Treadmill motor - alternative option for VFD and 3 phase motor

[oldwolf]

I used a treadmill motor to resurrect the Rockwell 1x42 I got for $30. I used the controller it came with, just like many other people. It works fine, but there is one annoying thing about it: the speed pot doesn't consistently give the same speed at the same position. You have to turn it back to zero sometimes to reset it. This doesn't interfere with the function of the machine, though.

I made the drive pulley bigger than it had to be. I believe my motor goes to 5000 RPM. I have never turned it up all the way. It flies.

If you get an old treadmill controller to go with your motor, you may have to snip one of the resistors on the board to make it work. Also, DO NOT GROUND THE CHASSIS. You will fry some big diodes, and then you'll have to take the controller apart and put new ones in. I managed to locate PDF documentation. That was helpful.

I put fan blades on my pulley, and I tried to situate the motor so it would suck clean air in and push it out toward the grinder.

It is said that the HP ratings on these motors are highly optimistic. Don't know if it's true.

I noticed you are driving with the stock skinny wheel. Mine looks just like yours and I've been trying to figure out how to change it to a 2" wheel. Not wanting to come off easily. Seems to be pressed on to a small shaft. Maybe graft on a wood 1" piece??? I've heard they are optimistic also, but I'm not planning on hogging with it.