Latest update is that it's taken me a while to get back to this project, but after some mucking about I've ditched the fan motor idea, and turned my initial project spec on it's head, after finding an old black and decker quattro that is now in bits I'm turning to the idea of DC power instead, largely as I can test it with batteries without too much of the fear of doing something wrong and toasting myself - I know us Brits are pale but 240vac is a bad way to get a tan!
So......currently I'm not a huge amount further on but have aqquired a few more toys now, an old A/C sewing machine with a supposedly working motor, an old cordless black and decker quattro (now in bits!) and my newest aquisition.... A como drills 919d1481 4.5-15vD/C variable speed geared motor (which I have most hope for ATM!)
New Aim: to build a D/C rod wrapper/turner. I'm rethinking the whole thing as this will give me a much smaller and portable unit that I can test initially off battery power, ultimately though the aim will be to have a wall plug but this will let me play about with it a bit more without the fear. I'm also now chopping and changing between a pulley and a direct drive system, but my immediate concern will be speed control (I've been advised against a PWM and the suggestion was to get something with short circiuit protection too!) I'm gonna try and wire it up before I start building a bed, chuck etc just so I can find if it works!!!
Again, if anyone has any more advice or guidance, please chip in as I'm still stumbing about a bit in the dark here!