ECN Forum Forums Technical Discussion Electrical Theory and Applications Universal Motors Concern

No Way!.
splitzapper,
Where are you getting a 120VDC supply from?.
Using a lower than design voltage on a motor will always end in tears, as does a higher voltage.
Personally I'd stick with the AC mains and protect it with a GFCI, if the appliance is going to be used outside.
By the way, what sort of appliance is it?.