Variable Speed 9 x 20 Lathe
 Harbor Freight Lathe

        After experiencing motor problems on my Harbor Freight 9 x 20 metal lathe I decided to replace the original 3/4 hp
    AC motor with a 2 hp. DC treadmill motor along with an electronic motor controller. No more changing belts to change the
    speed and the thin drive belt has been replaced with a 1/2" wide timing belt. With the motor and timing gear arrangement
    now used the lathe has a useable range from  60 to 1100 rpm's  at the spindle. I've included pictures along  with details
    and comments of the process.