Dust Collector Automatic Switch

gaburman | Posted in General Discussion on June 13, 2002 06:09am

I am installing a dust collection system, and I remember that there was an article in FW that described a system which would turn on the dust collector whenever a machine was switched on. It did this by means of a current sensor installed in the electrical service panel. Does anyone recall the issue that the article appeared in? I have tried to search on the FW web site but can’t locate the article.

Replies

dollarb2 | Jun 14, 2002 12:11am | #1
Man, I know what you're talking about and I've been trying to find it myself. I remember that in that thread someone suggested keeping it simple and going to Sears and purchasing their Automatic Power Switch #00924031000. As a matter of fact I'm going to get one today.

$ Bill

Denis364 | Jun 14, 2002 01:34am | #2
Hi Dollar:

I have one of the Sears switches and it works fine and only cost $20.00. Keep in mind it will only handle 110.

Be Safe,

Dennis

TomMGTC | Jun 14, 2002 02:17am | #3
I hooked mine up to low voltage switches on each blast gate. The low voltage switches triger a contactor to turn they system on and when I am done using that machine I close the gate and it shuts off. One simple step and you never forget to open the blast gates. I used a relay and contactor from grainger and radio shack magenetic scurity system switches. Works great and you can add blast gates easily.

Jamie_Buxton | Jun 14, 2002 08:00am | #4
FW #143 pp 66-69.
BarryO | Jun 14, 2002 11:49am | #5
Such a device is described in an article in the FW book "The Small Wood Shop", see http://www.taunton.com/store/pages/070190.asp I don't know the issue it orginally appeared in.

--Barry
sydspal | Jun 15, 2002 01:18am | #6
Remember the article but, not the issue. I believe someone like Sears sells an outlet mounted sensor you plug into the wall then the tools into them. Probably only works if one or two tools plugged in, though.
Rich42198 | Jun 18, 2002 05:55am | #7
The Sears device is great for 110-120v tools/dust collectors. When I converted my TS and joiner to 230v, the Sears device would not work with my 115v dust collector. After failing to find anything that would automatically turn the dust collector on/off with 230v tools, I took a heavy duty extension cord, put a standard switch mounted in a metal recepticle in the middle of the cord, and mounted the switch box at the foot of my TS. Now when I turn the TS on/off, I just flick the dust collector on/off with my foot. It's not quite "automatic", but it has become second nature.
klink | Jun 18, 2002 08:32am | #8
August 2000 Issue No. 143 pg 66-69. good luck! let me know if you get it to work!