[JMcDonald]

I know very little about electronics. I am thinking about building my own spindle / head, rather than an adapted one from a drill press, for my mill. I found this motor, and liked it because it seemed like it would be easy to utilize:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=42150

I was thinking of using stepped pulleys (possibly from that same drill press head) to attach to a spindle that I will make, so I could have a pretty reasonable range of speed (3 digits to ~3000 RPM), regardless of the lack of fineness in the adjustment range.

However, I now wonder if this speed controller would work on the above-mentioned motor to control the speed? Then I would probably just gear it so the spindle did 3000-3500 at full speed, and use the controller to slow it down to however fast I needed it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/120V-15-Amp-Vari...QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks!

[project5k]

a couple of things to look at that kinda jumped out at me..

first, i think that motor will not like to be varied in its speed, it probably has a speed sensing mech in it that controlls the start cap, and slowing it down may cause issues..

secondly, that speed controller is just like what harbor freight sells as a router speed controll. i have a couple of these and for things like fans and non power critical applications there ok, but for something where the load will be changing while your drive or controll setting stays the same, i think you will find that your motor will lack much real power when you turn it down...

just a couple thoughts...

[Al_The_Man]

No, they are incompatible, the motor is a 1ph capacitor start motor, and the controllers is for brushed universal AC/DC motors, such as router & power tool motors.
There is not a very successfull controllers for this type of motor.
Look for either a DC motor (surplus centre) higher end treadmill type and a DC SCR style Baldor or KB controller.
Or obtain a 3 phase 220v motor and run a VFD from 240 single phase (1 phase in- 3phase out).
Al.

[JMcDonald]

Oooh ok. Well then, if I cant do it very simply or cheaply, I will probably just go for a belt drive with stepped pullies.

[project5k]

you might be able to get away with something like a handheld trim router with that controller.. just an afterthought...

[JMcDonald]

I thought about that also. If i did that, would I still have full torque at low speeds?

For variable speed A/C motors, the speed is changed by adjusting the Frequency, but leaving the current constant, right? That is why AC motors usually have a fixed speed (because house current is 60 cycles)?

If I could do that without losing torque, then I would do that.

*edit*

Something like this?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=37793

*edit*

The only thing I like about doing it like that vs using stepped pullies on a fixed-RPM motor, is that I would have no way of knowing the exact RPM. Or, does it not matter, as long as you dont have the problems associated with too high / too low RPM (bit getting stuck, or getting too hot)? Is it something that is pretty easy to get a feel for, so it could be set at roughly the same speeds each time?

[hoss2006]

As all the man said, a DC treadmill motor and controller is an option.
Surplus Center has this controller for $30 and a nice 2.5 HP 130 VDC 6750 RPM motor for $22
I used the controller on my x2.

[JMcDonald]

Thanks! Where could I get that potentiometer for that controller? And is that all I would need? How difficult would that system be to wire up?

[hoss2006]

I have the link to the LMS potentiometer on my site with a couple wiring diagrams.
the controller also ships with it's own wiring diagram to show how to hook up the motor.
Pretty simple, (2) connectors for AC in, (2) connectors for DC out to motor and
(3) connectors for the potentiometer.
Hoss
p.s. you'll need a separate switch for power on/off to the controller board.
the potentiometer has a 2 pole switch built in but it's a normally closed switch that's for the x2 board electronics only. works the opposite. if you turn the knob on
to speed up the motor, the switch would actually cut the power
i'll look thru my pics to find one that shows where each wire from the pot goes on the board.

[JMcDonald]

Thanks a million, Hoss (and gang!).

So, I need to order that 2.5HP (mmmm!) motor, the motor controller, and the potentiometer? What kind of switch do I need?

[hoss2006]

As long as you're ordering the pot at LMS,
you could get the E-stop switch too.
And if you want to get fancy, get the control box as well.
Both switches fit in it.
Or you could forget everything and get this all together. A bit more cash though.
Hoss

[project5k]

could one use a relay to reverse the action on that switch so to be able to use it to its fullest and simplest potential?

oh i just went and looked at the motor and controller, hmmm oh the things i could get into trouble with if i had that setup...

[JMcDonald]

Today I bought most of the stuff Ill need for my mill. Bought the building materials, slides / rails, and the motor and supporting electronics. I also bought some stuff to make my spindle, so we'll see how that goes.