Quote Originally Posted by PDW View Post
Interesting comment seeing as one of my complaints WRT the Kopp variator in my lathe is the lack of torque in low speed high range (400 rpm). A heavy cut or a big drill bit causes very noticeable loss of speed. I've pulled my variator apart and changed the oil to one I know is correct. There's no visible wear or noise from it but the lack of torque has always been there. PDW
The variator does need occasional adjustment to ensure there is no slippage under high torque conditions. It sounds to me like you have to adjust the swash plates a bit to eliminate this.

I can push a 28mm drill bit into 1021 carbon steel with a 10mm pilot hole and it won't slip. I use carbide and have made some very aggresive cuts to the point it turned the toolpost but never has the variator slipped.

Morrisman; thanks. Before I moved to Norway I only owned a bench grinder and a circular saw. The rest I have managed to accumulate here. Living so close to Sweden has been a huge plus as Sweden is a machinists Mecca.

Paul.