DC Motor and Speed Control Unit

About Sherline Motor and Speed Control Units

The 90-volt DC motor provides far more than the 1/2 HP AC/DC motor we offered before 1994. A DC motor provides 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 a 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 from 100 VAC to 240 VAC, 50 or 60 Hz, and automatically outputs 90V DC to the motor so that 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 hold a constant speed. Once the on/off switch is switched to the “ON” position, a speed control knob varies 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. Complete specs on the motor can be found on this site’s “Standard Dimensions and Specifications” page.

Replacing an Older AC/DC Motor

You can purchase this unit to replace an existing AC/DC motor on an older Sherline machine. This 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 buy 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 its assembly. The motor and speed control includes only the motor, speed control, belt guard assembly, power cord, and motor pulley.