Review: Harbor Freight Router Speed Control, does it work?

[@waynep343]

works with BRUSH TYPE universal motors.. not induction motors like is found in the belt sander or drill press..

[@sonicdewd]

Hand-held belt sanders are always brush type. I'm assuming you're talking about the pedestal units. Anyhow, probably not much of a need for speed variation on a handheld, as it is a rather slow machine to begin with.

[@guitarman_3693]

@@tiffanyfrank3654 if it has the "bumps" on the motor sides, that house either/or start and run capasitors , it is probably an induction motor.... most benchtop & stationary tools , even washing machine motors are universal induction motors . handheld tools such as ; drills, grinders , sanders, routers are mostly "brushed" motors. .

[@solutionsforabrightfuture3579]

ac drill motor brush type?

[@fromthebackofmymind]

​@@solutionsforabrightfuture3579Dewalt has replaceable brushes like his drill and angle grinder.

[@SimpleEnough2k9]

The fact that some tools are working with that speed control and some others aren't, might be related to the motor type. For instance, your router and grinder may have brushes, whereas the two other tools are actually using induction motors. Just a guess.

[@barneycarparts]

yep Thats what I'm thinking too Works great on brushed motors.

[@FriaGram]

Vari-Speed makes really good speed controls. They come with massive heat sinks and are actually rated for continuous use under high loads. You can adjust the minimum RPM as well, so that the entire dial will span your desired settings.

[@mrschnider6521]

i just took the back off and found the thing that you can turn to change the minimum speed. Thank god they had that because its way to fast, i wonder if anyone else will figure it out it was not labeled and it doesnt look like something that can be adjusted with a screw driver.

[@electriciandallastx9182]

Thanks for the suggestions you have contributed here.

[@thatdude8247]

Any tool that works, is a good tool! doesn't matter if it's old and outdated if it works good it just as good as any other in my humble opinion

[@sonicdewd]

One of the best tool uses for this - detail work with an angle grinder or other *brushed* motor where almost no load is put on the tool - you just need it to spin at a slower rate. As long as there is some reasonable motor turning during this type of use, the motors will run as cool as a cucumber, and the tool won't feel like it's trying to get away from you because of full-blast speeds. (This variable controller is a waveform truncation device, which means on slower settings, the motor is only fed wave spikes and zero voltage on the remaining portion part of the 60 cycle wavelength, hence the ability to keep non or lightly-loaded motors cool because they "coast" through the zero voltage part of the cycle. Because the belt sander is mechanically always loaded with lots of friction for the motor to overcome, the motor never has the benefit of "coasting". Not recommended on belt sanders as stated!) DON'T USE THIS ON BRUSHLESS SQUIRREL CAGE MOTORS!! Principally they need the whole waveform at the correct voltage - always. Back EMF because of motor inductance not matched to the correct voltage will heat it hotter than a two-dollar pistol in short order. As stated elsewhere, use a vector drive instead (expensive) for these kinds of motors.

[@jonnelson9760]

What about using a one phase of a three phase ( input 120 ) to control a single phase induction motor? Will that burn up the motor as if the power company reduced the voltage?

[@sonicdewd]

@@jonnelson9760 The motor only sees what is coming to it - a 120 volt sine wave. This will run a motor fine, but the imbalance that is caused by only using one leg of the three phases for a *large* motor might be picked up by the electric company. I'm not sure what they would think about that. Someone here might know. I do know that it would raise hell with something called a rotary phase converter or a static converter (both make three phases from one phase service) .(This is slightly different from trying to balance a one-phase utility transformer by putting 1/2 of the 110 service for a house to center tap to 1/2 of the house and the other half to the other half of the house to balance the transformer, but not entirely different, since in general transformers don't like imbalances.) In summary, I think you'll be ok with a regularly-sized 120v motor seeing 120v.

[@jonnelson9760]

Paul Blanchard I brought this up because I have seen this on other videos. I was thinking about it for my lathe. Would the motor care if the frequency changes but the same voltage? It would be bad to use less than 120 VAC at 60Hz to control the speed or is frequency better?

