Ed, I recall reading about that speed dial lock many years ago in the old "Hands On" magazine...
My design change would be to use a circular disk as the lower part of the lock with a ring of holes about like the old phone dials. Then there should always be a hole close enough to lock it without having to turn it on to move the dial to line it up. There is always enough slack in the dial to move it a tiny bit without having it running to get in position to lock it. I would find having to flip it on to move the dial to be one of those nuisances that would keep me from bothering to lock it. My woodshop is in the basement and there is no kid access to it. Adults can be a problem at times though. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: A second mounting point at the bottom of the dial might be helpful.
I'm also putting an extra SS in the farm shop for some more carpentry type work and it will be more exposed to the adult problem and in even more need of locking. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
I am more concerned about the speed dial damage than the tool getting turned on but a lock-out could be a good idea too.
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Since the weather is getting better I will get back to rewiring the farm shop and I'm looking at sections or single machine feeds that might be well served by having convenient disconnects near them rather than flipping breakers back at the main box 50' away.
I just bought one of these AC disconnects (very low cost) at Lowes to use in the feed line of a 100 mile electric charger at our stable just down the road where a number of clients are often around.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_95578-82364-DPU222RP_1z0yt2s__
It is a 15 amp circuit from a breaker and the charger draws far less than that so 60 amps for a disconnect is really a lot of overkill but it doesn't matter, it is after all just a light-switch. :) But it is a very cheap way to lockout a feed for personal safety. I can pull out the switching bar and flip it over and then lock the door shut. That way I don't have to worry about some client or one of their kids (or adult friends} :rolleyes: deciding that the fence charger needs to be plugged in not knowing that I am somewhere else on the farm working on the fence. These fencers are low amperage but very high voltage and 7 joules will really light you up... :eek: :eek: :eek:
That is the purpose they serve on outdoor air conditioner units. The repairman can pull the disconnect and work on the unit without fearing that someone in the house might flip the breaker on at the main box... :)