Gear reduction and fluid level questions

[philbur]

The two reduction gearboxes in my lathe have the smaller gears running in the oil. I quess this reduces the amount of unecessary thrashing around. The lower gear sits only about 1/4 of the gear diameter in the oil. This small gear then feeds oil to the larger gear in a controlled manner and then the larger gear flings this controlled quantity of oil around the casing in order to oil the bearings etc. No antifoam or other additives just good quality machinery oil is the recommended lubricant, no breather either.

RPMs of the large gear in each box is approx. 2100 rpm and 1400 rpm.

Just a thought
Phil

[J. Randall]

Depending on the complexity of the engine as to whether it is worth the trouble , a 2 stroke will run in either direction, it is just a matter of changing the ignition and cranking it the other way. I modified a little Tecumseh 2 stroke to run the other way for a mini bike yrs. ago.
James