I have a Cummins 7×12 mini metal lathe. It is a great machine but the motor speed controller has died. The motor on the lathe only runs at full speed or sometimes won’t run at all. The motor will run normal for a while but then it will die without blowing the fuse. I replaced the rheostat and both MOSFET transistors already and nothing has changed. I don’t want to try to replace anything on the speed control anymore because of how easy the machine broke when the problems started happening. I was machining aluminum stock with a sharp cutter when the cutter took to deep of a cut and got stuck around the workpiece. The motor instantly shut down and I figured all that had happened was that the fuse had failed. I replaced the 4amp fuse with a new one and it seemed alright for a while. Then a few minutes later, the machine was going full speed and blew another fuse.
Now, I want to replace the entire speed control but not spend $120. Can I possibly modify a wood router speed control?

Unimat III Mini Metal Lathe Milling Tool Attachment

US $39.92 End Date: Sunday Jun-10-2012 17:15:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $39.92 Buy it now | Add to watch list

• 2 HP, 1Ph, 230V motor
• 1 3/8″ Spindle Hole
• 13″ Swing x 40″ Centers
• 8 spindle speeds ranging from 70-2000 RPM

Product Description
13 inch Swing 40 inch Centers, 2HP, 1Ph, 230V only Brand Jet Carriage Travel (in.) 35 Compound Slide Travel (in.) 2-11/16 Cross Slide Travel (in.) 6-5/16 Distance Between Centers (in.) 40 Follow Rest Capacity (in.) 2-3/4 Height 28.5 inch Length 79 inch Length of Gap (in.) 8 Max Tool Size (in.) 5/8 x 5/8 Model Number GHB-1340A Motor 2 HP, 1Ph, 230V Net Weight 1089 pound Number of Inch Threads 40 Number of Longitudinal and Cross Feed Rates 40 Number of Metric Threads … More >>

Jet 321357A GHB-1340A 13-Inch Swing by 40-Inch between Centers 230-Volt 1 Phase Geared Head Benchtop Metalworking Lathe

• 2 HP, 1Ph, 230V motor
• 1 3/8″ Spindle Hole
• 13″ Swing x 40″ Centers
• 12 spindle speeds ranging from 60-1240 RPM
• Shown with optional stand

Product Description
Includes 13″ x 40″ 2 HP 1-Phase Belt Drive Bench Lathe – 321360A, 6″ 3-Jaw Direct Mount Chuck w/ Top Reversing Jaws, 8″ 4-Jaw Chuck, 12″ Face Plate, Four-Way Tool Post, Steady & Follow Rest, Metric Change Gear, Centers w/ Headstock Center Sleeve, Threading Dial, Tool Box & Tools… More >>

Jet 321360A BDB-1340A 13-Inch Swing by 40-Inch between Centers 230-Volt 1 Phase Belt Drive Bench Metalworking Lathe