control

[g44]

control motor

[z.s.tar.gz]

Please post a model number and/or pictures.
We aren't there. We can't see it.

[SmAsH]

Sounds like you have a stepper motor there. Google for how they work and you will understand that you turning it pushed it enough around for it to get to the next step.
You probably saw a jerking like action where it would speed up during one 90o of rotation.
Steppers need special driver circuits so google for those too.

[waltr]

I believe the OP has an AC motor. This may use capacitive start, thus it goes at max speed once the OP turns the shaft.
They can also be two or three speed and reversible.

But without a picture and/or link we can only guess.
This may help:
http://www.applianceaid.com/direct_drive_motor.html

[Soeren]

Hi,

Yes, it's a 3 phase AC motor with start capacitor.
You could get hold of a (high power) frequency converter, but it would be cheaper to store it for another purpose and get a universal motor from eg. an old vacuum cleaner - they're easy to control.

What do you need to power?
(Probably not a 'bot with an extension cord )