How To Turn Any Motor Into A Servo Motor (#075)

I turn a treadmill motor into a high powered servo motor, to add lathe functionality to my CNC machine. This video shows you how to do it.
If you want to chip in a few bucks to support these projects, please visit my Patreon page.
www.patreon.com/jeremyfieldingsr
My website www.jeremyfielding.com
Instagram jeremy_fielding?hl=en
jeremy_fielding
************************************
Notes:
Ultimate CNC project Playlist
kzbin.info/aero/PL4njCTv7IRbwDZ-iLPD2GSWrX_a8KFtU4
Wooden Lathe Series
kzbin.info/aero/PL4njCTv7IRbzJJOFyQP5qsd_uuR6zTfS7
DC speed controller/ DC power supply
kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZapYnxnbambhMU
Technical corrections
Nothing yet

[@mor8266]

Imagine taking a college course with this guy as the professor. Talk about getting your monies worth. So much learned from Mr. Fielding videos. Thank you so much.

[@someotherdude]

Well said. I'm a high school teacher who is in awe of his uncluttered easygoing approach, and I'm eating up his technical knowledge at the same time. Huge, huge help to me.

[@MrThinking4myself]

I'd pay that tuition!

[@ZackLeath]

I’m not hating at all. I love this guy’s channel. He does a great job and is insanely smart. With that being said, you can learn everything you need to know about the projects he does with an associates of applied science in industrial systems or something similar. Or even a diploma which takes less time to get. Sure you’ll need work in the field to sharpen those skills you learn but it all comes together eventually and fairly quickly if you’re willing and wanting to learn. And if you’re interested in it.

[@idiyerbill1968]

College is boring no matter who is yor teacher , the reason it's boring is because the things you are studying are not interesting to you which is not the case here on KZbin you only watch what you like what exists you of course Jeremy is super great teacher but you can find great teachers in school as well and still get bored

[@conorstewart2214]

@@idiyerbill1968 if you are getting that bored then it is probably be a use you are studying a subject you aren’t really interested in. If you are passionate you won’t get bored unless it is a bad lecturer.

[@brianchurch]

1:34 "So let's make a servo motor out of this treadmill motor ... OBVIOUSLY!" I don't know why but that made me so happy.

[@johnanthony2545]

Same here lol.

[@hgbugalou]

This is the stuff that makes me feel better about the internet spreading stupid stuff like antivax and flat earth. You are spreading high grade engineering information to the masses. Great work as always.

[@inspireonex]

Yeah. Tell em. You gotta vax it mon.

[@Madichmotorsports]

Reno Simpson you might want to refrain from watching these truly intelligent vids, your mind is too simple. Knowing WHERE to find pertinent information is a better use of your limited grey matter than wasting calories/time learning/knowing/storing information. Going to your phone/w.w.w. for information is probably the wisest choice most ppl make all day, knucklehead.

[@Jason_Family_Man]

KEEP YOUR PSEUDOSCIENCE GARBAGE OUT OF HERE ENGINEERING HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH HELIOCENTRISM THE EARTH IS FLAT AND STATIONARY VACCINES ARE POISON AND YOU SHOULD DEFINITELY NOT EAT ANIMAL PRODUCTS NOW START CRYING ABOUT CAPITAL LETTERS

[@Jason_Family_Man]

@Reno Simpson YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT IT'S AS SIMPLE AS THAT YOU CONSUME THE DNA THE FLESH THE BLOOD OF AN ANIMAL YOU HAVE A SIMULATED THAT DNA INTO YOUR DNA JUST DOESN'T HAPPEN INSTANTANEOUSLY COMIC LEE LIKE YOU WOULD THINK ON THE MOVIE WHERE YOU TURN INTO A GIANT TURKEY AS SOON AS YOU EAT A CHUNK OF TURKEY BACON 🤣😂 IT'S MORE LIKE IF YOU FEED A NATION A CONSTANT SUPPLY OF ULTRA FEMINIZED FEMALE BABY BOVINE 4 GENERATIONS YOU'D KIND OF WIND UP WITH A ULTRA FEMINIZED FEMALE BABY BULLVINE / PEOPLE HYBRID NOW LET'S LOOK AT THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A ULTRA FEMINIZED FEMALE BOVINE BABY FRIGHTENED EASILY-🤔 DIDN'T YOUR RELIGION JUST PREDICT A GIANT ASTEROID WAS GOING TO HIT THE EARTH AND NOTHING HAPPENED JUST YESTERDAY? EASY TO MANIPULATE-DID YOU KNOW THAT EVERY PICTURE OF A SATELLITE IN SPACE IS A PIECE OF ARTWORK AND CGI AND THEY TELL YOU THIS AND IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY AT IT YOU WILL REALIZE YOU'RE LOOKING AT A FUCKING CARTOON? THE FEMALES IN PARTICULAR BELIEVE STRONGLY BECAUSE THE HERD BELIEVES STRONGLY ABOUT PARTICULAR THINGS THIS IS WHY COWS HAVE A HERD MENTALITY AND NOW SO DO YOU BECAUSE YOU CONSUME THEM FLESH AND BLOOD REASON NUMBER TWO 🤣😂 ADRENOCHROME I'M HOPING THAT YOU'LL ASK ME FOR INFORMATION ON ADRENOCHROME

