The 90-volt DC motor provides far more than that of the 1/2 HP AC/DC motor we used to offer prior to 1994. A DC motor offers its maximum torque at low RPM where you need it most, so the full speed horsepower rating of an AC/DC motor can be a little deceiving as far as offering practical, usable power. The DC motor also offers smoother and quieter operation.
To power and control the motor a more
sophisticated speed control unit is required. The control we have
developed accepts any incoming AC current from 100 VAC to 240 VAC, 50 or
60 Hz and automatically outputs 90V DC to the motor, so this unit can
be used anywhere in the world without a transformer. All you need is the
correct wall plug or converter. In addition, a load compensating
circuit has been designed into the controller. As load is applied, the
speed control will add power to attempt to hold a constant speed. Once
the on/off switch is switched to the “ON” position, a speed control knob
is used to vary the speed over the entire range. With the two-position
pulley in the “normal” position on a Sherline headstock, the speed range
is about 70 to 2800 RPM. In the “high torque” position the maximum
speed is cut in half but torque at any given speed is much greater. If
you are using the motor in non-Sherline applications, the maximum
no-load speed of the motor shaft itself is 6000 RPM.
Replacing an Older AC/DC Motor
This unit can be purchased to replace an existing AC/DC motor on an older Sherline machine. This very compact and well-engineered unit costs far less than other DC units of similar power offered in major industrial tool supply catalogs. If you are replacing an older AC/DC motor and speed control you can re-use the same motor mounting bracket, standoffs and drive belt, but you will need to purchase a new stepped spindle pulley. You could also purchase the complete headstock with DC motor and speed control as is shown below. A version with different pulley ratios and offering a 10,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is also available.
This unit can be purchased to replace an existing AC/DC motor on an older Sherline machine. This very compact and well-engineered unit costs far less than other DC units of similar power offered in major industrial tool supply catalogs. If you are replacing an older AC/DC motor and speed control you can re-use the same motor mounting bracket, standoffs and drive belt, but you will need to purchase a new stepped spindle pulley. You could also purchase the complete headstock with DC motor and speed control as is shown below. A version with different pulley ratios and offering a 10,000 RPM maximum spindle speed is also available.
The drawing below shows the components in the complete headstock
with DC motor and speed control unit and how it is assembled. The motor
and speed control includes only the motor, speed control, belt guard
assembly, power cord and motor pulley.