[@sonicdewd]

@@jonnelson9760 The motor was wound for 120v which means the motor windings possess certain inductance characteristics but only the correct ones at 120v and 60hz (or whatever phase frequency). Of course inductance values matter because the motor has a start and run winding which uses different gauge wires so the inductance (therefore the phase shift) is perfect to start and run that motor. You should search for 1-phase VFD 120v - what you want is indeed frequency changes. If the motor has a capacitor, you take that out and wire the motor according to the instructions. The motor's needs are figured out by the electronics. These are getting cheaper and cheaper. Probably worth every penny since lathe speed control is very important, and to be able to do that on-the-fly guarantees uninterrupted workflow. For example, as a shaft diameter is being reduced, you might elect to speed up the lathe, since you will be able to maintain cutter-to-work surface speed as the diameter decreases. In some cases, this might be important.

[@sonicdewd]

If you didn't want to go that route, you can set up a variable belt drive. Those are made for stationary applications such as a lathe. Not sure at this point which would be better, more inexpensive, etc. Anyhow, you probably know most if not all of this - I'm talking generally to others who might be reading too.

[@RibbedGiraffe]

I use mine as a blower control for my oil burning home foundry.. Works like a champ.

[@RickRabjohn]

+RibbedGiraffe 1 That is a great idea - I use a simple hair dryer and perhaps that could work to control the airflow

[@DaveNorthWest]

That's an awesome video. I appreciate how you don't want to burn the motors testing that thing out. It just seems like a resourceful approach.

[@dougbish1728]

Tip for you, tools that have one or two large "bumps" that come off the motor are capacitor start motors, you WILL mess those motors up and possibly start a fire. Those bumps are the capacitors.

[@danielescobar7618]

And release a terrible smell and the magic smoke. The magic smoke makes it work. You can't put it back no matter how much you tried to breathe it in and blow it back into it. I tried. I can't do math anymore

[@fredsanford336]

Are they flux capacitors? How many jiggawatts are them sumbich es using?

[@100nortonfan]

This speed control is intended for "üniversal" or series wound electric motors. NOT for indusction motors! The reason it does not work on the drill press is because one can clearly see it is an induction type motor -- the centrifugal switch which disconnets the start winding is clearly seen cycling on and off at the lower speed. Don't use this speed control on anything but a series wound or universal type motors!

[@ap0lmc]

100nortonfan will it work for a 1x30 sander from harbor freight?

[@Limicola1]

It won't work on my Delta 1x30 but it works on my hand drill.

[@chucknyholm8565]

100nortonfan bb

[@WV591]

the reason it's calle Router Speed Control is because almost all routers have speed control so it doesn't damage the motor if you slow it down.whereas if you slow down table saw,band saw, chop saw motor or any tool without internal speed control, you could burn the motor even though it will work.

[@Rusiputki]

I made one by going to the electric store and using our account to buy cable, plugs and dimmer light switch. Hooked it up and it didn't achieve what I wanted with my drill, which was very slow speed. I can do that by simply using the trigger, but I got tired holding the drill with one hand. If I try to control the voltage with the dimmer, the drill bogs down like your sander and needs full power to get it spinning again. There was also lack of torque compared to when I use the button. I can't understand the engineering behind it but i guess slowing down voltage is not the same as the button on the drill. p.s Yes my drill has the 1-9 circle too but even at 1 its still not slow enough. I hate using it with 1 hand while pressing the button with the other getting tired after drilling 5-7 holes in a roll

[@fromthebackofmymind]

Brushed motors running above 5,000rpm seem to tolerate this speed reducer. I was planning on using it for my crappy Rockwell Blade Runner saw. After seeing it operate, I will pass on buying this controller.

[@BTC_DNA]

Great set of live tests! Thanks, buddy!

[@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

[@jeremybalkwill593]

Damn I was really hoping it would work on that belt sander

[@tango-bravo]

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

[@MrThunderbolt3]

Im not an electrician but I have found that the speed motor controllers are bad for capacitor assisted motors and work great for brushed hi torque motors.it does not work on motors with variable speed dials but if the dial has a full power setting it may work if you leave the tools dial on full

[@gregorym9591]

If you are using a motor with a built in speed controller , why would you use another speed controller? Isn't that redundant?

