Need help with Tub Grinder hobby project

I am trying to piece together a motor, and speed controller for a tub grinder(basically a turntable) as cheaply as possible. It has to be high torque tho, at least 1/2hp motor and low speed(0-50rpm).

I know next to nothing about electronics. Is it possible to use some kind of AC motor(with a potentiometer for the speed control) for this so I can plug it into a standard home socket? Or is this something only DC motors can do? Which would mean I have to buy an expensive power supply/converter?

What size motor and rpm's do washing machine's use?

Is this the same tub grinder that is posted on AllAboutCircuits/chat/need help with hobby project?

yes feel free to delete this one