ow could i lower the power to this unit to make the motor go slower

[beatles2011]

Hello, i need some help.

I have this record lathe (below) and it operates like a normal record player but just that it cuts them (records). This units motor runs at 78rpm which is a bit to fast for making records now as at 78rpm i can only cut 3 minutes of music. I want to be able to slow the motor down without having to modify anything inside the unit if possible. Is there any type of device / unit that i can attach between the 3 pin mains plug and this unit so i can slow the power to the motor down which would mean the motor would slow down so i can record more music onto a disc.

Let me know if there is anything and if possible link me to a site which would sell such a device, preferably with a digital screen to lower the power (to make the motor run at about 33 or 45rpm or somewhere around that)

Help greatly appreciated. Pictures attached below. Many Thanks

 

[GLENNSPARK]

frequency changer

 

[ian.settle1]

Why would you want to do this you can get a lot more music on a CD with better results?

 

[beatles2011]

I like this old equipment and a unit like this is worth around £1,000. i want to make this 'universal' i.e with different speeds.

 

[beatles2011]

would something like this work?

230VAC LATHE MOTOR SPEED CONTROLLER / POWER CONTROLLER (M028N) | eBay

 

[Lucien Nunes]

No, that will probably just destroy the motor. Those basic phase-angle controls only work for certain types of motor, such as the series brush motors in power tools, not for induction or synchronous motors as in your lathe.

The only way you can vary the speed of an induction or synchronous motor effectively is with an inverter / frequency changer as suggested above. However there are important side effects, because you want to vary the speed over a wide range, not just a few % of pitch trim but at less than half rated speed. The motor capacitor would probably need to be changed in value and additional cooling might be needed. The insulation might not withstand short risetime drive waveforms.

This is a job for an expert, one false move and you will fry your motor. It might not be satisfactory overall, and an alternative drive gearing might be needed (I am not sure what the drivetrain looks like in these BSR lathes). Please do not mangle it, some of us still like to cut our records at 78!

 

[GLENNSPARK]

i think a variable speed pulley drive might be the way here Lucien....

 

[Farmelectrics]

Ask Father Christmas for an I pod

 

[Geordie Spark]

i think a variable speed pulley drive might be the way here Lucien....

Agreed!

What the OP has here is a fairly basic mechanical machine so lets keep it that way !!!

 

[telectrix]

start mucking about with it, at won't be worth diddly squat. it's value lies in the fact that it's original.