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| Slowing an electric motor down |
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| Lykle:
Hi Guys, I am in the process of finishing a vibratory tumbler. The problem is that the 220V electric motor I have is running at 3000 rpm and I would like it to be 1500 rpm. Yes I know, I started out with the wrong motor but it was all I had. Now, how do I slow it down? It is a cheap motor from a cheap car buffer machine. It will certainly have to be a cheap solution, so I can't go the controller route. All I can think of is a big resistor, but will this work? Looking forward to your suggestions. Lykle |
| John Rudd:
Sounds like it might be a brushed motor? If it is then a simple speed controller ( like a light dimmer :zap: ) would do the job...... Else go the mechanical route using a 2:1 belt drive reduction or gear system.... Details of the motor would help though.. :coffee: |
| Lykle:
A light dimmer! Great, yes, why didn't I think of that. I think it is a brush motor, no idea. It has no specs on it at all. I have a dimmer, I will try it. Thanks you, John. |
| David Jupp:
Make sure dimmer can handle the power - most domestic dimmers are only rated for a light bulb or two - you may overload and damage it. If the motor is an induction motor (no brushes) then the dimmer (or resistor) will not work. |
| Lykle:
:update: Well, I tried it and the motor ran slow for about 30 to 40 seconds. And then it jumped back to normal speed. So it looks like the dimmer idea works, but the dimmer is too low powered, right? It is an electronic one, so I am thinking it has an overload protection and it kicks in when it speeds up to full speed again. Sounds logical, don't you think? I guess that if it is not a brushed motor, it would not slow start, right? I had a look at the motor and I don't see any screws for fixing the carbon brushes, but I still think it is a brushed motor with the brushes hidden in the cooling fan. OK, so now I will try a bigger capacity dimmer. I used a 300 watts one and I think I might have a 1000 watts one. |
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