Harbor Freight Electronic Router Speed Controller Review & Evaluation

[@YoutubeSupportServices]

Recognize the video's age, but still very relevant. This worked GREAT on my 20amp 14" Miter-Saw to slow it down to approximately 1450rpm from the original 3800rpm so I could run a 42, 72 or 80 tooth Ferrous-Metal cutting blade which requires less than 1500rpm. The only problem I experienced that after running for about 10-20 seconds the entire "Speed Control" began smoking and was further compromised by the proceeding flames. I did try a new one, because the previous one now identifies as Trans-Stationary Unicorn-Droppings, on a less powerful 15amp Dewalt 12" Miter Saw with drastically different results! This time a window got broke because I didn't account for my non-adjustable anger-management issues taking over prior to any flames manifesting but only after the reminiscent fragrances of the old days when I had a working 20amp miter saw that wasn't emotionally-confused by the people around pre-judging it's "usefulness" due to the obvious burnt carbon-infused scars around it's user-interface that screams it's suffering from "Post-Tramadic Fire Disorder" and can't be considered trustworthy or reliable, kicked in and saved everything except a nearby window. But at least it's little biological-miter saw brother lived through the peer pressure of a broke-arse trying to force it into a lifestyle it was not genetically accepting of.

[@woodensurfer]

It says 15 amp maximum.

[@heatshield]

Lol

[@rcpmac]

I used one of these to control 9" and 4" angle grinder sander for granite countertop fabrication. Lots of time, heavy use, wet sanding environment - I put it in a plastic bag for protection from the water. Worked really well for me. Really surprised given the low cost! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@phototristan]

Thanks for the the tip on adjusting the potentiometer. It makes it so I can use it to dim a light even dimmer than before. This unit did not work for for my air purifier to slow it however as it makes the motor buzz, but it's a good dimmer for lamps or other fans.

[@goatbees]

Thank you very much for the tip on adjusting the minimal speed set point to a slower start as I am using this unit to control a power drill to turn a honey extractor. Works perfect now! Great video!

[@CatusMaximus]

Your welcome

[@timh.2137]

I'm guessing since you posted this nine years ago you probably already figured this out but if not here you go; That speed controller works with AC/DC Universal brushed motors. The belt sander and bench drill press use brushless induction motors that's why they wouldn't work.

[@scottcarlon6318]

Great tutorial, thanks CATUS.🍸. Oh, and good point about running at a slow speed with motors. Be sure to keep an eye out for excessive heat build up. As we know when a motor starts up there is “inrush current”, so even when the motor is running at low speed there is still a lot of current, and even more with a load applied, that translates to heat. So use caution, and don’t let the smoke out. Well done video Catus.

[@CatusMaximus]

Well said, and yes indeed on tough jobs I have to use two Grinders to let one cool down

[@atubeviewer4942]

Does the Router Speed Controller adjust the voltage going out?

[@donaldharris1763]

Would it work to slow down a sewing machine to prevent foot tiredness.

[@cometcal2]

Insightful discussion on the performance of the HF router speed controller vs the variac.

[@timworopay2958]

Just after 5:00 into the video, that was classic 👌 🤣. I think u might of got some on the wall behind you...lmao! Oh s*#t, thanks for that. U had me laughing. Doesn't matter how old you are, farts are always funny!

[@chrisristau8803]

i was laughing and scrolling the comments to see if anybody else heard it 🤣😂😂

[@carterscustomrods]

Will these work for turning a router motor into a slower speed tool? (Like if I wanted to turn it into a beltless drill press, or a disc/belt sander.

[@CatusMaximus]

No way this would be for just taking a router that's twenty thousand RPM down to like 8000 which is still way to fast for drilling or sanding

[@fratermus5502]

I use one of these to reduce/adjust the power consumption of resistive appliances like hotplates, coffeemaker, crockpots.. I live offgrid and reducing/adjusting power consumption can be quite useful.

[@tylonbarnes9678]

Should I hook my Vacuum Cleaner up to this?

