Thread: Variable speed motor question

At the moment we are having local verge collection so lots of washers and dryers to pull motors out of. So I now have a few motors and the ones from the washing machines are brushed variable speed motors. The problem is the are variable from 300 to 14000 rpm. I really don't want to use it at a constant 14000 rpm and have multiple drives with pulleys to get the right speeds. So how best to control the rpm electrically. It is a 1 phase motor on 240v at 50hz. Any suggestions would be welcomed. The cheaper and simpler the better. Cheers

You can get simple speed controls for power tools, routers and such at tools shops. They are not the best but you were looking for cheap and simple.

I wish that was the case. I've asked and no one has ever heard of them in tool shops. Another case of common in America and impossible to find here. If just a switch I may be able to source or scavenge from somewhere.

You could try something like this Mate, me leaky brother at work reckons this would work as a variable speed for a 1 phase motor
As mentioned not the best but definately doable
Hope this link works for you


AC 220V 1500W Power 2 Wired Connect Variable Speed Motor Controller Switch White | eBay

AC 220V 1500W Power 2 Wired Connect Variable Speed Motor Controller Switch White | eBay

don't think the link was working
so try this 1
cheers
D

Cheers. This verifys that all I need was a variable switch. Have had a look and that one starts at 50v but found others that start a 0 or 10v so may get one of them. Might try a couple local electrical suppliers now I know what I'm looking for as I don't like waiting 1month for stuff from China. Cheers for the help guy's.

What are you trying to build with the motor Eddy?

FAL I am getting stuff together for a buffer. I have 2 capacitor motors both with a spindle out each side. 1 is 1400rpm the other 2200rpm. I have 2 others that are variable speed brushed motors but these only have 1 spindle. Will use 1 for a buffer and the other maybe with a sanding disc or make a belt sander. Since the motors cost nothing and are regularly available might get more for future use.

Ed the switch needs to be rated to the motor size also
The switch I linked is a direct inline controller for 240v 1500w
My inderstanding from talking the the leckys is that the 0-10v switches are more what I need to remote control my VFD as they only run the VFD control with very low volts & amps
Not the actual motor power supply
Cheers
D

Dion the ones I looked at were 4000w 240v with switch and a little circuit board with heat sink etc. After a little research seems that others have used them or tell how to make them for similar projects using similar motors.
4000W AC 220V SCR Electronic Volt Regulator Speed Controller Motor Governor | eBay
4000W 220V SCR Voltage Regulator Motor Speed Controller Dimming Thermostat KK | eBay

PS- 0-10 volts is the lowest the switch goes as some the lowest is 50v although they go up to 240v