If power tool companies bought variable speed DC motors in lots of 10,000, how much would they add to the retail cost of tools?
I have several larger tools that I sure wish had variable speed motors.
Drill press, band saw, lathe, scroll saw, grinder, stationary belt sander, planer, jointer
Most companies that have that as an option on some tools want hundreds of dollars extra.
I think all woodworkers should unite and revolt!
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
PlaneWood
Replies
Mike,
I have a couple of large hand tools, 5/8 drill, 9 inch grinder that have a DC option. I'm not really sure why the option is offered. The only place I've seen DC readily available is aboard ships and AC was also available.
Don
Don, the tool would have to include the AC -> DC rectification. An unregulated variable DC supply of 15 or so amps is pretty cheap. $30 +/-. Cheaper if mass produced.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood
What would a decent size inverter + swapping out the motors on the big stuff cost, Mike? My lathe is powered by a 3 horse DC motor but it comes with an on board inverter. Sure love the torque and the ability to adjust the speed to where ever I want. I'm with ya on the drill press, too. Seems like if they can build hand tools (drills, routers and the like) with variable speed, the same should be true with bigger stuff. Or is the technology too expensive to scale up to the bigger motors? I don't know the answer to that one.
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