[@tophatv2902]

@@Jason_Family_Man Boomer begone

[@WrexShepard]

I just watched your newest vid with the cnc table saw and then this one was suggested. Man, as a recovering addict building up tools for my little apartment workshop from nothing, I’m so jealous of your shop and tools. You’re living the dream, making all this cool stuff. I hope to get there someday soon. Right now I’m still in the “search through trash to find stuff to tear apart so I can hoard the components for later use.” Phase of things.

[@sick-n-tired-patriot3922]

Who needs college. This is what I needed growing up. I'm 49 years old. Now own my own machine shop. I learned everything I know in tool and die works, own my own. rolling up my sleeves and getting dirty. I have always wanted to learn the electronics side of things to build my own machines. That is now possible. Thanks to KZbin and this good gentleman Jeremy Fielding.

[@skewedmaker]

I have only done a few projects with toy servos, so this was a fascinating lesson on the mechanics of servos at a larger scale. Thanks!

[@CCCfeinman55]

Great video! You didn’t shy away from the necessary compromises, or excuse the experimental nature of this project. This, IMO, is engineering at its best.

[@luisca92]

I'm apprenticng under my inlaw who's an electrical engineer. I love your matter of fact way of expaning things very down to earth and I'm loving seeing how much i can follow what you're saying on my own. Thank you so much for this content

[@neatmachine]

Thanks for a great video! I like how you use readily available components to employ in a wide variety of applications and explain the function of each component as well as alternative approaches. Also providing details such as wiring diagrams, component sources and warnings really help to let your subscribers duplicate what you are demonstrating. Awesome!

[@haroldbottom3474]

I worked in the electrical field for 30 years. I love watching videos from different people in the field of electricity and electronics. I don't understand why I just found your video collection...Well I just subscribed !! Keep up the good work.

[@NicholasMaietta]

Wow, I've learned far more here about electric motors and CNC stuff here than anywhere else. In one video. You are awesome. Thanks!

[@christopherrasmussen8718]

I have had a bare (cutting) plotter for years (with servo motors). Good buddy of mine sent me a servo controller, power supply and software. I have been staring at it for several years. I think during this time of 'trouble' while I hunker down I will try it. You made so much sense. Thank you. Stay safe!

[@mark-wn5ek]

I think I've stumbled onto a genius in action. No hyperbole, no bs....just useful, understandable information laid out in layman's terms and enjoyable to watch...and LEARN. Thank you very much.

[@mindsanity13]

You are just so friggen dang brilliant. I absolutely appreciate you sharing all of this knowledge and info in a way anyone can understand without being condescending or overly technical

[@EUnit111986]

@Jeremy Fielding why hasn't KZbin led me to you much sooner? I'm so glad I found you. Your material is gold ✨

[@dasibaho]

I would have loved to have you as a teacher when I was in high school 25 years ago... I really love the format of your videos. No music, no bullshit, just technical knowledge transmission. Thank man 👍🏻

[@boots7859]

Outstanding video yet again. Very few people on YT seem to be willing to actually 'Make' something vs just videoing some bits or bobs they've bought. These are the types of videos that inspire people to experiment with 'junk' and learn to do cool stuff. Keep up the good work.

[@TediumGenius]

Your new video space is working out great Jeremy! That angled ceiling works for the lighting and sound, with plenty of wall real estate for white boards and other things! This video is a great topic, thanks!!

[@dennisk5818]

This is awesome. Basement workshop engineering at it's best. Video editing with titling, is good. Easy to understand. I don't recall the specs, but I worked in a company that made DC servo motors. These had a range of applications from motion picture camera motors to the older tape drive systems. Some used optical encoders, some were just driven.

[@EdgarInventor]

Gifted guy, to an inspiring level. We need more of these...

[@JohnDavidDunlap]

So true.