[@uci812]

Hello, Can you use this with a corded shop Vac to lower the suction? Is there another similar product available that can be used with a cordless vacuum? Thank you

[@robertskelton2576]

This was the info I was looking for.

[@p4our587]

Hmmm…. I had no idea that these things existed. Some new ways to think of these things… that's for sure. Thank you, for sharing!

[@ronbianca9722]

Good video! How is the torque affected by both units? Could they be held or stopped moving by holding with your hand? Stay healthy!

[@johnkordish3546]

It depends on what your using variable speed is great to have I have electric end grinders with variable speed it is similar to what he’s talking about

[@enesivilisone2623]

Hi, can I use this speed controller on a concrete mixer: 1/3 Horse power....1520 RPM.... 110V.... 60Hz? Or what would you prefer to buy for this matter? Thanks

[@danielbigelow2193]

If it is an induction motor (which I believe it is) then it won’t work. The RPMs of those motors are determined by the number of poles the motor has not by reducing the voltage. If you use this on your motor, your RPMs will stay the same but your current will increase potentially damaging the motor

[@mr.c1563]

I have an older 3/4 hp ac GE motor that runs at 3450 rpm. Would this unit work to slow the rpms?

[@CatusMaximus]

That is that is a AC induction motor and these router speed controllers are for brush type Motors in power tools. You need a variable frequency drive.

[@Toto-vt4zj]

I have a tower (floor) fan that already has a built-in 3-speed controller on the unit, but the lowest setting is still not low enough as I wanted (i.e. still a bit noisy for sleeping at night). Can I use this Harbor Freight controller to lower the speed fan even more? Or not?

[@phototristan]

Your mileage may vary. It didn't work for me, made my fan buzz louder than the built-in low speed. I think it depends on the fan.

[@anthonysteventon1518]

will this work on a bench grinder?

[@emiraystrading]

Where can we find the router speed controller described by you.thanks

[@kevinreichenbach5326]

Thanks for the info. I hadto by pass a bad motor control board on a treadmill. This worked awesome.

[@danasummers3871]

I am wanting to use a Dremel rotary for a project that I am working on. I want to have the Dremel to run at 200-500 rpms. The model 100 runs at a single speed of 35,000 rpms and does not have any internal speed switch like other Dremel models do. I was looking at the Harbor Freight router variable speed controller. I received the following message from their tech department and it reads as follows: The 100 Series runs at 35,000 RPM's. Unfortunately, we do not recommend using an outside speed control with our tools. The outer speed control will work against the inner, and cause damage to the tool. We do not have any current model tools that run below 5,000 RPM's. I was wondering what others would recommend as a power source. A hand held electric drill will not work for the application.

[@timh.2137]

4 months ago you probably figured this out but YES it should work with your dummel because they use brushed motors. Between the router speed controller and speed controller on your Drummel you should be able to get down to the RPMs you want.

[@MikeSlott]

thanks for the video! would the HF speed router be ok in controlling a 1450 watt turbo convection oven (galloping gourmet) for 20 mins at a time? its not a digital turbo oven

[@tango-bravo]

Can these be added to a vintage Dunlap 1/4HP split phase 60 cycle / 5 amp electric motor?

[@greysuit17]

How would you slow the rpm’s on a brushless DC motor without hacking it and putting a dimmer on it?

[@michaelprozonic]

you should have repeated the light bulb test after you readjusted the HF minimum output pot inside the voltage controller

[@edbreyer]

