Determining lathe speed with tachometer

[corbinace]

Greetings,
My Delta Rockwell 11x36 lathe is missing a crucial part on the speed indicator.

This machine has a variable drive similar to a snowmobile clutch.

I am a complete novice, so have to use the charts I find on the internet to set my speeds.
I am considering putting a tab of reflective tape on the spindle and using a hand held tach like you can get at HF.
Is this a viable plan?

A project in the pipeline includes reducing 1.25" 416SS to .729".
Do you have a special tip for this task?

 

[rwm]

New Red LED Tachometer RPM Speed Meter + Hall Proximity Switch Sensor NPN | eBay

Sign:Pusle signal,NPN 3 wires normally open. 1 x Hall Proximity Switch Sensor NPN. Hall proximity model:NJK-5002C. Proximity output current: 200mA. Display:Red 0.56" LED. Sensor wiring:brown-Power+;blue-Power-;black-signal.

www.ebay.com

Cheap and easy. Lots of size/color options.

 

[projectnut]

I've been doing the same thing with my Seneca Falls machine for over 20 years. I use a Mitutoyo handheld tachometer like this. Over the years I've found dozens of other uses for the Mitutoyo

mitutoyo digital tachometer | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for mitutoyo digital tachometer at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I have a Mach Tach on my Sheldon lathe. Unfortunately Mach Tach is no longer in business.

 

[corbinace]

Great! Thank you both. I had not even thought of a permanently mounted setup like rwm mentioned.

 

[projectnut]

Here are a couple pictures of the Mach Tach on my Sheldon machine. You can see the reflective tape and pickup on the outboard end of the spindle in the first picture.

 

[corbinace]

Here are a couple pictures of the Mach Tach on my Sheldon machine. You can see the reflective tape and pickup on the outboard end of the spindle in the first picture.

A picture being worth a thousand words enlightens even me. I do not have anything exposed on the rear but I do think I could put it on the back side on the large chuck securing headstock nut. That should be out of the way enough, I would think.

Thank you for taking the time to post the example.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Harbor Freight has a hand-held photo tach for $39. I've had mine for years.

Use it all over your shop drill press/mill/motors, etc.

Digital Photo Sensor Tachometer

Amazing deals on this Digital Photo Sensor Tachometer at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com