Router Speed Controller?

[Andrew]

http://www.busybeetools.com/products/router-speed-control-115v-15a....

Found this little item while looking for a replacement switch for my jointer. Does anyone know if this would work for other tools, especially belt sanders? I don't know enough about the finer points of electrical stuff to say. Would be pretty handy though, much easier for the small shop than custom wiring an existing tool or setting up stepped pulleys.

[Howard Klepper]

Grizzly has a good 12" disc/6x48" belt sander that comes with either a 3500 or 1750 rpm motor.  I have the 1750 and it is one of the most used tools in my shop.   I have never wished it ran faster.

[J R Emmett]

If you want to slow down your belt sander, you have the following legitimate options:

• Stepped pulley (as you noted in your original post)
• Changing one or more of the pulley diameters

            http://www.blocklayer.com/pulley-belteng.aspx

• Installing a variable speed sheave system

           http://www.lovejoy-inc.com/products/variable-speed-drives.aspx

These are all proven technology based on sound engineering principles.

[Andrew]

That pulley speed calculator is handy, might prove useful. I think if I do get into this Ill probably end up going the stepped pulley route. It seems like the easiest combination of flexibility and reliability thats within my grasp. I do have some stepped pulleys, a motor, and some other parts I saved from a broken drill press...