Adding closed loop speed control to an old sewing machine

Other Hardware Motors, Mechanics, Power and CNC
1

I have a 20+ year old sewing machine that I'm guessing has a mains powered universal motor. The speed control is not at all precise. You have to apply lots of power to get it moving then quickly ease off so that it doesn't go too fast.

I saw these videos on youtube using a retrofitted DC motor and sensors.

Is a DC motor the best choice for this type of application?

What about the 3 phase 'sensored' motors typically used in 'rock crawler' model cars. Speed controllers are cheap and easy to drive with an Arduino. Not sure how slow they can go without using a reduction gearbox.

Would a stepper motor be a good choice? (It would still need sensors to detect a stalled state).

2

That is a sure indication the machine needs to be serviced. My wife's old machine was acting the same way until I completely overhauled it and cleaned off all the dried oil, grease and lint. Now it works like new and has lots of power a slow speed.

Paul