[@brandocommando36]

He really knows his stuff! Learning so much Jeremy thank you!!!

[@jtsimmons3133]

Pretty cool. Haven't messed with servos since my Navy days (60 years ago). They impressed me then, they impress me now, as does your explanation. Nice vid.

[@CJforUSA]

Jeremy, I remember watching you when you were just a kid. You amazed me then and still amaze me.

[@azmike1956]

Jeremy, thanks for bringing us to a higher level in DIY projects. It makes for interesting ideas this close to Halloween & Christmas. Still have to get my shop set up the rest of the way & all of these ideas must be considered. Take care brother! 😊👍

[@mdvener]

You are one smart man. Hats off to Mr. Fielding.

[@billfield8300]

found this in my feed this morning. Great content and nice down to earth 'no BS' presentation. Keep up the great work.

[@octapc]

25 seconds in and I have already clicked "like" button.

[@Miata822]

Cool stuff. Thanks for the servo 101. I have a project down on the do-list that will require a servo. Preliminary looking left me a little confused on terminology. This really helps. Will still be several months before I get a chance to start.

[@shuvra4352]

One of the smartest engineering presentation he delivers in the KZbin.

[@ColinPittendrigh]

Thank you Mr Fielding. Jeremy. Make me smile.

[@f.k.burnham8491]

Quite interesting. I would think the windings would eventually overheat, even with cooling. I base this on frozen motors from turntables, antenna rotors, starters, and other consumer & industrial equipment I have worked on for decades. I do agree, you must have a motor designed for the job. Great video. Please keep them coming!

[@lazyh-online4839]

Heat is created by amps, if you have a given amount of airflow then it will cool regardless of motor rpm, so long as the airflow remains the same regardless. If the motor itself is providing its own airflow through a direct drive fan like most treadmill motors then applying torque to hold a position is much more likely to cause the motor to overheat than the same motor with externally driven airflow.

[@hypersmudge1]

Your channel is *THE BEST*!! So much great information. Your explanations and demos are top notch. Thank you *at least* five or six times, Jeremy.

[@jimhumphries7299]

Great info. I can see this working fairly well in some applications. Having been a machinist for 44 years I see metal chips and dust being a problem with open face motor. However if properly gaurded this could make for a cheap and easy way to go. Thanks again for the easy to understand info.

[@designandbuild3953]

You Sir, are expanding minds and changing lives!👍

[@AnthonyBriganceCook]

Thanks for all your curiosity. An inspiration for problem solvers everywhere, and another reason I believe that arts and sciences need to be further linked in our education. I see these videos as a precursor to more knowledge being shared and I hope you get as much pleasure working these projects as they bring to your viewers! Best wishes for more great tours in the future. Yaksawa robotics was great!

[@AtticusDraco]

That was the most intriguing thing I've seen on YT in a long time,, Thank You, JF! While viewing your demonstration the immediate concern I had was the heat generated by this system. As setup, prolonged use, that's gonna get hot Hotter than any stepper motor, I would suspect. In other words,, that fan has to stay somehow

[@richardumphress9131]

Do you answer questions?? Your videos are simply outstanding. Thanks

[@northwoodsliving101]

What a Godsend Jeremy Fielding is, THANK YOU JEREMY!!!

[@rodanvsandrew]

This is fantastic, great project. I'd like to see more of your CNC!

[@gus473]

👍 Treadmill motors also can be rigged as mini wind turbine generators! But your use is MUCH cooler....! Thanks for the info! 😎

[@x0rZ15t]

Just wanna say that you're AWESOME and keep up such good work!

[@vinceshanks9210]

I have the same servo drive on my retrofit milling machine. Use the servo tuning software to help dial in the position holding. This will get rid of the annoying buzzing noise. Awesome content!

[@joeycmore]

America is built on this sort of ingenuity and this man is a genius!

[@flywittzbeats4008]

This is such a wildly beautiful explanation on servos. Thank you so much for actually including all the possibilities and potential things as opposed to just “here is a servo motor for arduino’s” ….and thank you for actually explaining what it actually is better than anyone else.

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

I am so happy KZbin led me to your videos! Amazingly clear and interesting video again. Great job Mate!

[@michaeltucker8645]

I've made this control exactly same way with a different dc motor meter you suggested works great. I've made my bandsaw, drumsander, a cement/concrete mixer from old washing machine and treadmill motor, router table and table saw all worth treadmill motors. I guess it's a over sized cnc machine now. I wanted to make a water cnc with a cheap 79.99 harbor freight pressure washer over seen it done. Not this size tho. Saved me thousands thanks so much

[@stevea5407]

Hello from UK. Great video Jeramy as usual. Thanks for teaching us.

