Uses for Air Handler Motor

[Bob D.]

I have an air handler with 240v variable speed motor coming my way soon (I hope). I wanted it to make a dust collector out of for my shop but from reading up on it that's probably not a good application of that type of fan.

So I was thinking what else could I use the motor for. It's a 1HP, 240v variable speed (not multi-speed). I was wondering if I got an appropriate size VFD if I could use the motor in a bandsaw or similar application. I've seen VFDs for 2 and 3HP CNC spindles for a couple hundred dollars. I was thinking of picking up an old 14 inch wood bandsaw and converting it to full time metal cutting.

Thoughts? Worthwhile or am I wasting my time and money.

[blue_can]

Need more info on the motor. Most variable speed air handler motors also have integrated electronics to control the motor and generally are designed to either maintain constant airspeed or constant torque under varying static pressure conditions. It's not clear if you can separate the electronics and then add your own inverter driver to control the motor. I suppose it's possible if you know the interface specs but generally AH manufacturers don't release this information. I suppose you can look at the drive waveforms on a scope and see what it does.

[PLUMBER RICK]

Is the metal cutting bandsaw you want being used as a cut off saw or more of a scroll saw?

For cut off sawing, I purchased the Harbor Freight model that now goes for $1200. And cuts pretty darn precision once setup and adjusted properly. Lots of identical brands using the same parts for more money.

Should be able to find a 25% off coupon for it..

Rick

[Bob D.]

I have a horizontal bandsaw but don't use it much. It will cut 6 inch pipe easily.

This would be a vertical BS. I think it will cost a lot less than 1200 (or even 1000) to put together.

If/When I get it I will post the data on the motor.