It may run OK with the Dimmer, being a small PSC motor, there are some controllers made especially for power tool applications, although aimed at the Universal motor types, they will usually run PSC motors, but usually for light duty, fans etc, so if loaded by some different application, they are known to drop out of run!
Either a DC motor or a AC motor and G.B. is the better option.
P.S. I am possibly a little older than yourself, I watched the original series when it first aired on the UK airwaves in 1985.
Max.