Does Pulley Size Matter for a Lathe Motor?

[Marshall]

Hey All, 

I recently got my first lathe, and I got a motor for it, but the pulley is big compared to the motors I normally see in photos of other people's lathes. I was able to find a smaller one but I'm not sure A) if I need to change it out and B) what it would do if I did. Is this something I need to address? 

I attached pictures of the pulley as it is and of the smaller one I bought. 

[oldhippy]

You have different sizes on the lathe to adjust the speed. Using smaller pulleys will make the lathe rotate faster. The more pulleys the more adjustable speeds to choose from. What size motor is that. An old sewing machine motor is normally sufficient.   

[spectre6000]

Also torque multiplication/reduction. Exact same mechanical relationship as wheels in a train in both dimensions (speed/torque).

Edited February 5, 2022 by spectre6000

[Marshall]

On 2/5/2022 at 12:27 AM, oldhippy said:

You have different sizes on the lathe to adjust the speed. Using smaller pulleys will make the lathe rotate faster. The more pulleys the more adjustable speeds to choose from. What size motor is that. An old sewing machine motor is normally sufficient.   

Thanks. It was listed as 3/4hp, it actually is a sewing machine motor just for one of the bigger ones. Appreciate the info!