[@FusionDeveloper]

If you have a dremel and want it to spin faster, for doing ultra tiny edge rounding and polishing/buffing tiny things. My variable speed is way too fast for doing this and makes a lot of noise, Mainly I want something that is quieter. That is why you would want another speed controller, to reduce the speed further.

[@paulsmith9868]

@@gregorym9591 If you are using it for a table mounted router you don't have to reach under the table to adjust the speed.

[@sjeverett75]

1. Its a glorified dimmer switch(potentiometer) 2. It says router specifically because some router bits need to be run slower than full speed for safety reasons. If you dont have variable speed on the router, you can use this.

[@mrschnider6521]

inside the switch there is a second potentiometer that can be adjusted to make it go faster or slower. i was trying to modify mine because the slowest speed was way to fast and i found it.

[@miroslavploscar9824]

​@@mrschnider6521😂😂

[@mrschnider6521]

inside the switch there is a second potentiometer that can be adjusted with a small slotted screw driver to make it go faster or slower. i was trying to modify mine and was going to solder in a higher value resister because the slowest speed was way to fast and i found it.

[@rolfredford]

Nice! That gives me a way to slow down my grinder from 27000 rpm for my cnc router.

[@MantisRay861]

I'm glad you showed this! I'm trying to get speed control on my bandsaw to use it for metal. You may have just saved me some headache!

[@algorel4763]

MantisRay861 Did it work on your band saw? I have a Delta with a one HP motor, think it would work?

[@johnsmith4630]

Probably the bandsaw has an induction moror and this will NOT work! HF sells a decent floor stand metal band saw for like $200 that apparently is worth every penny

[@guitarman_3693]

your bandsaw is probably belt driven & most likely has an AC , universal , induction motor , if you use the HF speed controler it will slow the motir speed by lowering the voltage , but in doing so it will also lower the torque . so it wont have any power. AND... it will cause the motor to overheat , damaging the motor & possibly catching fire... the only was to slow an AC induction motor is to change pulley or gear ratio .... or by modifying the windings inside the motor, which is impratical , unless its your only option, and it would cost more than a nice floor model powermatic.... also be careful not to underdrive your bandsaw motor too much or it will damage it.. im trying to help you , b/c ive been studing this exact thing.... so... trust me or troll me, its your choice.... good luck !!!!

[@lancemillward1912]

@@guitarman_3693 I'm interested in the idea of a different belt or pulley to control the speed of a bandsaw. That sounds doable.

[@Holiday48000]

The Harbor Freight speed controller will only work correctly on series wound brushed motors not on induction motors.

[@davidsaltz5708]

Will it work ok on craftsman shop vacuum 2.5 gal.

[@BradsWorkbench]

Only for single speed brushed universal motors. Just like it says on the box

[@b.b.finsclara3589]

Very helpful advice. Now i just have to figure out the HP, the volts, watts.......and such so i don't burn the motor.....or worse. Trial & error haha! Thanks for the help.

[@intelligenceservices]

i think the drill press motor has a centrifugal switch that shuts itself down in case of a stall, so in a way it might have kind of been working, since it's a single phase motor, but no telling what sort of risks are involved. maybe the wattage rating of the speed controller needs to match or exceed the motor.

[@stinkycheese804]

No, it's instead an induction motor that is unsuitable. Further, it is very hard to stall those so unlikely to be put into a design on a budget grade drill press, considering the loose belts would just slip long before then, and eventually the thermal fuse would trip.

[@soundmapper]

I'm told these have an internal adjustment. I'm hunting for a video showing it before I open mine up.

[@atubeviewer4942]

Can you put a multimeter in the outlet and tell me if you're adjusting the voltage with that?

[@crazyDIYguy]

I've been using old dimmer switches for lighting/ceiling fans, those round ones. Allegedly they can handle "15amps" some anyway. Work fairy well, I splice them into short cheap extension cords occasionally. Nothing has lit on fire yet...😄😄😄 Wrong about the amp rating (5 amps) not 15

[@ihoppoet]

it's a dimmer switch, I use this with high watt film making lights and it works well.

[@stinkycheese804]

No, it is not a dimmer switch. A dimmer switch operates with a similar principle and most of the same components, but a dimmer switch has no need for any mitigation or adjustment for EMF from an inductive load. In other words, you can't just assume that some other dimmer switch would take the place of this, unless it is rated for motor use, because it is not a dimmer switch. That your lights happen to work, are largely due to other factors whether it be a purely resistive load or active LED driver electronics that sense various dimming conditions by design.

