DC motor tool control, or treadmill motors

[franken]

I've long read about using cheap DC treadmill motors and controls and recently ran into 3 of them for $7 total. 7/3=cheap. The one I've looked at, tested and researched suggests it can be run w/ a cheap 5k pot (rotary resister). I'll guess the others are similar. The motor on the 1st is 2HP (but @~7k RPM so some questions) so in theory, it runs, but torque is a question. The motors have flywheels which may be an attempt to overcome a lack of torque.

I find a number of stationary tools, particularly old tools run fast. Being able to snag an old drill press, lathe, band saw, etc,. and run at a low speed more inviting than buying new.

Anyone else going down this road?

[truckster]

The flywheel is to keep smooth motion on the treadmill as feet strike the moving surface.

[franken]

Thanks, but not sure that has an impact on using this tech to more finely control tools. We're removing the feet...

[truckster]

I was just telling you the flywheel is probably not necessary for your application if it's not permanently affixed to the shaft.

[dirtyjim]

i run a treadmill motor and a 90 volt dc drive on my 9x20 lathe. the dc drive is where you'll run into problems if you don't do a little research before you buy. most treadmill motors work best on a 90 volt drive with enough amps for a 1hp motor, there are many versions of the drives that are only rated for 1/8 or 1/4 hp at 90volts and you'll want to stay away from those. I have a spare 180volt drive incase I upgrade to a 2hp motor in the future.
the wrong dc drive will still run the motor but it will not have enough torque to do anything.
you also might need to run an external fan on the treadmill motor, many of them have the fan built into the back of the flywheel and its usually removed to mount a standard v-belt pulley