For some time I've wanted a slow speed on my Jet mini. About a year ago I purchased a light weight 18 volt drill, I really like it and quit using my old Sears drills........just to heavy and the batteries don't stay charged.

I was recharging one of the old ones and walked by my lathe. I wondered, can I adapt this old angle drill to my lathe. It was almost a perfect fit with a dowel in it. I shimmed the lathe and it works perfectly and has speed adjustment. I've only got to use it once and really like finishing my work.

 

It is not lined up or inserted in the picture

That's neat, Ron!

I am having a hard time visualizing this one, how does it turn the lathe?

pure genius. Great use for the drill.

John, there is a three eights hole in the center of the hand wheel on the far left of the lathe. The wooden dowel is a tight fit and I push the drill/dowel into the hole. I adjust the  speed I want with a Irwin clamp to a speed I think I want and go with it. I then spray a finish while it is slowly turning. It makes an even finish without runs and drys evenly.

John, there is a three eights hole in the center of the hand wheel on the far left of the lathe. The wooden dowel is a tight fit and I push the drill/dowel into the hole. I adjust the  speed I want with a Irwin clamp to a speed I think I want and go with it. I then spray a finish while it is slowly turning. It makes an even finish without runs and drys evenly.

Thanks Ron, got it! Very simple and inexpensive! Great tip sir.

Very interesting.