So the current setup won't work? If I were to to use pin 3 would the pot remain connected to pin 3 as well? And what about 7 does anything connect to it?

 

Well that would mean I need to get into Ll the other parts u mentioned, like triacs and whatnot. I understand the basic theory of operation of the parts I'm using now and have all the parts already, but if all this fails miserably, I will definitely try ur suggestion

 

yes you can leave the pot on pin 3, and drive the mosfet from pin 3 also,
i think you connected the fet up wrong so it blew up your 555 chip,

you said you already have the bridge, from the treadmill, i bet there is a Triac as well,
the circuit i posted works for any induction motor AC or DC,120/230V.

 

same as the fet, in a TO220 package, take pics of the pcb.

 

nvm i found it, but on ur diagram dont i need 2 of them? i only see one on the the board

 

nvm?? take pics of the motor pcb, so i can see whats there, only one triac needed.

 

Not usual to see a Triac on a T.M. board, they are usually either SCR's as part of the bridge ( 2 SCR's & 2 Rectifiers) or Mosfets for PWM type.
DC brushed motor.
Max.

 

Nvm means never mind lol it's an S4025R

 

thats useless, too blurred, looks like there's something....

 

Doesn't appear to be a power board, but a signal board?
There appears to be relay outputs to the elevate motor or?
Max.

 

new pics with camcorder cant find camera

 

I already took most of the big stuff off, bunch of LEDs couple of IRFP250 sum capacitors and resistors

 

That is a SCR the IRFP250 are mosfets of course.
Looks like there was bridge, where the scorch marks are.!
Max.

 

scr, opto coupler U1, and three 12V relays ...

 

lol yea the bridge connectors got stuck on the board when I tried to take it off and I left the iron on it for a bit to long, in the end I just ripped it off

 

yep that's all there was

 

well im gunna try the 555 once again later today and see how it goes

 

sigh, this time the 555 did not blow, but instead the IRF540 did, I made sure everything was connected as you guys posted, left pin is gate, connected to 7, middle to motor, and right to ground, as I connected the power cord, there was a little arc in the wall outlet, then a second or 2 later the IRF540 blew in to 2 pieces with a puff of smoke. ill keep the 555 for something else but I think im going to try dave's method. any suggestion of specific parts?

 

i take it your using a 12 v dc motor when the fet blew up, and not the 120V one??

The best solution is to buy a ready made light dimmer, and use a 35amp bridge reccy.

 

no it was on the 120v, and I just tried the circuit with a 12v motor and it seems the 555 died as well. not a good day