Thread: Latching footswitch

Perhaps a change of router?

Fixed base routers are hugely popular in the US but the only thing I personally can see in their favour is the large base diameter.

My personal favourite for dovetail jigs is a Makita 3601 "D" handled unit. It has a low COG and still allows two handled control but for your application the clincher is the trigger on/off set in the handle. And the base takes Porter-Cable type screw-in guide bushes.

What you want is a latching relay. These can be bought for around $79, but if memory serves they generally use separate on & off switches. Have not looked at these recently, and there will now be a lot of solid state versions that may have additional functions. However, you can build a very low cost & simple system that uses low voltage control circuit (say 12v) to toggle the mains power. That way you could build your own foot switch design as there will be no dangerous power going any where near the foot switch.

Eg. See this Toggle Switch No.1 - Cmos 4013.

This even has the Veroboard layout designed.

Just substitute a relay with mains rated contacts at appropriate amperage for your tool, and DO NOT mount the reply on same board as the low voltage components!! A few uses at Jaycqr would buy the parts.

Yes I was considering using a arduino and relay with latching software untill I saw the supposed latching foot switch that I ordered.
The seller of that switch no longer lables it as latching and says he will refund my payment once he receives the returned switch.
.
I have looked at the Makita 3601b and believe the dewalt I already own will be fine on the leigh jig.
I don't really need to use a foot switch as the start up jerk is not so bad, but I don't like to leave anything to chance and it doesn't take much to ruin dovetails when cutting them with a router.
So now I'm looking at what is available online and I still need a foot switch.
Mark

There's no need for an Arduino or to use an expensive mains V latching relay.

It could be done for example using a $5 SS low V (e.g. 12V) latching relay that drives a standard low cost 10A Mains V relay.
You'd need a 12 V power pack in series with a momentary foot switch that supplies a latching signal to the standard relay.

I'd post a circuit but I would probably get told off so I won't. PM me for details if you are interested.

The latching foot switch idea got way too complicated, so I re-examained my issues with the dewalt router.
I found the little slippery knobs on the dewalt were difficult to hold cantilevered over a edge.
I just could not wrap my hands around them, I could only hold them by my fingertips.
So I made new handles that I could reach the switch from.
Solving both problems.
The handles were made by metalworking methods so I will make a further post in the metalworking forum.
Mark

Nice!

Great solution.