Footswitch Question

db5 · Post by **db5** » Sun Jun 09, 2013 5:42 pm

I'm considering adding a footswitch so that I don't have to reach down, turn on the shop vac and then the machine. I can do this with one switch while maintaining tactile and visual contact with the wood. I won't spend a lot of money and need to know how many amps it should be as well as other things to consider. I notice eBay has stuff ranging from $10 to $60 (for industrial stuff that appears to be much abused). If this is not a good idea tell me as well as your reasoning.

Muchas Gracias, Amigos. Si usted no habla espanol, puede quedarse rezagado when Congress passes the "Amnesty" bill.

joshh · Post by **joshh** » Sun Jun 09, 2013 5:50 pm

Would this work for you instead? It's rated to 15 amps, just like the Shopsmith.
http://www.rockler.com/m/product.cfm?page=17351

Muchas Gracias, Amigos. Si usted no habla espanol, puede quedarse rezagado when Congress passes the "Amnesty" bill.

My Spanish is rusty...is that:
Than you very much, friends. If you don't speak Spanish, you can stay behind when Congress passes this "Amnesty" bill.

friscomike · Post by **friscomike** » Sun Jun 09, 2013 10:52 pm

Howdy,

Shopsmith offers a cool remote switch which I use on the dust collection system. I keep it in my apron and turn it on when I turn the Shopsmith on: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... switch.htm.

Best, mike

BuckeyeDennis · Post by **BuckeyeDennis** » Sun Jun 09, 2013 11:11 pm

I've had a Craftsman load-sensing switch for a few years now. Works swell. It senses the current when you turn on a power tool plugged into the primary outlet, and it then turns on the auxiliary 110V devices, be they lights or vacs.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-auto-swi ... 924031000P

I normally have all my power tools, including my SS, running off the primary outlet. The switch turns on the auxiliary (vac) devices immediately when I fire up a power tool. When I turn off the power tool, it lets the auxiliary devices run for a couple more seconds, then turns them off.

My only beef is that there is no override mode to run a vac independently. If I just need to vac the floor, for instance, I either have to run a power tool, or more appropriately, move the vac plug to a primary outlet.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 11:11 am

[quote="BuckeyeDennis . . .

My only beef is that there is no override mode to run a vac independently. If I just need to vac the floor, for instance, I either have to run a power tool, or more appropriately, move the vac plug to a primary outlet.[/quote"]

Seems like a simple enough thing for a EE to overcome!:D

Using:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/c...ess_switch.htm.

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 8:32 pm

friscomike wrote:Howdy,

Shopsmith offers a cool remote switch which I use on the dust collection system. I keep it in my apron and turn it on when I turn the Shopsmith on: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... switch.htm.

Best, mike

I like mine as well. I took the foot switch and put it on my DeWalt Scroll saw.
BPR

BuckeyeDennis · Post by **BuckeyeDennis** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:21 pm

JPG40504 wrote:Seems like a simple enough thing for a EE to overcome!:D

Using:

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/c...ess_switch.htm.

I get your drift. Wire-OR'ing two AC sources would get the job done quick and easy. But I also have a nagging feeling that it would violate code without a proper enclosure, and so should probably say no more. Reminds me of the PhD at work that once ginned up a 240V outlet for a test fixture by connecting up just the right two 120V outlets ..

But you are making me strain my brain during my off hours.

Ouch! I'd much rather be contemplating the most gorgeous hunk of wood that I have ever seen for sale. http://www.ebay.com/itm/121124550280?ss ... 1438.l2649

Well, there went my hopes of picking that one up for cheap.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:28 pm

BuckeyeDennis wrote:I get your drift. Wire-OR'ing two AC sources would get the job done quick and easy. But I also have a nagging feeling that it would violate code without a proper enclosure, and so should probably say no more. Reminds me of the PhD at work that once ginned up a 240V outlet for a test fixture by connecting up just the right two 120V outlets ..

But you are making me strain my brain during my off hours. Ouch! I'd much rather be contemplating the most gorgeous hunk of wood that I have ever seen for sale. http://www.ebay.com/itm/121124550280?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Well, there went my hopes of picking that one up for cheap.

One source, two paths. Enclosed of course! Polarized plugs etc. an absolute requirement. Mind yer polarity!!!!!