> controlling an AC motors speed is quite a bit more complicated(expensive) than controlling a DC one.
That type of motor is so noisy because it's a universal motor[1] - they can be controlled with light dimmer type circuit[2], but they're basically always noisy and inefficient.
A cordless drill would be a good starting point for a variable speed power train.
[2] If you're actually using a light dimmer to control a universal motor, use the highest current rated dimmer possible. The motor will be more inductive than the typical lighting circuit that the dimmer is designed for.
> controlling an AC motors speed is quite a bit more complicated(expensive) than controlling a DC one.
That type of motor is so noisy because it's a universal motor[1] - they can be controlled with light dimmer type circuit[2], but they're basically always noisy and inefficient.
A cordless drill would be a good starting point for a variable speed power train.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_motor
[2] If you're actually using a light dimmer to control a universal motor, use the highest current rated dimmer possible. The motor will be more inductive than the typical lighting circuit that the dimmer is designed for.