Replies

1. 
   dhpascoe | Jul 06, 2002 11:48pm | #1

   They can usually be found in the large electrical supply houses like Granger. Or you might try calling Delta. They have a pretty nice one.

   Dave

1. 
   gweisenburge | Jul 07, 2002 03:13am | #4

   I made one for my Unisaw, using the factory installed, low-voltgage switch. Based on a Connecticut school shop safety switch, mine was a 6" x 10" clear, 1/4" Lexan sheet, fastened to the underside of the saw table on a spring loaded screen door hinge. It has  a finger hole over the start button, and a dowel over the off. To turn it on, I had to put my finger through the hole to press the start, but I could turn it off from across the room if I threw accruately enough. Never a bit of trouble with it, but I had to replace Delta's switch once.

   If you want more details, maybe a sketch, email me.

   Gary

   Edited 7/6/2002 8:14:56 PM ET by Gary Weisenburger

2. 
   Dutchy1 | Jul 07, 2002 12:11am | #2

   I use a switch like you descibe made by Wolfcraft. I am not very satisfied with it because it hums.

   Ruud Joling. The Netherlands

3. 
   DelDollens | Jul 07, 2002 01:31am | #3

   Unless you are in a great big hurry, I can check for an Allen-Bradley switch for you when I get back to the office next week.  I get a HUGE discount from them because I buy a few million dollars worth of equipment from them each year.

   As a matter of fact, all you will need to get is a $5.00 jumbo mushroom pushbutton cap, which I can get for you if you like.  I have all the other parts at my house.  Your welcome to them.  This is providing that you have a magnetic starter.  If not, then I will have to do some searching.  Are you capable of re-wiring it if I give you a diagram?

   Is it a 120 or 240 VAC motor?

   -Del

   BYW, Allen-Braldey is a main-stream industrial controls manufacturer - nice equipment.

4. 
   SCFrankland | Jul 07, 2002 03:31am | #5

   Here is a picture of one that I made for my old talbe saw. I can shut it off with my knee or foot depending on were I am standing. But if you are looking for a factor made job then check out the link below.

   http://www.general.ca and look for Saw Stop.

   Scott C. Frankland

   Newfoundland Wood Worker

   
5. 
   WilliamHF | Jul 07, 2002 05:01am | #6

   See Issue 53 of Fine Woodworking.  There, Kerry Muller describes a "Kill Switch" in this article.

   But the idea is simple.

   For the Unisaw with its low-voltage magnetic On-Off switch, here's one way to go.

   Find a piece of hard or softwood somwhere near the width of the factory switch box/case itself and as long as you decide you'd like it, from a few inches to almost to the floor below, by 1/2" to 3/4" thick.

   "Decide you like it" means if you just want to hit it with your knee, it only has to be the appropriate length for your particular knee to activate it. If you want to be able to use it by hitting it with your toe/foot, then make it longer, etc.

   Hold the upper end of your kill switch board level with the upper end of the factory switch box/case. See where the On button is and where the Off button is in relation to the back of the  kill switch board held as described. Measure where they would touch the board if projected forward  to the board. Mark the locations on the back of the board.

   Cut a hole big enough to easily pass your finger directly in front of the factory ON switch.

   Glue a piece of wood to the back/saw side of the kill switch board. The wood should project from the back of the kill switch board to just shy of touching the factory OFF switch when the kill switch piece has been fixed to the factory switch box/case.

   Fix/tie/fasten the upper end of the board at the same height you just held it to when locating the hole. A strong piece of steel wire will do the job. Or you may want to use screws or some other means to fix the kill switch board in place in front of the factory switch.

   With power on, put a finger through the hole and press the ON switch as you always have done. When you want the motor/saw to stop, hit the kill switch board with your hand, a finger, your knee or your foot or use a stick if you prefer not to stand anywhere near the path of the blade and swat the kill switch board with the stick.

   William

   I make something, sometimes twice, each year.
6. 
   PMurrett | Jul 28, 2002 10:06pm | #7

   I think this might be what you were looking for.  I have one and find it invaluable.

   PMM

   http://safeworkplace.org/easyoff.html

1. 
   TomMGTC | Jul 28, 2002 10:35pm | #8

   I saw two of those very units on the clearance table at Highland Hardware on friday!!! Give them a call, they may still have one available.