[@Kungfupanda839]

Most dimmer switch can't handle above 500w

[@arnoldfishman1513]

I bought one from Amazon designated as fan controller. worked great for 3 or 4 times used. moved it to a new location and it worked full speed but failed to provide any further reduction. Based on feedback from various sources, sounds like this thing is not built well and may have a very limited lifttime

[@keithblume5159]

I think the router base looks great. Maybe some sorbithane for the vibration/noise

[@keitha.9788]

Plug the Harbor Freight controller into a circuit tester. With the switch in "OFF" position, circuit tester shows "Open Neutral". Clearly the Harbor Freight Controller is not switching off on the Hot Lead, but Neutral....

[@scottydntno]

What about a step-lathe....like a cheapy Harbor Freight or Rikon. Where you have to change the belt positions.

[@Hapfletcher]

I have used one on a chop saw, bench grinder/ buffer, and a 4" angle grinder with wire wheels on it...seems to work ok..

[@jchinderle]

well you could check the rpm with an rpm gauge... harbor freight has a digital tachometer for $40

[@BradsWorkbench]

jchinderle bingo

[@stinkycheese804]

Yes but it's not all that useful to know because at the reduced power, the tool will progressively bog down more and more under load, so the final RPM is going to vary greatly.

[@cheek1m0nkey]

@@stinkycheese804 Yup. Just to add on, with these devices, torque is reduced significantly with speed, unlike DC motors or 3 phase induction motors that use VFDs.

[@johnstevens1192]

Awesome. Do tbese work with something.like a beekeepers electric hot knife for uncapping honeycomb as in can it regulate temp accurately?

[@shelby50411]

How is the torque at low rpm?.. ive heard the torque is basically nothing at low rpm

[@UnsanctionedFabrication]

Correct, it really won’t work for low rpm!

[@kapilvijay9141]

Can I use this for sewing machine motor?

[@stinkycheese804]

No, you need real-time complete instantaneous on-off-rate control like you would have with a proper sewing machine foot controller. Speed is not used the same way when sewing, is a very dynamic thing during sewing.

[@AlmightyEye]

Can this be used with a split capacitor induction motor? 🤔

[@rajkumaretwaru7342]

What's the price for one of these thing, I wish to purchase one

[@chrislewis9357]

The sander and the drill press are induction engine or induction motors they're not brushed motors

[@karenfrye4546]

Will this work with a 1/4 HP ac motor, without overheating?

[@UnsanctionedFabrication]

Unfortunately, it will not. It’s meant for handheld power tools.

[@MrAbdullhali]

This will lower the voltage So you will lower the torque Beter use VFD

[@cheek1m0nkey]

Yes, but really only for 3 phase AC induction motors. 99.9% of the common motors found in home and in garages (where 3 phase power is not generally available) are single phase AC induction, so you wouldn't want to do that. Jeremy Fielding has a good video that explains some of the issues you might have if attempt to use a vfd with single phase -- assuming that you can even find a vfd for single phase.

[@portugeeprepper6821]

Would it work on a 1hp lath motor, or just a 1hp motor turning a 2" drive pulley. Thanks

[@stinkycheese804]

Probably an inductive motor, so probably not.

[@JolicoeurAbear]

does this work by lowering and raising the AC voltage? if so, this could work like a variac for testing guitar amps.

[@jeffreycollins7297]

Tube guitar amps have very high voltage. Do yourself a favor and buy a real variac for that kind of thing.

[@Tom-xy7mx]

That thing scares the hell outa me. Im all for making tools and whatnot, hell even the majority of my shop is made from diy tools and such but that router is going at a ridiculous rpm. Even my dewalt doesn't go that crazy fast.

[@robertmunguia250]

Could this be used to control a belt sander say 1 by 30?

[@debeshroy8328]

sir I have 1000w 50hz 220v 12000rpm brushed motor marble cutter machine , just I need slow speed so I have purchase from Amazon tiny adjustable speed controller 2000w ac 220v please guide me it will work or not if possible suggest any controller thank you

[@MrPhenomenon1]

i need to slow down my polisher,this vid was a great help.many thanks!

