Well I just brought my South Bend 9 into the new age. It just got outfitted with a 3/4 hp 3 phase motor and TECO variable frequency drive unit. Thanks to a friend on the Woodturners forum, the setup went very fast. I actually was surprised how easy the transformation was. The first picture is the old 1/2 hp motor and drum switch system. The rest show the new VFD and motor. The unit will take the lathe from 30 rpm to full speed at a smooth gradual operation. It has reverse also.
The first picture is of the old motor and drum switch system. The rest are of the new VFD.