foot switch for router cautionary note
woodhacker
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
I’ve been using a foot switch to control my router (PC 7518) when doing dovetails. This is a big router, and I just feel more comfortable having both hand on the handles when turning it on or off. I had an experience last week that reminded me that when I’m done using it for a while to turn the switch on the router off or unplug it. I was getting something out of a floor-level drawer beneath the dovetail jig when I unintentionally bumped the foot switch. With nothing to hold it back, the starting torque spun the router off the table. Fortunately there was no damage to the router, as its fall was cushioned by my head and shoulder. I’m just glad I didn’t have a bit in the router at the time.
Replies
Yes, you were lucky.
One of the basic rules that I try to practice in the shop is to ALWAYS unplug a tool before I change bits or blades or adjust it in any way.
I guess this comes from the lock-out tag-out training that was hammered into me when I was an electrician.
If you think it's a hassle to unplug your saw, router, joiner, etc. just think of the hassle it's going to be waiting in the emergency room.
As the holidays approach we get distracted and hurried. Let's all keep safety in the forefront and enjoy the holiday season.
Best regards,
Fred
Isn't a 7518 a bit of overkill for dovetails!
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Ouch! I shudder to think of what could have happened. A bridle joint in the middle of you forehead doesn't sound (or look) very appealing.
Well, a nicely cut dovetail might look okay.Chris @ http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com(soon to be http://www.flairwoodworks.com)
- Success is not the key to happines. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Especially with a nicely contrasting pin, but you'd want an accurately cut tail since it would be problematic doing the handwork while looking in the mirror. Done right, all your friends could rightly call you "knothead".
Happy you and your router are well!
Foot switch or not you are always at risk when plugging it in.
My PC routers have a 'sort of clear rubber cover' on the switch and sometimes it is hard to tell if the switch is on or off.
I have always used a foot switch with my routers. I have added a LED type lamp to my foot switch that is mounted to a hunk of wood so it does not move quite so easily.
I used a LED light bulb I found at a local Walmart and wired it into my foot switch. I used the LED type so I do not have to worry that a common glass light bulb burned out.
I also have a 'cradle'? Just a plywood thing I set my router in to keep it in place after I turn it off from the foot switch. YES, I have left the router switch ON AND the foot ON several times.. Why I made the cradle and the lamp indicator...
I use my routers more than any other tool. Never been hurt by any of them but came close to it many times! Always ME.. Never the routers mistake.
It just HAS to be made into a HABIT for any tool. Cutter and cord in the same hand!
Good philosophy!!
Along with the other suggestions, I would suggest getting a smaller router with a D handle. You wouldn't need the foot switch and you could keep both hands on the router. You need a smaller router anyway. The 7518 is much to large for this type of work.
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