On Tuesday, July 15, 2014 10:19:29 PM UTC+1, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
On 15/07/14 21:07, Cursitor Doom wrote:

Hi guys,



I have a 0.5HP 230V single phase motor that I want to use to make an

electric hacksaw. I'd like to vary the speed of it if possible (in

additon to conventional gearing) and as simply as possible. Could I

get away with using a light dimmer for this or is the inductive nature

of the load likely to cause an early "phut!"? If so, what's a workable

alternative?





It should work.



Try and see - at the worst you will destroy the dimmer triac.



cheers,



cd







--

Everything you read in newspapers is absolutely true, except for the

rare story of which you happen to have first-hand knowledge. - Erwin Knoll

Ummmm - if it's an induction motor, which you would be able to see by the plate on the motor showing an 'rpm', you could destroy the controller and possibly the motor. Induction motors are mains synchronous and don't like 'dropping out' of that with overload or low voltage.