[@PRENTERII]

How many watts can it take? Can it be used as a dimmer for lights?

[@ariell4416]

This ROUTER can make low and high temperature hot dryers.?

[@grainster]

Hi, Interesting vid mate! any suggestions for a speed controller on a reciprocating saw?

[@micstica]

I doubt it but if these things would work on a bandsaw and compound mitre saw would br GREAT since each could be used for metal cutting. Just a blade change.

[@Firekid144]

Can it be used in a small commercial sewing machine? Mine is Consew CP-206R . I am crazy trying to figure out how to reduce the speed without needed to change motor or gears on it. Thank you.

[@ericashworth6468]

I would try a speed control foot pedal from Foredom. I use mine everyday for the SR series high speed motor I power carve with and it goes from zero to full and all rpms in between just by how hard you press the pedal...it connects in line with your power cable...I bet it would work, but I am just an artist so look into it and use your judgment

[@BonafideToolJunkie]

Had mine for years. Your motor will let you know by the sound if its going to work or not.

[@banjo8537]

good job Boss! An honest review!

[@TravisByrum]

Speed Control for all kind of electric motors as " Shaded Pole', permanent split capacitor motor (PSC) , and Brushed Motor as universal motor, but Not for Single-phase AC Motor, and capacitor start AC Motor... because on rotor has switch for starting then run that's why

[@Munzer1977]

How many watts can it handle ?

[@chadjones1266]

Thanks

[@YknotLearnall]

You didn't open it up and see what's inside. More importantly you didn't put it on a osiliscope to see whether or not you're getting a full cycle or half cycle pulse. Which it seems others like it are only half cycle and pulse, which will burn out your tools. Which means it's not a true speed controller. You could easily test it without an osiliscope by hooking it up to an incandescent bulb and see if it pulses at a low setting. And if it does.. it's garbage! Just plugging it up a bunch of tools doesn't mean squat.

[@kuehnel16]

Would this work for 1x30 belt sander

[@UnsanctionedFabrication]

Sorry but it won’t.

[@helen8287]

Will this work on a Juki sewing machine?

[@spicytuna13]

Do you think this would work on a Miter Saw? I wouldnt mind using this on a miter saw with a metal cutting blade.

[@spicytuna13]

My question has been answered. I guess it technically works but not functional. I was hoping it would work so I wouldnt have to spend $300 on a dry cut saw. Thanks Josh

[@deanacademicaffairs5809]

can i control angle grinder speed without heat

[@Crustyswede1]

I have a 90v dc 1 1/4 hp brushed wood lathe motor single phase. Do think it would work on that?

[@BradsWorkbench]

Crustyswede1 yes would

[@bartfoster1311]

I don't think this switch would slow down a big router enough for a big panel cutting bit. Anyone have experience with slowing down the old big green Hitachi routers?

[@kaiminamoto]

Will this work on a bench grinder?

[@johnhalchishick7094]

I need to slow down my new 6.5 hp shop vac .To strong and loud at times

[@Coopdeville0624]

Have you tried this on a 9 inch bandsaw?

[@suckyid]

would that work on a bench grinder

[@aldindzekic3787]

Would it work on a treadmill motor

[@stinkycheese804]

No. Walk faster, except they always have speed controllers already.

[@cheek1m0nkey]

Nope. Regards of whether you mean you took the treadmill motor out and are using it in other applications, to plug your treadmill, which already has a speed controller, into the HF device, it won't work. If the former, the treadmill motor is almost always (can't say 100% because you never know) a DC motor. If the latter, it wouldn't make any sense to override the built-in speed controller.

[@bradforde350]

No need to complain. The box clearly says ROUTER CONTROL. It doesn't say multi tool controller

[@pcc1471]

Wow, thanks for the quick reply. I really appreciate it. Basically I'm trying to minimise the number of power tools I have because of space and transport issues. So I am trying to find a way to control the rpm on a bench grinder so I can use it as a disk sander as well.

[@guitarman_3693]

change pulleys..

[@facesmasher4216]

very simple, i think that switch device does gets the name router bc it works like an internet router. it routes its power at different intervals of speed set ups.

