Is the “Automater” still available?

sticksandstones | Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on January 18, 2008 12:04pm

I’m looking for a gizmo called the “Automater” or something similar that allows me to trigger a dust-collecting shop vac automatically when I start up my table saw or miter saw.

I’ve seen reference online to something made by Sears (craftsman) but it’s built-in breaker is only 15A and I’d prefer 20A. And my very good local hardware store (7corners.com) in St. Paul doesn’t carry it anymore.

This is for job-site dust collection purposes, not for a shop, so it needs to be a plug-in, 110v unit.

Anybody got any ideas?

Mike R.

St. Paul, MN

Replies

bones | Jan 18, 2008 01:26am | #1

Here is one ,but it's 15 amp rating (a shop vac).

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=5855&mode=details#tabs

Since my dust collector is 220 I purchased this:

http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=5117&cs=5855&pcs=fam

I keep the key fob size wireless remote clipped on my belt loop and fire it up right before I turn any of my tools on. Works great. They have a 110 model as well. Good luck on the quest.

Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it.
And if it stops moving, subsidize it.
forestgirl | Jan 18, 2008 07:28am | #2
This subject has come up a couple of times in the last several months, and I don't remember anyone knowing about a unit that would handle more than 15 amps. Lonng Ranger may be the way to go.

forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)

Edited 1/17/2008 11:28 pm by forestgirl
Don01 | Jan 19, 2008 05:19am | #3
I picked up a couple of panel mount units on eBay in Nov 2006. Haven't seen them much since.

Try R.F., St. Louis The phone might be 800-526-0602

They made the panel mount and a both a 110 V 15 Amp and 220 V 20 Amp portable plug in units. No 220V 15A that I know.

The only concern I have is the number start stop cycles the dust collector would see. If I am doing a number of cuts I turn on the dust pump and leave it on until I am done at the table saw. I would think that if the table saw motor can handle numerous on-off cycles, the other motors should be equal to the task.

Don
jeff100 | Jan 20, 2008 01:39am | #4
I noticed on ebay that Shop Fox makes and sells a remote switch that is rated at 20 amps. Find yourself a Shop Fox dealer, and you can get what you need..

Jeff
JamesS | Jan 20, 2008 01:57am | #5
Mike: Why do you need 20 amps? I have (2) of the Sears, works fine w/ my Delta Hybrid & Shopvac, TS is 1 3/4 hp. Works fine w/ my Performax sander & Shopvac. Performax is 1 hp plus ? on the drive motor. Nary a problem over the years.

James