Foot switch for router?

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Fri May 25, 2012 6:09 pm

Has anyone used a footswitch for their router? I would like to be able to keep both hands on the workpiece when shutting the power to the router off. Thanks for any feedback. Alec

reible · Post by **reible** » Fri May 25, 2012 6:48 pm

Simple answer is yes I have and use one.

To make this a little longer, the one I have is one you have to stay with your foot/leg/arm holding the switch on. They also make one with a step on take your foot away and step on to stop(toggle on toggle off).

Were I most often use mine is with the OPR. It is also good when working at a general purpose router table which is why I got one in the first place.

Mine is rated at 15amps so I do not feel like trying it with the shopsmith. I would like to have it work with the shopsmith, especially with things like the drill press and scrollsaw/jigsaw. Solutions are to get the powerpro or a heavier duty switch.

I have not used the foot switch with hand held routers, a good solution for them would be to get one with a D-handle and trigger or a plunge router where you start the router and then plunge to make your cuts.

Ed

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Fri May 25, 2012 6:51 pm

easterngray wrote:Has anyone used a footswitch for their router? I would like to be able to keep both hands on the workpiece when shutting the power to the router off. Thanks for any feedback. Alec

I have used two different foot switches with the router. The momentary switch requires one keep it depressed while using the tool. Personally I feel that is one too many things for my feeble mind to track safely. The on/off version is easier to track but I confess to preferring the big red paddle switch I mounted on the leg of my router table adjacent to where I work. If seated it is easy to reach with either my knee or my hand. If standing my hand reaches it easily. I found it interesting to be reminded of the two foot switches I have taking up space in the shop and not being used. Jim

easterngray · Post by **easterngray** » Fri May 25, 2012 7:32 pm

Thanks for your replies Fellas. I want one for OPR use. Sounds like just the ticket. Thanks again - Alec

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Thu May 31, 2012 12:14 pm

I have one that switches the power for the router under the table. Handy gadget. Mine is the "step on-step off" type. I move around too much for a momentary switch.

One for the OPR would be handy as well. But the switch is easy to reach on my OPR with a PC 690.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu May 31, 2012 1:37 pm

reible wrote: . . . Solutions are to get the powerpro or a heavier duty switch.

. . .

Ed

AIUI, the PP has a turn on delay as well as a labotomy regarding settings established prior to turn off.

That will make a foot switch less than palatable. Like the ss mount planer series wired safety switch.