hilka 900 variable speed not working

joemcerlane · 30 Mar 2019

Hi Guys

Ive been using this lathe for a few years now and the variable speed lever has been getting harder to shift speed but did so. Always meant to have a look but as usual put it on the long finger and just turned. Its now not working and when i took off the first pulley and gave the second pully a light tug it crumbled away. So i need new pulleys....i cant figure out how the variable round block in the pic, for want of a better word, comes off. I can only think that the nut at the taper end of the lathe needs to come off and the spindle with the gubbins on slides out? I'd really appreciate some help please if any of you guys have fixed similar issues. Thanks in advance guys. I've added some pics.

Joe

Simon_M · 30 Mar 2019

Has the Hilka 900 got a Reeves drive similar to the one used on Axminster AWVSL 1000/AC370WL, but with a swivelling headstock that's immovable? Axminster had a similar one called the AWVSL 900. It's a generic version of a Chinese lathe that uses die-cast aluminium pulley wheels.

Axminster sell spare set's of pulleys for £25 for either the motor or spindle pairs. They may also may have the belts and spring etc. and an (expensive) PTFE spray to keep the shaft/pulleys in good condition - other lubricants might work too.

If you compare your schematic with the Axminster ones and confirm the spindle diameters with them, this might be an option. Or order them into a store and take yours along to check compatibility.

PS ask them how it fits too.

joemcerlane · 30 Mar 2019

Cheers for the info and help.
The head does swivel. There are no springs. The speed lever
has a gear like end that sits below the round block in the pic and moves the block in and out opening or closing the pulley. I used air to blow out crap and had it sitting in wd40 and its moving a bit better now but for how long with the broken pulley is anyone's guess. The main problem I have is I can't see how I get the shaft out to replace the pulley?