What horsepower do you have, did it come with the foot pedal?

We gotta know more, size of wheel, .


ED

 

No it didn't come with a pedal, and 115v, phase 1 1725 rpm. I have no idea what any of that means.

 

We need more info on the motor,
at this point it would seem that your motor
does not produce enough power for your application.
Power for electric motors is measured in " Horsepower "
you don't have enough horse power.
Is there any more information on the motor name plate ?

:glasses:

 

Are you connecting the motor directory to the wheel? That isn't how they are done. All the ones I found use a belt with 1/2HP motors.

https://www.baileypottery.com/Bailey-Pottery/Product-Details/%20Bailey-ST-M600025

https://skutt.com/pottery-wheels/

 

No, it's not connected to the wheel itself, I have a pulley system. As shown below. The smaller belt would go around the motor and a smaller pulley I have on top of the motor. I have it as tight as I can get it. So I figure it's either tension or my motor isn't strong enough

 

1/15 HP is too small. You need to find a larger motor, 1/4 ,1/3 or 1/2 would probably do it.
5000 RPM is also quite high. Normally the motor would be 1725RPM.

 

What speed is recommended for a pottery wheel?

The wheel RPM can be calculated by motor RPM x drive pulley diameter divided by driven pulley diameter. Other configurations of a jack shaft or mule shaft can further reduce the speed if necessary. The same formula is used to calculate final RPM. Formula = all the drive pulleys divided by all the driven pulleys.

 

I'm not sure what speed is recommended! Thank you gentlemen for your help! This is a Mommy daughter project!! So your saying on the name plate where it says 1/15 it needs to be the numbers you mentioned and the Rpm shouldn't be more than 1725 correct? I'm totally lost with the formula so I will start with looking for a different motor!! Thanks again guys! I appreciate it

 

If we can get the wheel speed information we can calculate for you the pulley sizes needed for a 1725 rpm motor to run the wheel at that desired rpm.

 

What do you mean wheel speed?

 

What RPM do you want your wheel to rotate.

 

1725 rpm as recommended. I would like to connect a foot pedal as well? Does that call for a specific type of motor as well?

 

Now it seems as if you want a variable speed wheel, so if that's want you want and still desire to build your own try locating a motor from a pre- owned tread mill.

 

Yes, that is what I'm looking for. I could possible use the controll panel for speed instead of a foot pedal. I have found a motor 1/2 hp 1725 rpm on Zoro.com if I can't find a motor out of a treadmill.

 

The speed control is going to be a problem. Most AC motors are not made to be controlled.
The original motor you showed is speed controllable.

 

How's, I've purchased that same kind of motor just stronger. My only problem with that is, the wiring, the wires are not exposed from the motor. Just the + and - so I can connect it to an extension cord, and then plug it in to a wall socket. With a treadmill motor, I can connect a on/off switch with speed control from what I've seen. But, I've never done anything like this so I'm a little nervous especially with the electrical stuff. How am I able to control the speed from the first motor?

 

put the switch and the speed control in a j box
run the power cable to the box
then into the switch
out of the switch into speed control
out of speed control goes to
another cable that goes out of the j box to the motor,
:glasses:

 

Thank you, that sounds complicated, do you have any pictures so I can see what you mean?

 

first you need to find an electronic motor speed control,
you will have to be sure it is suitable for that motor.
The easiest way to do this is to take it to a motor shop.
Then decide on what type of switch you will use.
once you have theses two items sorted.
Now find an approved j box to put them into.
You will also need a cable and plug for the incoming supply.
And also another piece of cable to go from the box to the motor.
You will also need some bushs to protect the cables where they
enter the j box. The types and sizes of the cables will be dictated
by local electrical codes, ditto with the bushs, so you should consult
with a local electrician or inspector as they will know the finer details.
:glasses:

 

this guy built one out of an old drill and a foot peddle from a sowing machine.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-build-a-variable-speed-pottery-wheel/

 

Hello Everyone, I have finally completed my electric pottery wheel, however my motor is too strong, does anyone know how I should determine what kind of speed controller to add and how to connect it?

 

please send specs of the motor you used, it may be controllable via a fan controller (some are plug-in ready with on/off switch and speed dial)

 

Most potters wheels have a 0-250 rpm range. A few go up to 300. In use, the high speed is rarely used.

Today most of the commercial units are PM DC Motors with PWM Control. Multiple groove v belts are used for the drive.

HP is 1/4-1.0 depending on clay capacity.

 

Ok thanks guys, I'll take all these suggestions to my local electrician and see what he thinks is best. I would like to just do a speed controller, the fan motor controller sounds ideal, thanks again for your help!

 

I would like to just do a speed controller, the fan motor controller sounds ideal,

A ceiling fan speed control that you find on the shelf is a bad choice. Too light duty for the motor and most of them are only low, med, high, not variable.

Odds are you will smoke it.

 

Ok, oso954, you were right I connected a single pole fan controller and only "high" works. That's what the electrician suggested, but I see I'm going to have to to find a variable speed controller for this project. How do I determine if the controller is compatible with my motor? Here are the specs of my motor

 

That motor will pull just under 400w at 120v. (running current).
I would go to an electric motor shop
Purchase an electronic motor speed control
one that will handle the 400W.

https://www.ebay.com/p/for-Router-F...ble-Speed-Controller-Electric-Motor-Rheostat-AC-120v/552414638?iid=291998158232

:vs_cool:

 

This is the router speed control I just went and purchased! Thank you I'm excited to try it, if this doesn't work I'll come back with questions.