Quote Originally Posted by firebird77clone View Post
Sorry, didn't mean to use a derogatory term.

A VFD will probably be cheaper than a variable speed motor, although if you could fond a DISCO drive, you'll have your speed control without electronics. The DISCO drive is a variable speed mechanical transmission. You'd probably need to do machine work to put it together, so my honest expectation is that the VFD is the cheapest and easiest route.
I'll take a look and see what I can find. Thanks for the ideas.