This controller is good for like 1500-2000 watts
http://www.harborfreight.com/router-speed-control-43060.html
I have hooked it up to two old motors (1/4hp and 1/2hp) and they run well when the dial is in the upper part of the middle section but makes a strange sound (like a switching polarity slower maybe??) at anything lower and even goes into a full stall in the low setting and just entering the medium section of the dial - the sound the motor makes is kind of like the hum of a flourescent or neon ballast. IDK if this is because the type of motor that I'm using (these are probably 40+ year old, heavy - 20-30lbs) or if this is what is to be expected.
I have a rotozip that has a speed adjustment from 10,000 - 35,000 rpm (Dremel tool 5,000 - 35,000 rpm as well) and they both have what seems to be a potentiometer but the motor doesn't sound as different when it goes to the low speeds like the router speed controller.
Another question is if the motor draws 4.5A @ 120v and I use the controller to slow it by 50%, does it still draw the same amount of energy and disippate as heat, or does it reduce power intake? This is really important as I don't want it melting or catching fire if left on for 24 hours.
http://www.harborfreight.com/router-speed-control-43060.html
I have hooked it up to two old motors (1/4hp and 1/2hp) and they run well when the dial is in the upper part of the middle section but makes a strange sound (like a switching polarity slower maybe??) at anything lower and even goes into a full stall in the low setting and just entering the medium section of the dial - the sound the motor makes is kind of like the hum of a flourescent or neon ballast. IDK if this is because the type of motor that I'm using (these are probably 40+ year old, heavy - 20-30lbs) or if this is what is to be expected.
I have a rotozip that has a speed adjustment from 10,000 - 35,000 rpm (Dremel tool 5,000 - 35,000 rpm as well) and they both have what seems to be a potentiometer but the motor doesn't sound as different when it goes to the low speeds like the router speed controller.
Another question is if the motor draws 4.5A @ 120v and I use the controller to slow it by 50%, does it still draw the same amount of energy and disippate as heat, or does it reduce power intake? This is really important as I don't want it melting or catching fire if left on for 24 hours.