geekhack

geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: nowsharing on Fri, 19 November 2010, 14:05:05

Title: Blender Mod - Variable Speed?
Post by: nowsharing on Fri, 19 November 2010, 14:05:05

Hi Geekhack. I haven't posted for a while because frankly my interest in keyboards is waning. I did order up a bolt-modded M from Daniel Beaver though, so maybe that will change my attitude.

Anyways, I need the help of an electronics guru. I have an old 50's Waring Blendor with an on/off switch that I would like to be able to use as variable speed. Is there any kind of simple mountable rheostat that I could install in place of the switch?

I own a variac and a router speed controller--would either of these work?


I want to be as satisfied as the guy on the manual, but on/off just isn't doing it.

Title: Blender Mod - Variable Speed?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 19 November 2010, 14:13:52

Blend or... what?

You could probably put some kind of potentiometer in-line with the power and that would do the same thing.  You could probably even do something creative with a dimmer switch (see below, you can get them with dials, too) to accomplish this.  My way of "fixing" this would be to create a box that the blender could plug into with the dimmer switch mounted to the top, and the "dimmer box" plugs into the wall.  Turn the blender on, and use the dimmer switch to adjust the speed.  Since it's in a box, you would be able to use it on a lamp or something, too.

(http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ8N1Gh_7WN4uBD36l464me2AMop3m6arWMKzg-0GRfcnjiI4u_)

Title: Blender Mod - Variable Speed?
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 19 November 2010, 14:47:39

It depends.  Those older blenders don't pull much electricity.  A light dimmer should work, especially one of the old-school ones that has the heat sink on top.  You know, the ones you fry your hand on when you go to your grandma's house?  If anything, you can install a fuse in-line.

Title: Blender Mod - Variable Speed?
Post by: nowsharing on Fri, 19 November 2010, 16:08:42

Caipirinha...mmm. I'd fix you one if you were here. Making a caipirinha is every Gringo's first lesson after all. If there's a Friar Tuck's liquor store chain near you, they usually carry Ypioca clear cachaca, which makes a mighty fine caipirinha. Here in Brazil the fancy thing to do is make them with Vodka though, go figure. I've been hooked on absinthe lately, so my cachacas are aging.

Blenders, yes.

Quote

You could probably put some kind of potentiometer in-line with the power

Would this be the same thing in essence that a router speed controller does? If so, I'm set. Is there any risk in this approach? It is kind of a powerful blender.

My variac is big and heavy, so I'd rather not have to set it up every time I want a smoothie.

Title: Blender Mod - Variable Speed?
Post by: nowsharing on Fri, 19 November 2010, 17:11:15

Well...Ebay solved my dillema. I just picked up a Waring laboratory blender motor (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rt=nc&nma=true&item=110610932784) with speed control for $20.

I should have gone this route though:



Explosion proof motor? Yes please.

Title: Blender Mod - Variable Speed?
Post by: nowsharing on Fri, 19 November 2010, 17:51:58

I found the specs for my Harbor Freight router speed control: 120V, 15A Max input. I'm still not going to risk it though. I can wait for the new motor.

Thanks for the help everyone.

Title: Blender Mod - Variable Speed?
Post by: nowsharing on Fri, 19 November 2010, 19:51:28

Oh my. That doesn't look kitchen safe at all.

Muito obrigado.

Title: Blender Mod - Variable Speed?
Post by: Rajagra on Fri, 19 November 2010, 21:50:20

Just jam a whisk into the chuck of a variable-speed electric drill!:madgrin:

Title: Blender Mod - Variable Speed?
Post by: 8_INCH_FLOPPY on Fri, 19 November 2010, 23:00:21

Now that's what I call a blender!