is there any way to slow down a DC motor?

[stowester]

You could try a 12v headlight or work light in series.... Just to see what it does...

 

[SPYDERLK]

You could try a 12v headlight or work light in series.... Just to see what it does...

Good idea but foiled by avalanching resistance as the filament heats. Inrush to an incandescent is huge and might twitch the motor, but current would quickly drop way below whats needed.

OP a long piece of fairly small ~ 18ga copper wire wound on a hunk of fiberglas would do it for you. I think about 30' +/-. Try not to overlap.
larry

 

[pat32rf]

I did much the same thing but used a small Bosch starter motor. Spent a lot of time separating the field and armature windings hoping to reduce speed and/or change directions. Next plan used power seat motors from mini van. Finally switched to hydraulic motor from scrap salt slinger. A smaller starter motor might have worked with separate 6 volt battery ....

 

[schmism]

100W 50 Ohm Ceramic Wirewound Potentiometer Variable Resistor | eBay

something like that should do it. think of the dial as a speed dial. should go from 0 speed (0 volts) to max speed 12v) wire inline with + wire. place in water tight job box from radioshack

 

[SPYDERLK]

Far too many ohms. The wattage is rated using the whole resistor therefore it derates as you turn the resistance down.

 

[BobRip]

Far too many ohms. The wattage is rated using the whole resistor therefore it derates as you turn the resistance down.

What he said. How much current does this winch pull?

 

[moeh1]

With that setup, you probably aren't pulling much amps. This might give you control.
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9668?

 

[SPYDERLK]

With that setup, you probably aren't pulling much amps. This might give you control.
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9668?

Neat item. Im trying to think of a compelling reason to buy one to keep around for when I really need something like it. Thanks for the link!
larry

 

[rhandwor]

Older elevator motors are DC and they are variable speed. You just need the proper design motor and vary the voltage.