[@DustinHillegass-ib2ew]

No

[@nathenwallis5664]

I wonder how it would work on the Harbor freight 1x30 belt sander

[@frankmora8336]

read all the reply's above and you will find your answer

[@pedropichardi2567]

Hi Joshua, could you please inform me where you bought that device?

[@stinkycheese804]

Harbor Freight in USA.

[@I-Told-U-So]

Would like to get one.This is coolest and the safest way not try to connect any wiring. But can this handle like a food blender, hand drill or a floor fan?

[@carpespasm]

To answer that question it's best to know a little about what kind of motor you're dealing with and what sort of speed controller you're trying to match it up with. Single or three phase AC induction motors, AC permanent magnet motors, DC permanent magnet motors, and universal motors are all best controlled by different speed controls. Jeremy Fielding has a bunch of great videos on this sort of thing! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d4TcqIl4ipWNrac

[@CentralPaRcFlying]

Will NOT work on induction motors. Induction motors require a VFD to alter the frequency, not voltage. A home dimmer switch for lights can do the same thing for a Brushed DC motor as long as the amps do not exceed the units

[@BK33REVIEWS]

I wonder if this would work too slow my bandsaw down so I. can cut metal ???

[@msms-rl6zf]

Need slower speeds = yes but also need a blade designed for metal. Blade must be way harder than the metal that you want to cut.

[@ericthomas9551]

Hi would that work on a heater.

[@decoy2636]

Probably kill it or the heater one or the other possibly the both would throw craps.

[@deanacademicaffairs5809]

where will i get this

[@jessehannah2989]

Does it work for ac or dc motors

[@bubblerings]

Want to rout some Extruded polystyrene... hope it can run slow and not melt the foam...

[@shanek6582]

Would it work on a craftsman 3/4 hp 110 motor, for my metal lathe?

[@stinkycheese804]

No that's an induction motor.

[@decoy2636]

Idk what size Craftsman lathe you have or its age but my old metal lathe has plenty of different belt settings to cover the speed of turning anything I'll be turning then if you want to go real slow, put it in back gear then it crawls. The quick change box works very well on the feed speed which is determined by the rpm of the lead screw. Idk what you're needing a speed controller on the craftsman lathe for unless you're stuck on a high belt setting and are unable to change that. Please enlighten a dummy if you would as that has me scratching my head...

[@shanek6582]

@@decoy2636 lol, I had just bought the old lathe and didn’t know the first thing about it at the time, you are right. I’ve learned quite a bit since but still don’t use it much.

[@decoy2636]

@@shanek6582 I'm glad you got it many things can be made on it. Mine is a 12" Atlas/Craftsman and has a 4' bed. Its handy around the shop although time spent dictates most things you will make with it. My lathe is not as accurate as one would like as prior to my acquiring it it lived a (rode hard put up wet) hard existance. I tried to buy it for over a decade from the owner before me before I walked in his shop with the right bait to trade with him for it. I do hope you enjoy yours as much as I have this one. If you don't want to keep it part it out. To add I wouldn't consider getting rid of mine and wasn't suggesting you should get rid of yours either. Parting one out brings double money it seems or more so that's what I was trying to say. Best Wishes and happy turning to you.

[@rosebarrette6292]

I have a 115 Volt 1725 RPM motor, will this work for this? I'm trying to slow down a flat lap for lapidary work.

[@UnsanctionedFabrication]

probably not, it works mostly on hand power tools because they have brushes.

[@elimccully8018]

it will work but wont slow it down as much as you want

[@ianjennings8372]

I was curious of the same thing. Tried a wall dimmer switch and I think it fried.

[@DarronBirgenheier]

You have what is almost certainly an induction motor. DO NOT use a speed control like this to run ANY induction motor. The Triac ruins the sine wave that your motor depends on for proper operation, and the lower voltage will cause the motor to draw MORE current as rotor slippage increases.

[@marcjtdc]

will this work on an inline fan for a grow room? asking for a friend.

[@stinkycheese804]

There is no purpose. It should already be a controlled environment so the fan speed should be fixed, or can just cycle on and off. This would just add a layer of lower reliability for something on 24/7 and since it doesn't self-regulate based on temperature or humidity, has no point in being used. Get (one or more) big, really big, low RPM fans, and run them 24/7. This means you do not want brushed motors because they'd wear out, rather induction motors which this controller isn't suited for even if none of the above applied. So, triple no.

