Motor and Mount

A V-belt pulley on the motor will drive a larger pulley on a lay shaft. This is the primary reduction of the motor shaft speed, and two speeds would be easily achieved.

A motor of 1 to 2hp should be adequate, although a compact motor up to 3hp could be considered, if it was found that more power was desirable.

A slow speed motor (e.g. 1440-rpm) would be better if readily available, otherwise a larger lay shaft pulley would be required to reduce the speed of say a 3000-rpm motor to more usable rpms.

The lay shaft has a four step V-belt pulley that will drive a corresponding four step pulley on the Spindle. This arrangement would give the option of 8 speeds.

An over-centre mechanism will allow for quick belt position changes.

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There is always the option of a speed-controlled DC motor. Because the motor and mount components are separate from the lathe machine, many arrangements are possible, depending on the motor available. One could begin with a cheaper rudimentary setup, then upgrade as required.