I have a very old Milford lathe with three speeds from a leather link pulley belt. It seems fine for turning bowls, but I think it may be a bit slow for fine spindle work such as turning pens.
I don’t think changing the existing pulley sizes would make enough difference, but what if I added a shaft with a pulley set in between?
Is this a crazy idea?
I realise it would decrease the torque on the motor, and may stress the bearings…