I'm considering buying a belt sander to use for sharpening. But, they run too fast so I'm wondering if a light dimmer can be used to slow it down to about half speed
w/o a big loss of torque or other problems.?
All it says about the motor is:
1/3 hp
120 v AC
60 HZ
306 Watts
3 Amps
3400 rpm
Can this be answered w/o more info on what type of motor it is?
Thks much,
Tom

Do not use a device rated as a light dimmer.

You need a speed control. Looks like a light dimmer but rated to control speed of a motor.

Be sure to use one rated higher amp than your load, this is one rated 5 amps, for example:

Lutron FS-5E-WH Rotary Fully Variable Fan Speed Control, Single Pole 120V 5A, White (http://www.electricsuppliesonline.com/lutron-fs-5e-white.html)

Do not use a device rated as a light dimmer.

You need a speed control. looks like a light dimmer but rated to control speed of a motor.

Be sure to use one rated higher amp than your load, this is one rated 5 amps, for example:

Lutron FS-5E-WH Rotary Fully Variable Fan Speed Control, Single Pole 120V 5A, White (http://www.electricsuppliesonline.com/lutron-fs-5e-white.html)

Thanks for your answer. So I went to Lowe's and all they had were only 1.5 amp
versions except for a Luftron 5amp "FS-5FH-DK" rotatry type. This seems very close to what you recmnd except the model # has a 5FH instead of 5E in it. It's a fully variable type and was only $10.
I tried it on a 3amp, 300w, 120v,60hz bench grinder and I was very disappointed
The max no-load speed, w/ controller on lowest setting, was very nearly the same
3450rpm. Only when I loaded it did it slow down due to lower trq. It feels like it just
varies voltage. Do the ones w/ 3 distinct speeds give more what I want? Is there something that still keeps the torque up but lowers rpm?? This way it runs very fast but drops off drastically when loaded. Not good.
Would appreciate anything anybody can offer.
Thks,
Tom