[@fredblair4307]

I'm so glad that you decided to pay attention in school your a very very smart young man

[@PetterBruland]

This was a golden suggestion from Google. Subscribed :-) Thanks!

[@TheDrumminjay]

You're a genius, good sir. I love the channel

[@captainover-tighten6729]

Jeremy, your videos are super informative, creative and well presented - thank you! I have about six channels that I have dedicated as my “go to first” zones! Top Shelf!!!! Inspirational, gets me thinking!! Keep up the great work!

[@Alacritous]

This is an excellent video. Made me aware of other options for a project I have in mind. Thanks for that.

[@johncooper7242]

wow impressive tutorial ....you certainly know your stuff and you're a natural teacher too Great video

[@steelcannibal]

Dude you're a BAMF! Only recently found your channel and I'm loving it! Wish I had you as a teacher! Keep up the great work man! ❤️

[@philthefishaddict1484]

You are a really good educator.

[@loranutritionist]

Omg I cant tell you how much I love your videos!! So exciting to watch someone with Macgyver kind of creativity like me but the knowledge I keep learning from youtubers, books and professors like you!! Thank you for being AN EXCELLENT teacher, guide, and mentor to complete strangers. I agree with a prior comment ... I would be like the old Burger King commercial where the guy got so excited that he won a Corvette that he exploded into confetti pieces! Ha ha You're awesome!!

[@richardtaylor2492]

First time watcher...I think I may love this guy.

[@quint1715]

So happy I found this guy..

[@RockDog101]

Jeremy, you have one of the coolest channels on YT!

[@mccunnj]

Love it! I have my servos did a software reset when they do not need to hold/stall.

[@lowelllogerwell5146]

This is a great start! I would add fan cooling by separate electric fan, a reset that only affect the motor and a motor or spindle lock could get this maybe 30% of the way to a DIY CNC lathe! Just add a couple of stepper motors to control cutter X and Z would get the basics covered. Thank you for this video. It has got me thinking about what to do with my treadmill motor!

[@botseyfern]

Great,,IV to look back over a couple of Ur videos,,but this is great

[@grandmasterchody]

I hate that videos like this aren't at the top of the list when searching

[@martinsteele3259]

New Fav Channel! AWESOME Content!!!

[@mikefromwa]

Super cool idea, thumbs up!

[@PoignantPirate]

Something to look for is an RJ-45 "Keystone" jack if you're looking for something more permanent than that breakout board (for an enclosure or a carriage install for example). Keystone jacks are designed to snap into a hole on wall plates, patch panels, and it's VERY easy to cut a matching hole in metal plate or wood. They're also quickly replaceable if you manage to break one. You will need a small tool called a 'punch down tool', but they are cheap (and you can actually get by with a small flat-head screwdriver in a pinch).

[@-robo-]

I wonder if he is using CAT5, and whether there is interference from the unshielded cable. Good thought on the keystone, they are very handy indeed.

[@tedhaubrich]

Wow, I had no idea that was possible. Very cool.

[@RelentlessHomesteading]

Great topic - you really have fun and intriging projects!

[@knettel1989]

Glad i came across your videos really interesting topics and great explanations.

[@arthurmorgan8966]

This guy deserves a TV show at Discovery Channel or something

[@InterdimensionalWiz]

Superb Video. Many Thanks.

[@baconsledge]

great video, Jeremy! Thank you!

[@jeffthomas2893]

I’m really enjoying your videos! I have one small recommendation: it would be very helpful if you would briefly mention the meaning of some of the acronyms you use in your videos, at least once per video, for newcomers (e.g. PLC = Programmable Logic Controller, CNC = Computerized Numerical Control, PWM = Pulse Width Modulation). Your videos are so well done, I’m thoroughly hooked!

[@ColinMcNulty]

25 years ago my very first job was a Motion Control Engineer and I worked on many projects providing the servo motors and their control, including aerodynamic robotic arms for wind tunnel testing, automated headlight testing rigs, satellite tracking TV transmission vans, X-Y plasma torch cutters, air to air missile testing rigs, tank tracked robots that would craw inside nuclear reactors for testing and maintenance, Formula 1 car testing rigs, etc etc. Unfortunately in my mid 20's I was chasing the cash so got into IT *yawn*, a decision that in many respects I regret. Videos like this take me back and make me wonder how life would have been different had I made other choices. Keep up the good work Jeremy!

