Modernizing old extractors

[LazyBkpr]

   A lot of the problem with older extractors is the ability to control the speed...   I have two extractors with different methods of controlling the speed on them, and neither method makes me overly happy, so I started to look for a better way..
   I have been a mechanic for well over 20 years, but not an electrician..  so I always understood that changing the voltage on an electric motor would burn it up...   However, in my searching, I found that the universal motors, or the ones that had brushes COULD be regulated with a rheostat.  So I am making some modifications to try it and see how it works..

    http://www.turbineproducts.com/servlet/Detail?no=30

   this is the rheostat I am going to try. I am going to modify my extractors somewhat, and attempt to use the rheostat to control the speed, rather than the unreliable mechanisms they currently have in place.  I will let you know how it works out..   If you have experience, I would appreciate comments and suggestions!!!

[blueblood]

Not too bad of a price either.

[G3farms]

Find the free tread mill on craigs list. Has a stout little DC motor and the speed control also.

[Perry]

By the way, are you keeping the 12 frame Dadant? I bought the  instruction and parts manual for my 20 framer from Dadant, and it has the specs for both the 20 and the 12 in it (they are so similar). I could scan and send them to you if you need them.

[tefer2]

The new Dadant 6 frame ranger, 12 frame, and 20 frame all use the same electric motor now.

[LazyBkpr]

I am for the time being Perry. It is an older Dadant I think.. its stainless, but the speed control is a big wingnut that tightens down against two pulleys. The pulleys have a friction disk between them, so the tighter the wing nut the more speed in the extractor... 
   Problem with it is that if you want to run it for ten minutes at a certain speed your out of luck..  The friction disk gets SMOKING hot and the extractor begins to slow down as the two pulleys wear on the friction disk and make it hot...  A variable speed control and a single belt would solve the only real issue I have with it.  Other than being thin and light weight.