Originally posted by Derrick Stewart:
I have a better idea if you can afford it. Since I work for an electric motor mfg I have access to old equipment.
I reccomend using a motor and a drive (VFD- Variable Frequencey Drive). With a drive and motor package you can vary the speed of the motor. You have the capability to take a 1800 rpm motor and turn it down lower than the 500 rpm (for carding) and you can up the speed (past 1800 rpm) for buffing. If you use a 1 hp motor or smaller you can purchase a drive that accepts 110v single phase and puts out 230v three pase to the motor. Three phase motors costs alot less than a compariable single phase.
Derrick
From my wonderful world of conveyor, we use 480V, 3-phase motors and VFD's all the time. Unless you get those parts for free like you do, you don't want to spend money for a solution like that! $$$$$ (I coulda bought a nice used double for that kind setup!)
However, that would be one of the coolest rigs to tinker with, I'll give you that!
Mike Doerner