At 10:22 AM 10/1/97 -0400, you wrote:
>In a message dated 97-10-01 09:40:55 EDT, you write:
>
>> I got this idea when I read your posts about extractors.  What if you put a
>
>> switch on your motor, kinda like the dimmer switch you use on lights?
> Maybe
>> it could cut the power and make the motor run slower, then as you turn up
>the
>> switch the motor would increase in speed????  I'm not electrically
>inclined,
>> but it might work.  Just my thoughts on it.
>>
>CAUTION!  Do not use a light dimmer on a motor.  The type of dimmer commonly
>used on lights will burn out and possibly damage the motor.  They are not
>designed for "inductive loads" which is what a motor puts out.
>
>You can buy something called a Variac to vary motor speeds.  They are large
>variable transformers and quite expensive when new but have been made for
>many years.  A used Variac to handle a 1/2 HP motor should be $50 to $100 if
>you can find one.  (Try the Web)
>
>There are also variable speed motors and controllers both AC and DC but they
>are usually several hundred dollars.
>
>The two speed furnace motor sounds like the most economical idea.
>
>Tom Harker (electronics design & hobby beekeeper)
>
>