Motor controller as power supply?

I was wondering if I could use a 120v AC to dc motor controller as a variable power supply for a project?

The controller I have is:

I'm thinking it might be able to power quite a few LED's or something? I'm just trying to find a use for this thing before I toss it out -

something? I'm

Your DC motor controller provides rectified AC for the field, as well as varying the voltage for the armature with phase control of the rectified AC. Note that the power output is not smoothed at all, and goes from peak voltage to zero 100 or 120 times a second. This is OK for DC motors, which are inductive, but is not useful for most DC applications.

Most of these motor controllers have a minimum current rating, and don't work well at very light loads (like the 20mA for a string of LEDs).

Bag it and save it. Everyone who does electronics for any time has a pile of good stuff like this. Be sure to note the size motor it's supposed to drive (see the data shhet table for plug-in horsepower resistor values). If it works, you'll probably find a good use for it sometime, and they're not cheap. Also, be sure to fuse as recommended.

Chris