Motors - Clutch Or Servo?

[Anne Bonnys Locker]

Everyone here says that servo motors are the ducks guts but I am going to question that - to a point.

The problem is that a lot of dealers - mostly the ebay, drop ship type - use the cheapest they can get and these have their own problems. I set up my GA5-1's with 1400 RPM motors and 50mm pulleys but the motors are made in China by a Taiwanese company and these are smoother and more controllable than a cheap servo. These motors are more expensive than a basic servo!

OTOH I have used some stunning servo motors. The 1990's Japanese ones are incredible and even the Chinese built "Panasonic" is simple to use and programme.

What is my point? If you need a new motor then you should test it out the way you would a machine. Weigh up the difference between performance and price. If the clutch motor is easily controlled then think about the long term cost. A clutch motor uses more power but a servo is more delicate and easily damaged by power surges.

Obviously dealer backup and support is also a factor to complicate the choice. A dealer here is unlikely to tell you to piss off if your motor is three days out of warranty and something goes wrong.