Excellent and interesting video! I'm fairly handy and have rewired homes - but am quickly out of my comfort zone if the electrical discussion gets too technical - you succeeded in demonstrating the concepts very clearly! I'm wondering if this device could work for motors with capacitors and if so would it create motor hum? BACKGROUND: The kitchen vent hood fan in the home we recently bought has a motor/fan that is controlled by a variable speed dial control at the range hood. When rotating the switch it first clicks to ON at 100% speed and the fan motor runs perfectly. But if I rotate the variable speed switch to any reduced speed the fan motor makes a vary annoying humming sound that doesn't seem to vary much at any reduced speed (and I'm not certain how much the speed is actually reducing) - but the hum goes away when turned back up to 100%. I inspected the fan motor (which has what I believe is a starting capacitor) and the bearings seem smooth/solid - so I then thought maybe the "Solid state fan speed control" switch had gone bad. Unfortunately, even though I have a electrical tester with Ohm meter - I'm not sure how to interpret the readings: The tester only responds if set to 200M and then gives a reading of about 150 - which doesn't vary no matter how I adjust the fan speed switch. To add an additional wrinkle - if it is the switch that's bad - they no longer make it and I can't find it anywhere - so I guess I'd need to find a comparable fan control switch with similar ratings or just go to an on/off switch and live with the loud fan noise at full speed (but at least no humming). I'd love to get your thoughts on the situation. Here are some specs: MOTOR: 115V 60Hz 4.3 Amps CAPACITOR mounted near fan motor reads: 5 MF 370 AC 60Hz Ronken 5000? AFC?

[@mrschnider6521]

if its a brushless moter it will have another circuit board attached. Those have a computer that tells how fast the moter spins by changing the frequency the current alternates at. It goes from AC to DC to AC. This eliminates the need for a brush and makes the motor more quiet and much more powerful. these motors do not rev up and rev down and dont spark. if its this kind of motor it wont work. inside this dial there is another potentiometer you can twist that will change teh range of the speed if the top speed is too slow or lowest speed is too fast. if you take the back off youll see a little hole in the circuil board with a slot that you can turn.

[@ddistrbd1]

Great video, I just bought a Foredom clone hanging grinder and a HF speed controller which I adjusted the start-off speed so the motor can rotate at a decent grinding speed (~35%-40% of full speed), my question is, will starting off speed of 40% eventually damage the motor? I mean opposed to starting off at zero and gradually move up to the desired speed? or will the motor be alright if I turn on/off at 40% from the speed controller? thanks. Ken.

[@wayneo7307]

Thanks Catus , Great Video ! Thanks for the Showing of the Adjustment of the Potentiometer ! I Think I May Buy One .

[@CatusMaximus]

Glad I could help

[@bobwallace4192]

I have just set one of these up and find that it doesn’t make much difference. RPMs do drop back but not significantly

[@michaeleinstein7097]

That adjustable switch from inside it is because in different country you have different frequency for example in Europe United Kingdom you have 50 Hertz and in United States you have 60 Hertz power supplier

[@curtisbolyard819]

What is the part number of the controller

[@wheelstandr]

Would this work on the Harbor Freight 6 inch bench top buffer?

[@timly496]

Hi, for your device i must active inside to it can control some tools such as rotate tools or grinder ?

[@monkeyzeetube]

Thanks for sharing...adjustment part 11:50

[@kuehnel16]

Would this work with a 1x30 belt sander

[@timh.2137]

That speed controller works with AC DC Universal brushed motors. If your belt sander is a brushless induction motor no it will not work.

[@loosh__sii]

was looking for it to use on a diy wet sharpenr for chisles and blades and such as

[@kaiminamoto]

Will this work to slow down the RPM of a bench grinder?

[@paulywally2112]

Great video! These units get mixed reviews, and you really helped explain why/when/where these units will and will not work. I was going to buy one for my soft-start router and now I know NOT to. :) I know this is outside the scope of this video, but would you be able to tell us if a variac can be used as a speed control for tools that are soft-start or have their own variable speed circuitry? Thanks!

[@CatusMaximus]

I don't think Electronics off start will work with a variac because Digital Electronics do not like to run at low voltage is it can damage them as far as simple variable speed yes it will still work even at a lower voltage off a variac but the point of the very Act is to have the tool on at full power and just use it as the control

[@gavinhodge2290]

Would it work on a 115volt AC 1 HP electric motor?

[@CatusMaximus]

It only works on brush motors, capacitor induction AC motors speed is based on frequency not voltage.

[@gavinhodge2290]

@@CatusMaximus thank you for pointing me in the right direction!

