wrote in message
ups.com...
DeepDiver wrote:

I just purchased the Harbor Freight speed control unit (#43060) last week
on
sale for $12.99. At that price, why would anyone want to mess with a
makeshift dimmer-switch control? Even if it worked as well, you'd spend
more
money just acquiring the parts.

The light dimmer-switch controls work fine on universal motors. And
depending on how well you are at finding gems in the trash, they are
free. The little ones are only good for 600 watts, but I found a
couple of 2 kw ones some where.

Sure, you can scavenge parts. But you need more than just a dimmer-switch:
you also need -- at a minimum -- a grounded power cord, a grounded outlet,
and some kind of chassis. Admittedly, these too may be scrounged. But then
you add your time to the project, and by the time you're done, have you
really saved $13? And all that time and effort for a less-featured unit.

Projects such as these are great for teaching kids about electronics, but
they offer little in the way of true savings. Personally, I'd rather buy the
commercial unit and spend my time making something that can't be readily (or
cheaply) purchased.

- Michael