Add variable speed to router?

[andy_ck87028]

Hi

I'm thinking of buying a router through ebay (good price) but it doesn't have variable speed.

Would it be practical to cut the cable and place a variable speed controller in line?

I am wondering if it would affect torque; causing heating problems; only work with certain types of motors, etc, etc. Ignore warranty... I'll take the risk

Andy

[Al_The_Man]

Need to know the type of motor? 3phase? Universal? etc.
Al.

[andy_ck87028]

Just a home handyman router by Ryobi (1120W, 240V, 25,000 RPM).

Is that enough info?

Andy

[Al_The_Man]

That would be a Universal Motor, the most economical is the SCR/TRiac style. There are some cheaper ones from some of the surplus places, there is also an IC available, TDA1085c from OnSemi that runs off the incoming supply, the data sheet shows a circuit and board, but it has a tach feedback for speed control.
I have one on my band saw, that has a simple digital tach ( about 25p/rev), works well.
Al.

[andy_ck87028]

Wonderful.... thanks...

auction closes in 23 minutes.... I'll let you know when I get back from hardware store if I got it.

Andy

[hines]

If your talking about something like this then you need to know that it will not work with soft start routers.

[ViperTX]

Well if the router is a soft-start...then it already most likely has variable speed.....last time I looked all router were universal type motors...

[andy_ck87028]

:frown: Missed out by $6

Thanks for the input guys all the same.

Ciao

Andy