Shopsmith Forums

I looked at the "iSwitch" as it is called by Rockler, but knew I didn't have an outlet in the garage that could handle the draw of both the 520 and my dust collector. So I went with this instead.

Costs a bit more, but I waited until a sale came along and used a gift card.
It allows me to have the dust collector out of the way on the other side of the garage, plugged in with no extension cord, and turn it on from anywhere I might be working. I went this way as some day I hope to have a more elaborate shop set up with a plumbed dust extraction system. This switch will allow me to turn on the collector regardless of which work station I'm using.

Another benefit is that I decide when the vacuum shuts off; it doesn't shut off as soon as the 520 is powered down. Sometimes I'll sand a piece on the 520 in lathe mode by hand, turning the spindle slowly. With the iSwitch there would be no vacuum. I can keep mine running and hopefully extract a bit more dust from the air.

Just thought I'd offer up another option.

Hoagie, that's the same one that I use.

Gene Howe wrote:Here is the one I'm ordering. Note that it has a delay for the DC start.
Same company as the link Bob provided. Different vendor.
http://www.eagleamerica.com/product/489-8135/dust_collection

That auxiliary outlet receptacle is a nice feature. Ya kin plug a lamp into it and it will cycle on/off with the 'tool'.

If it uses a solid state 'relay' it should be quite reliable. The dual linecord is a definite plus!

Just read the tech specs. Tain't true. It is NOT switched.

this looks to be the same iVac switch that Eagle America is offering, but Hartville has it cheaper and with specs.
http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/13583
note that the recommended tools running amps is 12 amps

Hartville also carries the iVac pro series where you buy one box rated for your tool and one rated for your dust collector. for a mixed-source shop, this can be very helpful.
http://www.hartvilletool.com/sphider/se ... ory%2F1708

FWIW, Hartville is an active supporter of the woodnet.net forum and their members. I have been a happy customer of theirs for a while now. they got a lot of my money with their summer sale.

I just finished a garage workshop. I used to get so ticked off when I would turn the Shop Vac on & blow a circuit breaker, I now have 10 separate 20 amp circuits to run any of my Shopsmiths and a Shop Vac without blinking an eye. I ran a 100 amp subpanel from one end of my house to the other end. I bought 98 feet of wire as that what was left on the roll & used every inch of it. I seriously doubt I'll ever have more than 2 machines on at a time with a Shop Vac. Since my workshop construction took a long time and I was going to spray foam the insulation, I even threw in a 240 VAC 20 amp, 30 amp, and 50 amp outlets. Not sure what I'll ever use the 30 or 50 amp outlets for, but since I planned to have the walls insulated with closed-cell foam, it was do it now or never. The 240/20 will be of course for my Power Pro. I was one of the first to get my kit, but I've been too busy to install it as my Shopsmiths are in my basement behind a lot of other things. But I'm coming to the point where I will be needing a table saw. Up till now, my 12" Dewalt chop miter saw has handled most of my cutting. It's getting to the point I need to make some extension jambs for the new windows I had installed over 1" thick foam insulation. So much to do, so little time to do it. I have to get back to making wood chips! So save your change and buy a Power Pro upgrade. Then run your Shopsmith & vac together! I'm surprised more manufacturers are not using DVR technology motors. It's a dream come true for me- well for all of us!

My I-socket failed after some time but it failed in a low voltage going to the DC. Some motors are damaged by voltage that is too low. I now have the I-vacuum but cannot find the manufacture to ask if it uses relays rather than electronic switches. Does anyone know?
In either case, I listen to the DC after the SS is turned off to be sure that it is not running slowly.
Forrest