Replies

1. 
   DLightbourn | Nov 07, 2004 04:42pm | #1

   This is the one I use http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product_details.cfm?&offerings_id=10402

   Or you could use one of these http://www.rockler.com/ecom7/product_details.cfm?&offerings_id=6276

   Dennis

1. 
   ricmartin | Nov 07, 2004 11:22pm | #2

   thanks Dennis, looked at those sites but I am still having trouble putting 2 and 2 together. Regarding the cord that goes from the bench switch to the router, - do you need to wire this cord into the router so that it by-passes the switch on the router itself?, i.e. how do you eliminate using the switch on the router. thanks Ric

1. 
   DLightbourn | Nov 08, 2004 01:23am | #3

   Hi Ric,

   The router's power cable is plugging into the router table switch, the switch in turn is plugged into the wall outlet.  In my new shop this outlet is also controlled by a wall switch - I like redundancy!  My router (a Bosch 1617EVS) has an on/off switch that you can leave it in the "on" position as opposed to a trigger type.  What type of router are you using?

   Dennis

1. 
   ricmartin | Nov 08, 2004 08:59pm | #5

   Thanks for the tips. I probably didn’t explain the problem well enough at the beginning. My router (Makita) has a trigger switch, so how do you hold this on? - hence my first idea of using a rubber band around the handle/trigger to have the actual router machine switched permanently on, and rely on the on/off control with the router table switch.

   Is the rubber band idea OK?

1. 
   DLightbourn | Nov 08, 2004 10:05pm | #6

   Ric:

   I would not trust a rubber band in this situation - imagine it "popping" just as you are half way through a cope joint or raised panel - OUCH!

   An "zip tie" or two (me and my redundancy) would probably hold up a lot longer.

   Dennis

2. 
   ricmartin | Nov 09, 2004 01:12am | #7

   Dennis, great and thanks, got the idea - except I'm a kiwi, what's a 'zip-tie'? Ric

3. 
   DLightbourn | Nov 09, 2004 02:32am | #8

   This is a zip tie.  You should be able to find them at an electrical supply house.

   View Image

   You can often find them hanging out with other zip ties

   View Image

   Dennis

4. 
   ricmartin | Nov 09, 2004 08:52pm | #9

   Dennis, many thanks for the advice - this was exactly the info I was after. Rgds Ric

5. 
   sedna | Feb 14, 2005 03:58am | #11

   I bypassed the switch on my router so it is always ON. Then I plug it int a Delta air operated switch, which you operate by stepping on an air bellows to turn it off or on (like pumping up an air mattress). I suppose someone may see a safety problem in that you could accidently step on the switch and turn on the router, but the air bellows is in a plastic housing that you must stick your toe into to operate. You simply plug the switch body into a wall socket, then plug the tool into the switch. The air bulb runs from the switch to the floor with about a 6 foot hose , (which you could change to make as long as needed). When not actively working, just unplug it. You can also plug any other tools in and use it for them too. (one at a time and within its load limit of course). I don't use it all the time but find it handy and it has lasted for years with no problem.
   Keith
   ps I am the only worker in my home shop. may be aproblem in a big commercial shop, but they would have a whole diferent setup anyway I expect.Edited 2/14/2005 7:08 pm ET by Keith

   Edited 2/14/2005 7:10 pm ET by Keith

2. 
   Weener | Nov 08, 2004 09:04am | #4

   The way that I have solved this problem (cheaply), is to wire up a 120v outlet under my table to a normal (HD) light switch on the side (to prevent acc. switching on/off). I plug the router into the outlet with the trigger locked on and run a length wire with a plug end attached. So, instead of plugging in the router I am actually plugging in the router table.

   hope this helps

3. 
   BG | Nov 10, 2004 12:16am | #10

   ricmartin,

   Duck tape and a power strip.  Duck tape the switch on the router...plug into power strip.  I also have my small shop vac pluged into the power strip too.  When I toggle the power strip switch both go on...cheap, fast...