 collet
holder, A-JCA-2 chuck arbor, A-WM6 wheel mandrel and S.BO flexades
®
are
right hand
side
accessories, intended for use on the right hand side of the lathe as you face it.
Do not
use them on the left side
as buff, wheel or tool may unscrew under load. The supplied
A-TM5 tapered spindle is intended
for use on the left side only
. An optional A-WM-5
wheel mandrel is available for use on the left side of the lathe. (Every spindle and mandrel
is marked with an R or L to indicate left or right hand.)
Attach the spindles or mandrels by sliding them onto the motor shaft until there is only a
1/8
″
space between the motor housing and inside edge of the spindle or mandrel. Be
sure that the two set screws line up with the flat on the motor shaft.
Tighten both screws securely with supplied hex key.
See Figure 2 for mounting rubber wheels or other accessories with 1/4
″
diameter
center holes on A-WM-6 wheel mandrel.
Use only 115 Volt AC 60 Hz for BL and use only 230 Volt AC 50 Hz for a BL-2. Run the
lathe at slow speed without a buff (or wheel) to see that the spindles, mandrel, or collet
holder on the lathe are running true.
Never use a buff, brush, abrasive wheel, or any other accessory that is not rated
for at least 7,000 RPM and never use one that appears to wobble or vibrate.
It could
damage the lathe or injure you.
Buffs over 4
″
in diameter should not be used on the
Bench Lathe. Never use a grinding wheel over 2
″
diameter nor rubber bonded wheels
over 3
″
in diameter.
Please refer to Figure 2 for the proper mounting procedure for wheels
or brushes on the A-WM-6 (or A-WM-5) mandrel.
Figure 1
Figure 2
A-WM-6
Assemble
all components in
proper sequence.
(A-WM-5 left side
wheel mandrel has
same components in
opposite sequence)
Cotton, chamois or felt buffs over 4
″
in diameter should not be used with
the Bench Lathe.
SPEED
SFPM
1
″
Dia. Buff
Full
7,000 RPM
1,750
Med 4,000 RPM
1,000
2
″
Dia. Buff
Full
7,000 RPM
3,500
Med 4,000 RPM
2,000
SPEED
SFPM
3
″
Dia. Buff
Full
7,000 RPM
5,250
Med 4,000 RPM
3,000
4
″
Dia. Buff
Full
7,000 RPM
7,000
Med 4,000 RPM
4,000
Motor Shaft
set screws
Rubber
Wheel
extension cords that have 3-prong grounding type plugs and 3-pole type plugs and 3-pole recep-
tacles that accept the tool’s plug. Always disconnect the power cord before servicing the lathe.
Never use in an area where flammable vapors are present.