[@drmkiwi]

Obviously? Beats the hell out of me! Great stuff, thank you. Cheers, David

[@nickreed1367]

i used to work at a life fitness plant years ago. Those treadmill motors alot of times are tore down and rebuilt. pretty durable motors.-Kip

[@mack3d.net_]

Thanks for sharing knowledge and ideas. Ive learned alot.

[@FreeMind5094]

Jeremy, you are awesome. thank you for sharing.

[@ManCrafting]

This gives me so many ideas. I started watching this with a headache, but couldn’t stop. I’m sending this vid to my goto geek Greg from themakerslife so he can ponder this with a clear mind.

[@darkwinter6028]

The other thing that dedicated servo motors have that many non-servo permanent magnet motors don’t is that they are designed to have low to zero “cogging” - when you turn the shaft, it doesn’t want to stick to the poles of the magnets. This results in better accuracy overall and lower power consumption when holding a position.

[@joetransue]

My thought was that gearing reduction and code that accelerates and decelerates would help. If you wanted to move a really big mass relatively precisely but not at a high duty cycle, this setup could be fantastic. I suspect it might not be ideal for the x and y on a CNC where sudden starts and stops and high accuracy/repeatability are all important. MAYBE, you could design two motors that are electronically and mechanically coupled to work together. Lots of things are possible if you have time, motivation, and willingness to discover dead ends for the sake of learning :)

[@johnrobholmes]

It depends on if the position is being held in a low or high reluctance position. A high detent force motor will have higher holding force with better efficiency in low reluctance positions, a low detent motor will have better accuracy and less vibrations in high reluctance positions. If micro stepping is not wanted or needed for accuracy (or if surfaces finishes aren't impacted) , higher detent force will actually make for a better servo motor.

[@RyanVasquez6089]

@@joetransue ideally you don't use gearbox's in a servo application. They have backlash. Most servos should be direct drive.

[@joetransue]

@@RyanVasquez6089 Right, that was why I thought of using two that "fight" each other. I realize purpose built equipment will always be better, but if you have the stuff sitting around and the cost is basically creativity and a few standard parts, then I think that is an OK time to leave the more orthodox methods for those with the budget.

[@pablopeu]

The noise is called Dithering and it happens because the encoder keeps sending adjacent readings and does not settle on a single one. Its like a ping pong match between two adjacent encoder positions.

[@CYoung-hq7zs]

Came here from your collaboration with smarter everyday. Love your channel!

[@richsjt4021]

Usually there is a common mode inductor between the switching controller and the motor. The brushes can overheat, there is usually a setting to reduce the current when in holding mode.

[@jeremyhall7951]

You inspire me.

[@JDSmith773]

Another brotha like me! I gotta step my game up so I can work with you

[@prooftest9484]

FINDING YOU MADE MY DAY THANK YOU SUBSCRIBED

[@troyfrei2962]

Great video. Keep up the great work

[@robey60]

I love your videos! Please keep them going!!

[@acidxero]

I had no idea. This changed my entire world view.

[@hassleoffa]

Fantastic job buddy.

[@monoshock57]

You have good brains.

[@280zone]

There you go again, explaining things I never thought I would understand, thank you.

[@parael8352]

Neat project. It might be good as an auxiliary axis where you can turn it on, get to a position, then shut it off. Maybe use it to roll out sheet metal for example. The limitations of course are with the heat & holding a position. It also might not be too persice between rotations (assuming the torque of a motor that size is needed & expecting repeatable accuracy). For example I wouldn't want to use it for a DIY robot axis, (Ha). It might be good for an application that just goes back & fourth. Great use of the encoder to achieve a certain angle. The size of the motor would have the umph to go back the other direction, yet not causing the strain of holding a stopped position. Thanks for the brainstorm & asking us the audience to chime in!

[@CheapCheerful]

Great content! Thank you, from Australia.

[@TheBrick2]

I think the DC servos we use at work are multi phase DC, so I think this gives them greater control and precision.... But they are thousands! We further improve things by using gearboxes (very precise practically zero backlash) of the order 30:1 ish ( I forget exact ratio). Good hack, love the philosophy.

[@ncooty]

Just found your channel. Really enjoying your videos.

[@johnrobholmes]

Right up my alley, great project!

[@lordjamescbeeson8579]

You are very inspiring and its fascinating to see what you will do next. I want to convert my car to electric.

[@lancelvanderhaven]

I like it. just found your channel.

[@PelDaddy]

Thanks for sharing. Very interesting and well explained.

[@mrprimenumbers6448]

thank you. gave me some ideas to play with.