TS Activated Pwer Switch

[tmaceroli]

A while ago, I built an extension table for my TS. Since I use my shop vac for dust collection, it sits out there next to the outfeed table. I have to walk over there to turn it on and turn it off, which is getting to be a pain, and it's pretty loud, too. About a year or two ago, I saw some plans for an insulated cabinet to quiet a shop vac. So all of those thoughts came together in an "AHA!" moment. My vacuum fits under my outfeed table, with room to spare. If I enclose and insulate the bottom of the table, I could easily put the shop vac in there, save space, and save my ears. The table is on wheels, too, so I could theoretically use it for other tools. In practice, I use the old dust pan and broom for my other tools. (For the tools I have, the TS kicks up the most dust.)

Along with that, it would be nice to have the shop vac turn on and off when I use the TS. Anyone ever rig up a switch like that? One other problem would be that I would probably want these running on different electrical circuits, right? I have heard that can contribute to the motor burning out on the BT...

[Sam Conder]

Here ya go...

https://www.sawdustzone.org/articles...nd-other-tools

[gmack5]

Jim Frye came up with an idea that you might want to check out.
https://www.sawdustzone.org/articles...nd-other-tools

While it uses only one circuit, you may be able to adapt it for your use, possibly by adding a relay controlled circuit (a Contactor) to the second outlet, thereby allowing you to utilize a Contactor controlled second circuit for your Shop Vac.

The relay would turn on the second circuit by using the contactor, controlled by the device in Jim's Article to turn on/off a second circuit. The contactor would probably only draw an Amp, or less, off of your primary circuit.

[skipwill]

quote:Originally posted by tmaceroli

A while ago, I built an extension table for my TS. Since I use my shop vac for dust collection, it sits out there next to the outfeed table. I have to walk over there to turn it on and turn it off, which is getting to be a pain, and it's pretty loud, too. About a year or two ago, I saw some plans for an insulated cabinet to quiet a shop vac. So all of those thoughts came together in an "AHA!" moment. My vacuum fits under my outfeed table, with room to spare. If I enclose and insulate the bottom of the table, I could easily put the shop vac in there, save space, and save my ears. The table is on wheels, too, so I could theoretically use it for other tools. In practice, I use the old dust pan and broom for my other tools. (For the tools I have, the TS kicks up the most dust.)

Along with that, it would be nice to have the shop vac turn on and off when I use the TS. Anyone ever rig up a switch like that? One other problem would be that I would probably want these running on different electrical circuits, right? I have heard that can contribute to the motor burning out on the BT...

I use the $20.00 Craftsman switch for the shopvac and the BT3100 and it works great.

Skip

[vaking]

I also use the Sears autoswitch (This is how it is actually called)and this is a link to it on Sears web site.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...&bidsite=CRAFT
I do recommend however to try finding it in a store rather than ordering it from Sears.com. I tried the latter and it is a hassle.
One thing to remember, It is OK to use shopvac and BT3100 on the same curcuit if it is a 20Amp circuit. The switch is designed to go into 20Amp circuit, it will support 15Amps for the saw and whatever is left for the shopvac. It also has a logic to delay the start of a shopvac couple seconds so the saw gets up-to-speed first. And it keeps the shopvac going couple seconds after the saw is turned off to collect the dust completely. In short, this is the thing specially designed for this task and at $20 you are not likely to beat the price.

[BobSch]

quote:Originally posted by tmaceroli

... If I enclose and insulate the bottom of the table, I could easily put the shop vac in there, save space, and save my ears....

Make sure you allow for good airflow in and out of the area where the vac is or you'll run the risk of burning it out. [:0][:0]

[LCHIEN]

quote:Originally posted by vaking

I also use the Sears autoswitch (This is how it is actually called)and this is a link to it on Sears web site.
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...&bidsite=CRAFT
I do recommend however to try finding it in a store rather than ordering it from Sears.com. I tried the latter and it is a hassle.
One thing to remember, It is OK to use shopvac and BT3100 on the same curcuit if it is a 20Amp circuit. The switch is designed to go into 20Amp circuit, it will support 15Amps for the saw and whatever is left for the shopvac. It also has a logic to delay the start of a shopvac couple seconds so the saw gets up-to-speed first. And it keeps the shopvac going couple seconds after the saw is turned off to collect the dust completely. In short, this is the thing specially designed for this task and at $20 you are not likely to beat the price.

I agree with VAKING in what he says is technically correct. I also believe your saw needs all the power it can get when cutting tough items, and you should have a 20A circuit powering the autoswitch which in turn willpower the 15A saw and a shop Vac of up to 5 AMps.

I do like the Sears Autoswicth, I use one with my drill press to control a lamp.

I used one for a couple of years with my BT3 on a 15A circuit with a shop vac and never really had any problems I attributed to lack of power... so even if you only have a 15A circuit you might try it.
If I ever made a tough cut like a long, deep rip I would power the vac separately.

I retired the autoswitch in favor of a big DC this year. I still need to make some more ports on the BT3 to suck with the DC.

[tmaceroli]

Thanks for the info about the switch. I didn't know you could run both machines on one 20 amp circuit. I will give it a try. I'm not ready to take the plunge on a dust collection system yet.