Setting up electric blower motor?

[Gwinnydapooh]

I'm building a charcoal forge based on Tim Lively's design.

I bought an electric squirrel-cage type blower on Ebay. It runs great, but I don't know the horsepower--it's only marked "3000 rpm." It is single speed, running when it's plugged in. I want to build a switch into the forge from a socket and a common light switch so I can leave it plugged in and use the switch to turn it on and off.

My question is, is there a way to vary the speed of this blower? I had thought of using a dimmer switch in place of the light switch, but will I damage the motor by slowing it down that way?

 

[weld]

You can not use a regular dimmer switch that is used on lighting. There is a dimmer switch made for electric motors. I have a switch on my router table that is adjustable. Try your local electrical supply house,you can pick up one there for under $20.

 

[Gwinnydapooh]

Thanks!