I have managed to pick up an 8mm lathe but without a motor.

Can anyone give me advise as to the speed and power requirements of a motor for such a lathe.

Mike do you have 110v in the UK?? All US lathe would be 110V. I have a motor for a watchmakers lathe.

Hi Billy, were all 250v over here. I would have to buy a transformer and they're heavy lumps. Also to ship a motor from the US would cost me a fortune. Thanks for your offer though.

I would be interested to know the detail on your motor plate so that I could source the correct type.

I have been looking at sewing machine motors but I saw somewhere that a 1/2 hp motor was used on a lathe and that seemed very high powered.

I really need to find the correct spec.

The lathe motors I've seen are typically in the 1/10 HP range. I'd look for sewing machine motors in the UK--they should work fine.

If you try to do any lathe work that a sewing machine motor won't handle then you are overloading the lathe. You should be able to find one in the UK or perhaps a motor from a large floor fan. 1/10th HP and up will do the job.

I would recommend a small brushless DC motor with a compatible BLDC speed controller.

William

Thanks very much to the folks that have replied.

I think that I now have enough information to start looking for the correct motor.

I really do appreciate the help which I receive from you all in this club.