[@paanochannel8030]

What the name of circle speed adjust ?

[@carterscustomrods]

Could I use (a better version of) this on a drill press? I only have 1 arm and changing a drill press belt speed is a nightmare for me.

[@CatusMaximus]

You would likely burn up the motor running the press on a high-speed pulley and then running it slow would mean low fan Cooling and overloading motor really you need a variable frequency drive and a three phase motor

[@carterscustomrods]

@@CatusMaximus yeah.. that's what I keep discovering. They need a VFD drill press in the US that isn't $1,100+!! Lol. I just need to put some holes in things, a lot of things, at different speeds. Belt drill presses just feel so... archaic.

[@carterscustomrods]

@@CatusMaximus and btw... thanks for the lol at 5:00

[@scroungasworkshop4663]

Hi there, if you could get some one to replace the single phase motor with a three phase unit and fit a VFD then that would fix the problem for you. I have a three phase milling machine but no three phase power so I use a VFD and I set the belt in the fastest speed. The VFD allows me to infinitely adjust the speed with the turn of a knob and it was less than $100 AUD delivered. I was so impressed that I swapped the motor on my 6” belt sander to a 3 phase one, $50 second hand, and installed another VFD to give me variable speed. I’m going to do the same to my drill press next as it’s just so convenient even for us folks with two arms. I hope this helps, cheers Stuart 🇦🇺

[@Davethreshold]

EXCELLENT! Thank you!

[@tomcannon936]

I guess that would be winded for people that don't have much mind anyway thanks for your video got my problem solved and I'm a happy woodworker now

[@paedahe4975]

Speaking of wind...5:02 Loud!

[@shaungutierrez9411]

Do you think I could use one of these on a washer machine? ( I realized that this washer only has one speed (during agitation) aside from the start speed. Of course, the speed is only high...so no option for gentle. The washer is old school...no digital circuitry: mechanical timer, electrical valve, capacitor and 2 speed motor. I am wondering if this washer could run all its sequence at a lower voltage (...for the sake of its agitation cycle) and nothing damage. Would you know...thanks?)

[@CatusMaximus]

These types of variable speed controllers are not compatible with a capacitor AC Motors it will damaged them. Unfortunately you really need to be able to vary the frequency while maintaining the voltage at 120 which is not easy to do

[@shaungutierrez9411]

Makes since. Thank you! Happy New Year!

[@markashlock9017]

Good job! I’ve watched several of your vids and finally took the leap and SUBSCRIBED ; ) Quick question? Does the tool torque decrease as the speed decreases? Would assume yes,...no?

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes the power decreases dramatically so you would have to set it up to where the tool runs of the desired speed when under load

[@vishnudanraj2570]

I now found U, can the router speed controller works on a 11000 rpm angle grinder..?

[@CatusMaximus]

It can be used with an angle grinder just make sure to be aware that the fan move slower and will heat up faster

[@paanochannel8030]

Can i use this in solar pump or washing machine motor?

[@CatusMaximus]

These all the way are for brush type Motors like in power tools

[@paanochannel8030]

@@CatusMaximus tank you sir

[@stilesthissell]

Thank you so much for the information, readjust the potentiometer

[@johnatonince7679]

just a question I have a mini lathe 7X12 Chinese (sunmore) my motor is only running at full speed when I turn on the machine and put it in forward or reverse its just going full blast! I think its defected Can I just connect one of those 110v variable speed controllers to the plug for the lathe and control the speed??

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes this may actually work in that situation. Its built-in speed controller is just one of these boxes but sometimes the surface can short out and either it just won't run and the variable speed mode and then turn on the full speed or they can short out where it runs at full speed no matter what the setting is

[@threegreencharms]

I'm wondering, will this work with a dumore high speed sensitive drill press without damaging the motor? Model 16-011....The thing is a fantastically high quality tool but it only goes 0 or 1 million rpm, and is way too difficult to be practical. And I don't wanna pay the 300+ for a dumore speed control.

