Laminate trimmer needs speed control

[Paul Engle]

Anyone have any idea if after market router speed control would work on a 30,000 rpm laminate trimmer ? and if so which brand? . trimmer is 3.4 amp Porter Cable.I need to slow it down to under 10,000 rpm if possible .
thanks
Paul

[Tom Esh]

As long as the router doesn't have the "soft start" feature. However it won't be as effective as a VS router. The add-on speed controls just reduce voltage (and power), which means less torque and it will bog down easily, especially down at 10,000 rpm. Essentially it becomes underpowered as speed is reduced. Routers with built-in speed control generally employ feedback circuitry to maintain speed under varying loads and the torque (and current draw) will actually rise with the load. Might be worth a try if you plan to take very light cuts. If it doesn't work out, the speed control can be used on your shop vac. They work great to reduce suction for sanders. I've even used it on the miter saw for cutting pvc pipe:)

[Doug Hobkirk]

Tom -

what an amazingly useful answer! Thanks!

[Paul Engle]

I musta missed sompthin......