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Foot Controls

 

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Hi Gang:

I used a foot control from a sewing machine for a while. It was great for polishing.

Carl.
 

I agree with Carl, a foot switch can be a option for a Unimat.
I've been using momentary foot switches almost exclusively on my Unimats and several other tools that benefit from "hands-off" power control. I wouldn't suggest anything but "momentary" operation as these supply power only when depressed (like the accelerator pedal in your car). I think a "latching" or on/off footswitch could be dangerous in some situations.?
I haven't upgraded to DC motors yet, but when I do, there will be a foot control option built into the power distribution.?

I have a couple TEMCo branded switches pictured below which have been working flawlessly for hundreds of hours. The $12 Wen in the link looks similar and a good value.?

WEN WA0392 120V 15-Amp Momentary Power Foot Pedal Switch for Woodworking

--
Kevin from PersonMakeObject
?????
 

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I use the same thing.

Peter B.

On 4/4/2024 10:39 PM, Carl wrote:

Hi Gang:

I used a foot control from a sewing machine for a while. It was great for polishing.

Carl.
 

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I like foot switches for other devices but for the lathe I found that I had a tendency to tap the switch when I shouldn’t.? This would be when I stopped working for a bit to change my setups.? I guess I have a nervous leg, but knowing that, it’s best to look for a safer solution.? My switches are also TEMCo and momentary.? I agree that a latching switch could be dangerous.

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Kevin Groenke @ PersonMakeObject
Sent: Friday, April 5, 2024 6:55 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Unimat] Foot Controls

?

I agree with Carl, a foot switch can be a option for a Unimat.
I've been using momentary foot switches almost exclusively on my Unimats and several other tools that benefit from "hands-off" power control. I wouldn't suggest anything but "momentary" operation as these supply power only when depressed (like the accelerator pedal in your car). I think a "latching" or on/off footswitch could be dangerous in some situations.?
I haven't upgraded to DC motors yet, but when I do, there will be a foot control option built into the power distribution.?

I have a couple TEMCo branded switches pictured below which have been working flawlessly for hundreds of hours. The $12 Wen in the link looks similar and a good value.?

WEN WA0392 120V 15-Amp Momentary Power Foot Pedal Switch for Woodworking

--

Kevin from PersonMakeObject

?????
 

Me too, never looked back.

image0.jpeg

 

If you have the switch on the motor you could switch that off while setting up the lathe and only switch it back on when you're ready to start turning. Of course you might forget . . .
 

I've got foot pedals on my sewing machine, and my RSU (Resistance Soldering Unit, used for soldering brass models), but not on either of my Unimats, simply because the dog likes to be at my feet and I worry about him stepping on the pedal.

Paul B.
 

One has to pay attention when using any tools, or suffer the consequence. Oops, blood everywhere!
 

Just a different idea for safety but may be not for the Unimat :-)

I picked up a couple of Conveyor Belt protection switches a while ago.
They have a spring loaded cord arrangement that cuts power if the cord
loosens off or is pushed.

I will be setting up an electrical / electronics test bench shortly &
one of them will be fitted spaced a couple of inches in front of the
bench as an emergency shut off & up higher so you don't need to look for
an Emergency Off button to cut the power - although there will be a
couple of the usual bright red mushroom head buttons prominently visible
as well.

I suppose that I could make it so that power is only on for brief
testing if I am leaning on it.

I know the rules say to never work alone on electrical but I don't realy
have a choice - just make things as safe as I can & maake it safer for
my wife to cut power if it is ever needed.
Better one injury than two...

Regards,
Brian.

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