router speed regulator

[Hobbiest]

anybody ever used a light dimmer switch to control router speed? any electritians out there know if it would work? Seems like lower voltage would make it spin slower.

[peterklos]

Unless you have a very low powered router a dimmer speed control wont deliver the amount of current required to run the router. Routers have high start up currents and most dimmer controls have low wattage components .

Try a mains motor controler of around 5 amps to control the router , a kit was released in silicon chip magazine oct 2002 which would do the trick

Peter

[pack rat]

When you use light dimmer the power goes from low to high whereas motor goes from high to low. I dont think it is good for the motor. I read somwhere here that you can buy motor speed controller for $10 on sale from Harbour freight, otherwise is $20.

[Zephrant]

Buy a real router speed control like this:

Rockler

Even a 5 amp dimmer is not enough. A 3hp Router would need at least a 15 amp speed control. The above unit is good to 20 amps.

Zeph

[Hobbiest]

Thanks guys, knew someone knew the answer!