Guys
I’m looking for suggestions on the best way to control the speed of an electric motor. I know, I know… I could reduce the final speed through gears / pulleys… I REALLY don’t want to go that route due to space limitations. This motor will be required to turn a very light load. Is there a quick / clean way to have variable speed control on a motor like this one?
Thanks in advance. 
I think there a switch that you can get to control the amount of amps or voltage to the motor thus controlling the speed of the motor
This was an interesting bit I found
http://www.instructables.com/community/Speed-Control-for-AC-Electric-Motors/
I’d go to Menards and get a variable control switch used for a cieling fan. Looks and works like a dimmer switch.
-J.
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I’d go to Menards and get a variable control switch used for a cieling fan. Looks and works like a dimmer switch.
-J.
Be careful, make sure that it can handle the power requirements. The motor in that link you posted was 828 watts.
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I’d go to Menards and get a variable control switch used for a cieling fan. Looks and works like a dimmer switch.
-J.
I dont think that a ceiling fan switch is recommended click on the link I pasted above got some good info for the same question
I got a call into my Dad. We use to have one with an adjustable speed for roasting pigs. I will see if he can dig it up and get you some specifics.
FDR
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I’d go to Menards and get a variable control switch used for a cieling fan. Looks and works like a dimmer switch.
-J.
Be careful, make sure that it can handle the power requirements. The motor in that link you posted was 828 watts.
I can downsize the motor, too. In all honesty I could get by with a 1/8 hp motor… or maybe even smaller. The load on the motor will be very small.
Looking for steps in speed or to have full adjustability from off to full rpm?
What are you using it for?
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Looking for steps in speed or to have full adjustability from off to full rpm?
What are you using it for?
I would prefer to have full adjustability but if I could get speed steps that went from off to slow with SUPER SLOW somewhere in between I’d be a happy guy.
I’m building a turn table for an upcoming studio shoot. We need 360 shots for a particular project we’re working on and a SLOWLY rotating turn table would be the ideal solution.
As long as I have your guy’s attention has anyone seen a place where you can buy electric motors smaller than 1/4 hp?
Go to or call Grangers and tell them what you need. They can hook you up with a rheostat or a geared down motor for the job.
For a cheap solution I think you want a Rheostat. Here’s one that can handle up to 3 amps:
PM me, I do motor control for a living (unfortunately not AC motor control) but I should be able to get you where you want to go and have a couple other options that may work for you.
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As long as I have your guy’s attention has anyone seen a place where you can buy electric motors smaller than 1/4 hp?
Axman will have these pretty cheap. I have a few on hand but they’re not AC motors.
they are called rheostats. basically they controll electrical resistance. a dimmerswitch is a rheostat.
Grainger should carry tons of these as Napa and Menards HD and lows will have them for lights.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/rheostat-info.htm
I have just the thing you need for that 
motor with 0-400rpm and a pully on the end for a v-belt.
its a ZERO-MAX
model=E2 power block
12-lbs torque
0-400 rpm
shoot me a PM if you need it
Thanks guys…. you’ve all been a huge help! 
I finally get to use my engineering knowledge on IDO. James, chucker is close but I don’t think you can get just any old variable switch. You’ll need a variable solid state switch that’s rated for 10 amps and 120 volts. Also you shouldn’t run this motor at less than 40% of its rated RPM’s or it will generate too much heat. I have a local expert I deal with, he sells all types of motors and motor controls. I can hook you up with him if you have more questions.
Can’t you just get Bk to lay under the table and spin it? 
I’m the furthest from an electrician you’ll ever find, but somewhere, sometime back I was in the exact situation. I was told in order to control a motor with a rheostat, your motor needs to be a “shaded pole” motor. Don’t ask me what it is, but that’s the info I got 
jerr
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As long as I have your guy’s attention has anyone seen a place where you can buy electric motors smaller than 1/4 hp?
James, here’s a link to a surplus place out in California I’ve dealt with. They have different sized gear motors both AC and DC, maybe they’ll have something that will work for you. I’ve had pretty good luck with these guys on all kinds of stuff including head lamps and flashlights.
Rootski
Your going to need some sort of reducer or drive train to mechanically alter RPM. It will not be safe to run that sort of motor for any period of time at the type of speeds you are looking for.
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Can’t you just get Bk to lay under the table and spin it?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that is what he was trying to replace.
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Can’t you just get Bk to lay under the table and spin it?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think that is what he was trying to replace.
Hey hey hey, you guys leave poor BK alone 
, he is inocent in this post 
James,
Why not look into an electric turntable: Turn Table
It costs $160 and is a complete setup that rotates 2-9 rpm’s, can rotate left or right, and supports 125 lbs. It also has variable speeds control and doesn’t look too bad.
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James,
Why not look into an electric turntable: Turn Table
It costs $160 and is a complete setup that rotates 2-9 rpm’s, can rotate left or right, and supports 125 lbs. It also has variable speeds control and doesn’t look too bad.
Tim
I looked on Ebay for something like that and all I found was record players. I ordered that turntable. It will be here in 3 – 5 biz days. What a huge time saver.
Actually Google gets the credit on this one. I thought that might fit the application and the price seemed good. Got to keep that valuable time open for fishing.
I don’t think you can use a regular motor as a variable speed motor. You have to have a motor that is capable of being a variable speed and I think that is what is called a “shaded pole” motor. Some one correct me if I’m wrong.
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