[@jchinderle]

anybody notice that their router sparks like crazy inside when you use the variable speed control? i have that 2 hp router from h.f. and the speed control and when i use them together it sparks/arcs in the motor. i can see it and hear it. redish orange arc... normal?

[@kevinmiller3084]

+jchinderle probably not a healthy thing. I had a black & decker drill that did that. It smelled like it was melting everytime I used it! 2 weeks later I got rid of it.

[@SimpleEnough2k9]

+jchinderle Indeed, quite a few sparks in there. After all, this speed control is actually triggering many times a second to control the phase angle thus the speed of the tool. Try to turn on and off a lamp with a switch rapidly, you'll see sparks on the contacts. One way to minimize such thing would potentially be the addition of a snubber or a running capacitor similar to the ones found in the HVAC.

[@sarahabarnett577]

Do you think this would work for a 12amp sawzall? and if not is there anything you can suggest. Please? I literally know nothing when it comes to power tools, HELP!? please

[@UnsanctionedFabrication]

Yes it will slow down a sawzall, but you'll have to test it for yourself to see if the speed or power is good for your application. Thanks for asking, have a Happy New Year!

[@sarahabarnett577]

thank you so much, Ive spent all day trying to figure this out. THANK YOU. Happy New Year!

[@UnsanctionedFabrication]

***** take it easy Doug

[@lukerichard1709]

Great review thank you!

[@chatsworth777]

Any idea if this would work on a 12 VDC fuel pump? Thanks, Dan

[@CuriousEarthMan]

would a potentiometer work for that? check first to avoid a sparking situation.

[@stinkycheese804]

No, it is for chopping AC. You'd need a DC motor controller for that, except that unless this is some weird and dangerous project, you should leave the fuel pump to run on 12VDC as intended, with the correct controller for it as it may not be brushed.

[@guitarman_3693]

check on a pulse width modulator ... PWM controller

[@problemsolved3293]

Can you use this on a cheap submersible pump?

[@stinkycheese804]

That would be incredibly ackwards bassed, trying to slow down an already slow pump, which may also suffer insurmountable suction losses doing so because of a poor or worn seal in it.

[@stevelindsay3643]

you nearly cut your electrical cord lol.

[@matt1343able]

first of all thank you for sharing this video ,i have an electric motor(3/4 HP 1750 RPM .3.5 AMP ,110 V) it is a sander machine )i am looking for a speed controller for it ,do you think dose this speed controller work for it or not?.Thanks

[@UnsanctionedFabrication]

matt kermani , not sure but this thing seems to be designed for hand power tools. I hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@matt1343able]

okay.thanks anyway

[@guitarman_3693]

it will slow it down and also take away the power.. plus overheat the motor & could damage it

[@meyawabdulaziz3863]

ive tried that rout before ...as you can see not the best you need either a powerful DC motor + dc motor variable controller or a 3 phase motor + variable frequency driver aslo called vector drive both appraoches arent cheap

[@waymytech8144]

Hi great job

[@TheHomeMaker1]

its not that it wont work on the other tools you just have to know a little about different types of motors to understand what it will and will not work on its the different types of motors

[@griffon3275]

Had one of these for years used it on electric die grinder for porting heads and lets you use a $40 die grinder to do the job of a $400 one that has a speed control built in.. 20 thousand rpms is just a tad to fast for port work I did it for years prior but with speed control its a whole other world. last year I dropped mine and it stopped working ..no worries $15 from harbor freight and got a new one however new one is absolute shit it does not slow down the die grinder very much as original goes to zero and infinetily adjustable the new one lowest speed is just to fucking fast to be useful. Save your money buy a single pole light dimmer rotary switch for $7 and a plastic light switch box for 27 cents and make your own

[@michaelharrington8231]

would this work on a 12 volt 55 pound thrust trolling motor

[@UnsanctionedFabrication]

Odds are no.

[@stinkycheese804]

That makes no sense. It would have a throttle already. Repair it properly, this is entirely unsuitable for a water environment and unsafe to use a little dial that sits in a fixed position with nobody holding throttle on.