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  1. #1
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    Default New Foot Power Switch.

    I've never seen these before. Stumbled across them a couple of days ago in Bunnings for under $5. They have a 3 metre cord, decent length.
    Needless to say, I bought 3....


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  3. #2
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    Default

    Handy to know. I think about a foot switch every time I have to reach across something spinning on the lathe. Reckon with a price like that the time has come.
    Regards
    John

  4. #3
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    Are they push on/push off or momentary? Momentary are great for the drill press etc

  5. #4
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    Couldn't see hem online for my Bunnings store, will have to have a look tomorrow.

  6. #5
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    My experience with foot switches is that different switch types work better than others for different situations.

    For relatively short operations like drilling, the best types types of switches are the momentary action type where you have to keep your foot on the switch for the drill to operate, to stop the drill you just remove your foot from the switch. This by far the quickest and hence safest way to stop a drill.

    Momentary action type of foot switches are not so good where you want the machine to stay on for an extended period because you don't want to have to hold your foot in the same place for an long period of time.eg a lathe. This is where something like a stomp switch sounds like it would be handy.

    The main problem I found with using a stomp foot switch for a lathe is that I ended up constantly moving the switch with my feet and it also tended to get lost under sawdust. Then when I needed to stop the lathe I had to look down to see where to stomp. To stop the switch moving around I attached the switch to a piece of 300 x 300 piece of ply but then that got in the way and so I gave up using a stomp switch and added an extra No Volt safety switch at hip height - it does get occasionally accidentally activated but I consider that a real time test.

    I then researched foot operated switches for lathes and found those on MW lathes tend to be emergency switches and brakes attached to long bars or levers that stay in the same place slightly above the floor level so they tend to keep clear of the stuff. This is similar to what I installed on my BS.

    The next issue is, does your machine already have a no-volt switch. If you put a stomp switch in between the mains and the machine's no volt switch then to start the machine every time you will have to stomp and then activate the no volt switch, ie two switch action to start ie PITA. You could of course remove the no volt switch but that's a safety downgrade in my book.

    The final question question worth asking is, which is fastest, Hand or Foot operation? It turns out that on average the human hand has a quicker reaction time than a foot.

    So in terms of safety on a WW lathe, if the lathes already has a conveniently located no volt switch then you are better of using this. If it's not conveniently located then relocate the switch to somewhere more appropriate for hand or hip operation.

  7. #6
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    Default

    I would also add that a switch on the floor that may start a machine, if it is not protected by a cover, may result in the machine being accidentally started at a very inopportune time such as when you are using the chuck key.

    OTOH a stop only switch is best unprotected.

  8. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pete57 View Post
    Are they push on/push off or momentary? Momentary are great for the drill press etc
    Push on push off. [emoji106]
    Works like a gem on the combo jointer/saw table. As well as the bandsaw. Only utilised 2 at the moment.
    I found them in the lighting section near the fluro lights fixtures.

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  9. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bohdan View Post
    I would also add that a switch on the floor that may start a machine, if it is not protected by a cover, may result in the machine being accidentally started at a very inopportune time such as when you are using the chuck key.

    OTOH a stop only switch is best unprotected.
    I kick it under the machine when not in use and turn off the machine when finished. My bandsaw has an open metal frame which placing the toggle button under there makes it impossible to hit it accidentally.

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  10. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by BallaratBill View Post
    I kick it under the machine when not in use and turn off the machine when finished. My bandsaw has an open metal frame which placing the toggle button under there makes it impossible to hit it accidentally.

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    You could always stick it to the side of whatever machine and use your knee to operate it as well as your hand.

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  11. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sturdee View Post
    Couldn't see hem online for my Bunnings store, will have to have a look tomorrow.
    They should be located in the same place regardless of stores location.
    Look in the lighting section near the fluro light fixtures.

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  12. #11
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    For under $5, I doubt they could withstand very much stomping. And, as said, easy to lose in shavings.

    I paid much more for both types: push-on/push-off; and momentary (i.e. "deadman").
    https://www.harborfreight.com/catalo...&q=foot+switch

    I use the deadman on the lathe when using a large steady rest to avoid groping for the power switch. And turn off the main switch for tool changes.

    I use the other one mostly for rotisserie spray coating.

    Cheers,
    Joe
    Of course truth is stranger than fiction.
    Fiction has to make sense. - Mark Twain

  13. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by joe greiner View Post
    For under $5, I doubt they could withstand very much stomping. And, as said, easy to lose in shavings.
    I agree one stomp on them with my steel caps and it's likely I'd be picking up pieces of switch. The one I was using on my lathe was from an old sewing machine, bakelite and bras switch mechanism in a sturdy metal housing but even that

    I paid much more for both types: push-on/push-off; and momentary (i.e. "deadman").
    https://www.harborfreight.com/catalo...&q=foot+switch
    They look similar to the HD momentary one I have on my DP. Mine also had a hood on it to prevent it being accidentally started but I had to remove the hood because I could not fit my steel cap easily under the hood.

    Because there are too many large bits of metal and wood around my DP I don't like using any mains V cable on the floor hence the DP foot switch does not operate on mains V but on just 10V. It's connected to a control box up near near the no-volt mains switch. As well as VFD speed control the box is wired up so I can select from any combo of "Fwd or Rev" and "Pedal or Manual" switch operation.

  14. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by joe greiner View Post
    For under $5, I doubt they could withstand very much stomping. And, as said, easy to lose in shavings.

    I paid much more for both types: push-on/push-off; and momentary (i.e. "deadman").
    https://www.harborfreight.com/catalo...&q=foot+switch

    I use the deadman on the lathe when using a large steady rest to avoid groping for the power switch. And turn off the main switch for tool changes.

    I use the other one mostly for rotisserie spray coating.

    Cheers,
    Joe
    I guess not a lot would last long in any shop if it was continuously stomped on.
    Attaching the switch to the side of the tool or table or whatever would keep it up out of the shavings, unless you're up to the armpits in it...
    Not a bad investment for the home hobbiest in my opinion.
    But I get it, if you don't like them, don't buy them.


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  15. #14
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    Attaching the switch to the side of the tool or table or whatever would keep it up out of the shavings, unless you're up to the armpits in it...
    Sure, but then, apart from cost, why not just use an even safer capped no-volt switch.

    NVS.jpg

  16. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    Sure, but then, apart from cost, why not just use an even safer capped no-volt switch.

    NVS.jpg
    These bargain-basement foot switches are not in the tool section, as I've stated a couple of times now, they are in the *lighting* section, (Which is pretty much on the opposite sIde of the store to whwre the tools are) I would have thought that in itself would have said it all....
    Obviously not. So perhaps I need to state the obvious?
    "These were not made for big boys shop tools" they are not lisred as such, and I never stated that they were.
    And yes, for me, absolutely it comes down to finances. Paying a mortgage, insurances, maintenance, utilities and everything else that comes with life, all on a shoestring budget of a disability pension, you bet ya I'll be watching every cent I spend. I'll be sure not to stomp on them either. Thanks for the heads up on that one[emoji106]

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