[@CatusMaximus]

Yeah it looks like that has a brushed motor this should work just be careful and feel the motor to make sure it doesn't overheat because it when it runs slower there's less air flow

[@threegreencharms]

@@CatusMaximus Awesome, that's so good to know! I'll definitely be careful, and give an update if anyone also needs to know how it works out. With a speed control, this tiny USA made drill press will be excellent for small accurate work. Thanks very much Catus!

[@logancoykendall7985]

5:01 big of you to say "excuse me" instead of just editing out the fart

[@toddosterhout9866]

Thanks for this video. One of your best yet!

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you

[@curtisbolyard819]

Could you please tell us the catalog number?

[@keitha.9788]

I dumped my electronic speed controller in favor of a variac some years ago. They only cost about $60 (or less) and work far better......

[@willyqueen4066]

Will it work with a very old Drummull

[@toddosterhout9866]

Willy Queen yeah it should no problem

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes

[@binaryglitch64]

Nice variac, in fact I'd say it's Superior, lol. No, seriously, I like it, I'm probably gonna get that same one. I'm still shopping but I'm leaning heavily.

[@ranacherian]

I dont think they sell this anymore.

[@rogerbane3839]

will it work on a a/c treadmill motor?

[@CatusMaximus]

These are intended for brush Motors Lykan power drills and routers they are not recommended for any type of induction motor and many treadmills use DC motors and have power controllers which this certainly will not work with

[@rogerbane3839]

@@CatusMaximus thank you thought it was the case

[@renieshakur7409]

@@CatusMaximus What can we buy for basic household electronics?

[@davidosullivan3432]

Nice one with the fart 😄😄😄😄

[@shaolinfox30]

@5:01 dude farts lmfao x 1000,000,000 hahaha.

[@dmcguire1442]

Broke a bit of wind😳

[@thomasz4981]

It was actually at 4.48 but it was hooked up to the speed controller

[@DaRkmatter5.8]

5:01 just slipped out

[@jimspc07]

I bet the discovery of that little pot inside changed your idea of the speed controller completely.

[@pjfsr7024]

could be useful for occasional use with a 4.5 inch grinder.

[@CatusMaximus]

Yes

[@Chaosfury50]

Human eyes will not perceive brightness increase linearly especially like in cases where I first read this regarding cell phone screen brightness settings with the first half being more dramatic than a true doubling of the last half wouldn't be as noticeable. So the device might be working well

[@CatusMaximus]

The device doesn't work well but the nature of the way it regulates the voltage is that it cuts off the AC waveform so once it's adjusted to beyond the peak of the AC wave the entire full amount of powers delivered it's the big difference between using a device like this and using a variable alternating current Transformer

[@willyqueen4066]

Thanks good video

[@CatusMaximus]

Thank you

[@shelby50411]

What about torque?...im pretty sure if using this to control speed the torque becomes non existent at lower speeds

[@johnatonince7679]

Ok thanks!

[@rhetoricalrobot8359]

Variac needs a belt clip...

[@cvanscho]

Lol

[@martinmarin841]

W a crp reviews

[@davidhelmuth5707]

Did you really not edit out the fart? Wow!!!

[@CatusMaximus]

It's just some creaky floor boards...

[@russelljones1060]

ya spiders barking.lol

[@robbs96]

He didnt edit it out cause hes an adult who realizes that everyone does it and there is no need or embarrassment.

[@acamiln8354]

Does not slow enough.

[@spiritburners]

These things are not worth the money, either use a VFD on a AC motor to reduce the RPM or better use pulleys, on this example it needs a VFD. Reding the speed always has trade offs by using voltage and that normally is the torque of the motor , by using this device you are with large amperage devices likely to cause it to overheat and burn out literally.

[@zamopan2098]

Bro did you fart❓️🤔🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@carterscustomrods]

Lmmfao @ 5:00 mark

[@NajRellim]

did you fart in the middle of your video?!?!?

[@CatusMaximus]

It must have been some creaky floorboards...

[@abuevalurebel]

Can I use this in my bench grinder?