variable speed

My little Delta 1X30 belt sander simply runs too fast for the job I'm working on. I need to slow it down. Would it work to add a dimmer switch to the power cord to get variable speed? Has anyone done this? Any other ideas?

Hello, I am looking for a belt sander and had a few questions. I intend to use the belt sander primary for furniture making, e.g. smoothing-out edge-glued boards, etc. Questions: 1. Would you recommend a belt sander with a variable speed option? If so, would I have problems with a belt...