Controversial Shop question...

[RodKirby]

The last time I described my Table Saw on/off switch (about 7 years ago on the Ryobi forum), I was memorably flamed -some of the nicer adjectives were "idiot", "lunatic", stupid". I suspect Sam will remember the flame war and the person who led it (SAM?).

I've been around here long enough, and matured enough I think, to withstand any negative comments now. OK...

I use a remote controllled switch on my table saw - similar to those described in a current thread. I offer the following:

• I prefer to have the switch whithin my reach, as I finish a cut. Typically that means I have both arms and half my body stretched across the table.
• When not "in action" the switch is on a velcro patch above my bench (see pic). I'm surprised no one asked about it during my Shed tour.
• I always work alone - always. NO visitor is permitted to operate any of my power tools!

I DO NOT recommend this setup to anyone. I describe it only to indicate one of my working methods. Safely, I would add, for the last 11 years.

I invite comments...

[cgallery]

I invite comments...

I see nothing wrong with it. I use a Clapper.

Clap-on
Clap-off
Clap-on, clap-off,
The CLAPPER!

[Habe]

Rod
I see nothing wrong with your method. It has one of the keys to shop safety. That is you do it in a consistent method that is used each time so that it becomes second nature. When I switched from the BT to the zip code saw there was a short relearning time to adjust to the new location of the on off switch. It is now second nature to hit the switch at the end of the cut with out having to think where it is.

[jackellis]

Especially if it's within easy reach of your (right?) hand, I think it's a great idea. On both my BT and my new Jet, I know where the switch is but sometimes that location is not so convenient.

The only potential safety problem arises if the remote fails to work, but that's a risk with any piece of equipment and I don't see how a remote safety switch has any practical net negative effect.

[Tequila]

I wouldn't do what you're doing, but I'm glad it's worked safely for you. My only suggestion is that you should unplug it or cut power at the switch when you're changing blades. One of the problems with the x10 and similar systems is that if your neighbor has one set to the same channel as you, their remote could turn on your equipment. It's extremely unlikely that anything like that would happen, but it could.

[Hellrazor]

Tequila, It depends if the remote is RF or IR.

I still use the "knee switch"

[Tom Slick]

The only problem I foresee is fumbling with a floating (not bolted down) remote and tiny buttons in an emergency.

[SARGE..g-47]

Good day Rod...

Your shop.. your safety.. your call! Anything would have to be an improvement over the switch mounted bottom right on my BT 3000.

I was going to re-wire left and under the rail at knee poistion as my Uni-saw, but have just never gotten to it. Low left at knee position is what I prefer as my shop.. my safety and my call!

We all have our preferences based on what works for us...

Regards...

[cwsmith]

The buttons may be a bit small in an emergency, but if it works well for you... that's really all that matters!

My principle saw for the last three decades has been a Craftsman RAS, and as many have noted, doing a rip is a point of controversy. The only concern that I've had with it, is that it takes one well away from the power switch. While it's perfectly located for a right-hand user on cross-cuts, you're nowhere near that position on feeding a rip.

For such operations I configured a cord switch which I hold in my hand.

So, whatever works!

CWS

[eezlock]

shop question

Rod, I have also relocated the switch on my BT3100 to a better, safer location ....also easier for me! I did mine soon after buying the saw, did not like having to reach down underneath to turn it off because I felt it was
the wrong place to have to hunt for the switch in an emergency shut down
situation. I mounted mine underneath the new rails that I bought (Delta T-2)
and it hangs where I can bump it quite easily with my hand or leg if needed.
I also eliminated the receptacle for the router table attachment....didn't need
it anyway, I used a separate router table anyway. eezlock

[RodKirby]

Phew! I don't know why I worried. Your responses are great - thank you

Some clarification: The OEM on-off switch is still connected normally. When I work on the saw (blade changing, cleaning - the inside etc.), I switch it off. The rest of the time it's on. That is: the remote controls power to the saw table switch (and the Shopvac).

[gwyneth]

Rod, my mind just can't wrap itself around the idea of anybody anywhere calling any aspect of your shop idiotic.

Of course, in general, I can't see why a woodworker would make a sweeping derogatory comment about anybody else's shop safety issue unless it was inarguably unsafe.

But if something was in your shop, almost by definition it couldn't be 'inarguably unsafe'.

[RodKirby]

Rod, my mind just can't wrap itself around the idea of anybody anywhere calling any aspect of your shop idiotic.

Of course, in general, I can't see why a woodworker would make a sweeping derogatory comment about anybody else's shop safety issue unless it was inarguably unsafe.

But if something was in your shop, almost by definition it couldn't be 'inarguably unsafe'.

Thank you for the very kind words, Gwyneth.

At the time of the original flame, I guess whatever reputation I might have established since then, didn't exist. As I recall, the guy that started the flame (in 2007 he would be calssed as a Troll), made sure every WW forum on the planet got involved. I even had e-mails from "friends" alerting me to the posts! It was an uncomfortable time.

Meanwhile, I'll just enjoy BT3Central and it's group of great people

[Tom Slick]

With the OEM switch still functional I think it's a great idea. just as long as you can't accidentally bump the "on" button.

a bit off topic.
The OEM location for the switch on the BT3 series saws is on the wrong side, it needs to be on the left corner, not the right.
I have setup saws with a mag starter and 2 switches before. one switch on the table edge on the right side and another on the table edge on the left with the buttons facing the left. that way you can reach the off button even if you are way off the the left side of the saw.

[Knottscott]

No issues with your method Rod. Be it right, or be it wrong, as long as you're not forcing others to use it why should they care?

I use a remote as an added safety feature to defeat curious young fingers. My TS outlet is powered thru a remote. The same remote powers the DC, so it can't be activated if the DC is not on, which is a pretty good reminder whether or not the outlet is powered up. Between the remote and dropping the blade after each use, I feel that it's fairly kid proof....I also have a lock for the on/switch that I haven't felt the need to put into use yet.