Lathe help... The electrical kind.

[Will]

Alright, so I got myself a glorious Atlas 10x36 metal lathe. Got a Jacob's chuck and live center as well, and I have a oneway stronghold chuck on order, so I am well on my way to getting this project started.

There's just one tricky situation. I need to wire the dang thing and the last time I messed with electricity my left arm was numb for a few days, so I need some advice.

I got myself a motor here with 4 posts to screw things onto, but for the life of me, I don't know what's what on this thing. Any advice of where to go so I can get education I need to get this up and running?

Photos of said motor's badge and screw posts.
Atlas lathe motor https://imgur.com/gallery/Xne945S

[KurtHuhn]

I AM NOT AN ELECTRICIAN!

Some motors have a wiring diagram on the inside of the electrical housing plate that should tell you all you need to know. In the absence of that, given that it's a single pole (110V), single phase motor, you only need to concern yourself with two leads - hot and neutral.

It should already be internally wired to run in a single direction, and the nameplate has no indication that it's reversible, so you probably have a 50:50 chance on leads. Without seeing it in person, it's difficult to tell which post is which, but my gut tells me the two on the right are for input since they're closest to the outside of the frame.

I did find this video of a guy with a similar vintage motor:


I didn't find any good, specific info on that motor in a brief google search though. As always, proceed with caution!

[Will]

I really appreciate it! I learned a few things and this will help me get up and running.

[LatakiaLover]

Those electron things are super tiny. No way something so small can hurt ya. I can't believe you're worried about 'em.

[KurtHuhn]

Yeah but those little pixies can be REALLY angry!

[LatakiaLover]

Yeah but those little pixies can be REALLY angry!

Some people are completely immune.

Really.

The best way to find out is this: after a rainstorm, find and follow a powerline road until you come to a large puddle, stand in it, then throw a spool of braided wire over one of the low-hanging lines. After tying the loose end around your waist, of course.

155Kv lines work best.

This is what will happen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kZuueBqkmkA

Afterward, if you're OK, you are one of the immune-to-electricity people!

[KurtHuhn]

Looks spicy!

[caskwith]

That'll make your nuts tingle.