I have it set up in my Garage for now. I've completed the motor upgrade to the Marathon E467 motor and also did the 3Phase VFD conversion. Took a while as I have been busy with work and other things in life. Was only able to work a few hours a night on it. Took about 1-1/2 weeks. I took my time and didn't want to rush it and mess something up.
I fired it up last week and was able to keep all the factory smoke in. With all the wiring and modifications, I was expecting to have at least a few issues to resolve in the wiring. But, to my surprise, everything just worked as designed.
I'll post some pictures and maybe some videos. I'm still working on a few modifications like adding a tensioning bracket to the motor. Right now the motor has some bounce in it at certain RPMs.
I'm also still in the process of building my Tach. I've decided to build my own so I can add more features. One for example is to tie it into the DRO and have the tach calculate my SFM based on position of the cross slide and spindle speed. I may also put pickups on the power bar and lead screw and be able to calculate the feed rate and TPI settings. I know the last two chosen by the gearbox, but I think it would be nice to have a verification that you can simply look at and know what you're working with. I'm also going to build my own DRO to the tailstock. That one will simply use a rotary encoder that will pick up off the turning of the handle and allow you to zero it out.
But as far as the machine itself, I can't say enough good things about it. I have cut some parts and it runs very nice. I don't have a lot of experience with running a lathe other than my small 7x10 Harbor Freight toy lathe I've had for 15 years. The PM-1340GT is obviously much larger, but everything about it looks and feels very good. The travel is very smooth. The feel on the handles is very smooth. I've put some serious money into this machine, but don't regret it at all. I'll probably have it the rest of my life, so I wasn't afraid of spending some money up front.
Right now, I still have a ton to learn. I also have to get some decent tools ground to start working on getting good surface finishes.
I only have a few more days to play with it before I break it all down and cart it into the basement so it can take up a place next to my MP-940M-CNC mill.
Studying this lathe for possible purchase, so thread caught my attention.
How is the conversion coming. What motor and VFD did you use.
Any photos of it in its new home?