machine motor upgrade

[Pro-oz]

My faceting machine is an old Hall mark 3, which has a fixed speed motor, so I have to flick the belt to another pulley to change speeds, that's ok but would be nice to just flick a switch.
So down the track thought of maybe upgrading to variable speed. Has anyone been able to source a variable speed motor and speed controller for these older machines? Just a thought at the moment, to see if it's at all worth doing cost wise.

Cheers for now,
Prooz

[Pete49]

I have an old MDR machine and converted it to variable speed by using a small motor (20v) out of a photocopier and use a transformer to run it on 20v or 12v via an old power unit from a striped out computer. works well and no worries power wise. An other option might be a 12v window wiper motor.
Pete

[Pro-oz]

Thanks Pete, that's an option to think about. It's not urgent, it's just something to look into if this old motor ever gives up. Or I get to old bending down to flick a belt over.

Cheers

[Dihusky]

I changed my Imahashi to a variable speed, reversible motor. Got all the kit from https://www.motiondynamics.com.au/

They supply the motors plus make their own speed controllers, they're a very helpful bunch.

Should be pretty straight forward on the Mk3, plenty of room though you might need to get the pulley drive custom made or have the motor shaft sleeved depending on the offsets and motor shaft diameter. Look at motors around the 120-150W power range.

[Pro-oz]

Thanks Dihusky, I have looked on that site before, will have an other look now. One day on the spur of the moment I will just do it, good to know whats out their before hand.

Cheers.

[digitaus]

Hey Prooz, the motor I've used on mine is a servo motor for a sewing machine, it has variable speed between 400 and 4500 at 100 rpm increments, I put a 25mm pulley on the motor and a double pulley 80 - 100 on the platen shaft (pulley's made in my workshop)  which gives me 78 settable speeds from 100 up to 1125, reverse as well if you need it. I paid $99.00 off eBay 550W. Noise is acceptable to me,,, but then I haven't actually used it yet, and my hearing isn't that good....  Nah, just went out and had a listen, it'l be fine.
Another option to look at anyhow.
digit

[bjhodgkin]

I was speaking to someone re the Halls Mk 3 - i have one as well - and he was saying he mounted a replacement motor on a new bracket behind the masterlap/splash bowl. The reason he did this is he is wary of the water tank being mounted above the motor after nearly being zapped by one when it fell apart while refurbishing it.

My Halls (and thankfully water tank) are still in good nick but its something to consider when i eventually get around to refurbishing it. Thanks for the motor suggestions also - mine is going ok but it obviously wont last forever. Rob   

[Pro-oz]

Getting plenty of good ideas, keep em coming much appreciated thank you.

[Faceting Frank]

I've got a .09kw 415v 3 phase motor on mine, with a single phase/ 3 phase converter and variable speed control. What I like about 3 phase motors is they still have heaps of grunt at very low revs.

[Pro-oz]

Thanks Frank, that's another option for me. To keep it simple and work I can do myself electrical wise, I was leaning towards 12 volt dc but not sure power wise, or to go brushed or brush-less motor.

Thanks for any help,
Cheers.

[FlashGP]

Hi Prooz, 

Brushless DC motors need a dedicated controller circuit to run them.   To keep it simple I would go for brushed motors unless of course you can buy a brushless package of motor and controller.

Regards
Flash