SS Power Switch - Conveniently Located

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:06 pm

During certain operations, I have always been a frustrated with the location of the Shopsmith on/off switch.

A wireless remote switch would be one quick resolution. I know that some of you have done that.

While working on my project to harvest and repurpose parts from the 520 upgrade, I came up with another idea. A Shopsmith on/of switch, some sheet metal scraps (aliuminum) and one of the short 510 rails and I have a power switch that can be easily relocated to any position on the Mark V rail system.

SHMBO has frozen all discretionary spending until the taxes are paid. I had to come up with something that I could make without going to a store. Everything came out of the "proverbial scrap pile".

I have prototyped it and will make some minor changes (to resolve mechanical layout issues) but here is the first cut:

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 6:26 pm

Dusty as always you have come up with a great idea. I purchase a guarded Momentary Foot switch #522408 before my boss froze all spending for taxes. I find it very hand for several tools especially the router. Jim

chiroindixon · Post by **chiroindixon** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 7:49 pm

Hmmmm....Of course theres' a #1 solution that was on SSUG.org......

Try here...."Sawstop" pg 1. entry !0.

But....be yourselves.....

Doc

reible · Post by **reible** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:46 pm

Hi,

Nice idea Dusty!

However:

"A wireless remote switch would be one quick resolution."

As the lost in space robot would warn "DANGER shopsmith users". OK maybe he didn't say that but I will. The wireless remote is fine for things like dust collectors, lights, and garage door openers but I sure can't see them being used for power tools.

They do make for funny stories, someone here or at the other site posted one about hooking the remote up to the dust collect and another to the Christmas tree lights... I think it was the wife that mentioned she could hear something running after the tree lights were turned on.... (good thing it wasn't the shopsmith that you forgot to take the blade out of and had decided to use the table top for storage...).

Also if you do decide to make your own box check to see the switch is on the hot side and that you have a good safety ground.

Ed

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 8:51 pm

Doc's reference to a previous post shows us a very innovated way to incorporate a "Safety Switch".

https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=178&highlight=sawstop

guvnuh4 · Post by **guvnuh4** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:54 pm

Holy Cow, that is a genius idea with the bar across the base that works as the kick stop, but it almost pains me to drill holes in my fancy tool... But it would be worth it to have that sort of safety switch.

chiroindixon · Post by **chiroindixon** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:00 pm

Hell..they are only the legs....and I think I used at least one hole that was already there......

"Git'er Dun".....

Doc

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:02 pm

I have been thinking about this for years, I have purchased a industrial foot switch and returned it because it was too hard to get your foot into the shield in a hurry and it was not magnetic. If I am going to replace the switch it must be magnetic, if I loose power I want the unit to shut off and stay that way, next I want a much bigger OFF. I actually like the design show under the "Safety Switch" tread but I don't think that particular switch can sustain the Shopsmith load for extended periods.

Dusty is on to something with the mounting but the electrical need work also when using the lathe it does not really work.

I have also thought about mounting a "Safety Switch" on the Shopsmith flexible bracket, this allows it to move to several locations but may be too flexible to be safe.

Shopsmith flexibility makes solving this problem more difficult, I have looked at other tools and most of the designs don't work in the various Shopsmith modes. As far as taxes go we have not started collecting the data yet and we leave for the Caribbean Friday, maybe we should just stay there.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:12 pm

Paul,

Does this fill the bill? This could be used with Doc's application as well.

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?Offerings_ID=17401&TabSelect=Details

chiroindixon · Post by **chiroindixon** » Wed Mar 19, 2008 10:19 pm

Looks like the same switch I used but with a "Stop" paddle. Great, but you still have to hit it with a hand.

I was no genius when I stole that idea from David Marks. His point was to stop the machine in a flash without removing hand (s) from workpiece.

That crossbar lets you just lean forward while you keep both hands on work piece...or kick it in a hurry as you and hands are backing away....fast.

Doc