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Footswitch Question

Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 5:42 pm
by db5
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.

Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 5:50 pm
by joshh
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
Image

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.

Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 10:52 pm
by friscomike
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

Posted: Sun Jun 09, 2013 11:11 pm
by BuckeyeDennis
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.

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 11:11 am
by JPG
[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.

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 8:32 pm
by ryanbp01
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

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:21 pm
by BuckeyeDennis
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 .. :rolleyes:

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. :D

Posted: Mon Jun 10, 2013 9:28 pm
by JPG
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 .. :rolleyes:

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. :D

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