Replies

1. 
   Jfrostjr | Jul 17, 2007 04:05pm | #1

   I have a setup such as you describe. It is the Ecogate "Greenbox" system. I bought my original package from Penn State Ind. but have since worked directly with the company. They are absolutely top flight for support.

   There are two optional ways to activate the dust collector; First with little vibration sensors that stick on the machine. They are connected to the Ecogate blast gate, which in turn, connects to the Green Box. Second, there are small, current sensing coils for use on machines that run too smoothly to activate a vibration sensor. (for example a jointer or router). I avoided these at first, but they are so easy to install and so trouble free, I have put them on all my machines. Now, if I drop a board on the table saw, the DC does not start and run for 60 seconds.

   You can control up to 8 separate units, each with its own blast gate - plus there is one manually controlled switch - could be used for a floor sweep.

   I am very happy with the system. Have had it for 2 years. No problems with blast gates - or with lost remote controlers.

   Frosty

2. 
   user-67934 | Jul 18, 2007 12:40am | #2

   I bought an adapter outlet at Sears for $25.  It is a plain looking gray box that plugs into the outlet.  You can plug in a power tool and two accessories.  It senses the current draw in the primary tool and then turns on the other two.  I guess the idea is to plug in your shop vac and a work light.  It works just fine with smaller stuff like shop vacs and hand sanders.  I tried using it on my table saw and DC, both 1.5 hp motors.  It was too much start-up amperage for both tools at once and it blew a 20 amp circuit.  I can run the tools on one circuit if I turn them on one at a time.