dioncuda

Hello,I need to know if i can put a light dimmer switch on a single speed scroll saw,to control the speed of the motor.Not for sure what kind it is but it has a 1/8 hp motor.Thanks for any help.

RCLIVIN

My Feedback: (46)

I am not absolutely sure but I think this will work, if it were me I would definately try it.

Gil

SuperSteve54

Did you try the dimmer switch? I'm guessing that it would slow down the saw near it's max, simply by not supplying enough power for the motor to turn properly. I guess that you're looking for the same amount of power but at slower RPM, I think you have to change the frequency of the supply power in order to do this. I built an AC motor speed controller from a kit for a project before. You can get the kits from any hobby electronics store, I purchased mine at "Maplin Electronics" some years ago, they're pretty cheap.

*Crash*Johnson*

My Feedback: (7)

Try a Sewing supply store or perhaps walmart sewing dept. Look for a sewing pedal. Acts like a throttle and should work in your situation.

Not sure the price on em but worth a try. Worst case scenerio buy a new scroll saw with speeds

SDR-Hammer

Good question. Depends how much you have vested into the saw. Personally I would use a specifically designed speed controller. Just a simple dimmer switch may burn up the tool over time. In the tool catalogs I get these speed controllers are marketed for use with routers but don't see why it wouldn't work for your saw. Tool Crib says they don’t stock this anymore but here is a picture of one.

mulligan

Your motor (1/8 hp) translates to about 93 Watts. A simple dimmer able to handle a 100 Watt light bulb should work.

- George

SDR-Hammer

George, from what I understand about electrical motors amperage is more important than wattage. I know a 1/3 hp motor draws around 6 amps and a light bulb draws about 2 amps. So a household dimmer MAY not be suitable to supply the amperage necessary for the scroll saw motor.

I will respectively stand corrected if somebody has information to the contrary. My background is carpentry not electrical.

BasinBum

My Feedback: (2)

You should ask the electrical gurus over in the battery section.
If it's an inexpensive AC motor with a capacitor start it won't work.

I just picked up a Ryobi for $79. at Home Depot. It's minimal but seems to cut light ply just fine and is variable speed.

Waynelund

If the motor is a sewing machine or vacuum cleaner type motor, with brushes, then yes a dimmer switch will work. A sewing machine foot regulator would be better and you can get them for about ten bucks.

If the motor is brushless, like your furnace fan or washing machine, then no.

If your motor is over a half horse you may want to get a dial type speed controller from W.W. Grainger

Wayne, in Chula Vista

dioncuda

HEY,Thanks for all the feed back.I dont have the saw a friend of mine has it.He wants $50 dollars for it,thought it might be a good deal.I have one of those pedals for a sewing machines.My friend says it has brushes it the motor.Do you all think it would be worth the trouble for $50.It has been used 2 or 3 times thats it but it looks 3 or 4 years old. THANKS alot everyone!!!!!