Thread: In need of an electrician for scroll saw

Hey any Sparky's out there? I have a 1985 AMT scroll saw that I got from my brother that was new in the box. However it only has one speed WFO. The question I have is:
With these specs of the motor:
1/8 HP
60 HZ
110 Volt
2.5 Amp
1 phase
0.09 KW
4 Pole
1650 RPM

What kind of rheostat can I put on this thing to be able to get a variable speed? I would really like to slow this saw down to do more intricate cuts that are not possible with the way it runs now.
Thanks,
Bill W

Is the motor a brush type motor? Does the saw use a belt drive?

The motor is a direct drive that turns and eccentric wheel.

If the Motor were a brush type you could use a light dimmer. But your motor says four pole and direct drive. So I do not think you can change the speed.

If it's a direct drive it is most likely a brush type (more power and noisy), and could be slowed down with a rheostat, but remember when you slow a motor with a rheostat you also reduce the torque.

The safest way to test is with an incandescent light bulb in series with the main supply, the lower the wattage bulb you use, the slower the motor goes.

If it's a brush type you could use one of these. I have one and use it with a bench grinder and an ancient single-speed Dremel and it works well.

I did look around and could not find a exact picture of the saw however I did find a saw on grizzly tools that has one similar. This one does infact have a variable speed. If this motor looks like it would have brushes, then I will try the speed control that clrobert posted.

link to saw:G0536 16" Variable Speed Scroll Saw


Thanks,
Bill