converting AC to DC

[catfishkid]

I have a small 12 volt motor out of a car ( window) and want to use it to spin rod blanks to dry epoxy. Is there a way to set it up so i can plug it into the 120 v dc at my house, or should i just go grab a deep cycle battery.

thanks for any thoughts.

[Nick Kuhn]

Or use the battery charger, a little easier to protect against overcurrent that way. Otherwise if you're like me you probably have 100 old transformers (some of which will be 12V I'm sure) that you could use.

[Bobb-o]

try wiring it up to a male car adaptor and then buying one of the wall converters that they sell everywhere.

[Surface Tension]

First you'll need a variable voltage DC power source or a pulse width modulator to control the speed of the motor. Or you can reduce the rpm at the drier with reduction using gears or pulleys and belt. I don't think you'll get that speed down enough with the later though.

If you look around you can find rotisserie motors in DC 3 volt and AC. The rpm is perfect for a drier. I was at a swap meet and a guy had a box of the 3 volt motors for $5 brand new.

You should be able to find them for around $15 at most stores.

[Macgyver55]

Something else to think about is that a power window motor is not really designed for continuous use. They are weather sealed and non vented so heat may be an issue. I'd be sure to check it frequently for the first few times you use it.

[hydro]

Does not sound like a good idea to me. Too much converting and adapting to get it to work. I suggest checking at Ax Man other electronics surplus stores to see if you can find a low RPM 120VAC motor and go from there. Probably much less expensive in the long run.

[catfishkid]

I think I will spend a few dollars and just get a 120v motor. that will be a lot easier. I messed with it last night and it seem to draw a lot of amps. when hooked to the vexlar batt it would only run for about 3 sec and stop.

thanks guys

[Hafnutz]

What about using an electric drill?