I’m working on making a walking machine large enough for me to sit on and ride.
I’ve worked my way up in scale, from Tamiya motors to SparkFun’s 3 rpm motor, but for my final version I need a lot more torque.
Hence I need some very slow motors (say 1-10 rpm) with very high torque (greater than a hundred foot pounds?).
I’ve considered using cordless drills, because they have a lot of torque, but what is best for reducing the speed? Electronically via PWM? Or mechanically via gear reduction?
Or are their other, superior solutions? I am a computer scientist, not an ECE or ME.
Thank You, Bill
Any advice would be most welcome.
Hi Bill, and thanks for your question.
I’d go with a gear reduction over slowing the motor down. If you slow the motor, you’re going to also drop the amount of torque the motor outputs. Run the motor at it’s rated speed and then gear that down to what you need at the final output shaft.
I’m not sure where to get a gear reduction large enough for your needs, but you might try McMaster Carr for something like that. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to post those too!
Your comment that if you slow the motor you’ll lower the torque makes sense to
me in hindsight. Gear reduction does look like the way to go. I’ll explore that avenue. McMaster
Carr does have some speed reducers but they are pricey! Thanks, Bill