Lathe Footswitch Question

[Robert Arnold]

Does anyone know if it is possible to wire in a footswitch to a lathe. I have a Oneway 220v model and I would like to wire in a footswitch that would start and stop the lathe. I would like to keep the arm mounted switch but would like to have the ability for quick on/off.

Thanks, Robert

 

[Mark Mandell]

There are push/pull STDP e-stop switches available that you could place in your main power line ahead of where it enters your drive. Finding one sealed against sawdust that wouldn't present a fire hazard buried in the shavings will be another matter. You might do better with an e-kill switch mounted on your machine's frame that you could simply kick in an emergency. I have my table saw's main switch box set up that way; works great.

 

[MichaelMouse]

Putting something on the floor and covering it in wet shavings is a recipe for trouble, as Mark says. Not to mention it will force you to clean up between operations so you can locate it for the next. I bag about 90-95% direct as it's removed by the way I orient the tools, but even 5% puts a couple inches of well-trodden mush on the floor at the end of the day.

A minimum of a kill switch located where you don't have to reach into the disintegration zone is an excellent idea. If you're non-electronic as I am, it can be your regular switch.

 

[john lucas]

I agree. A magnetic mount remote that you can put somewhere else on the lathe is better than a floor switch. I also recommend placing it in the same remote spot all the time, not some random spot. when you need a remote in an emergency you don't want to have to look for it. that would be even harder when it's on the floor.

 

[Gary Chapman]

footswitch

When I bought my older woodfast lathe it had a footswitch wired in it. I unhooked it for I didn't like to use it. I could check out how it was hooked up but not sure if I could explain it to you. Gary

 

[David Wilkins]

There is one available on the vb36. Its not impossible, it is up to you to keep your shop clean.

 

[Gynia]

You can get a remote on/off switch for that lathe from Oneway. This is a low voltage switch so the risk of shock is minimal or non-existent. You might be able to build a contraption to activate the on and off buttons.

The switch wiring is simple these are momentary switches. You could have a SPDT switch and a pair of momentary switches.

 

[Matt Lewis]

Foot Switch

I use a foot switch on my mini. Shavings don't seem to bother it or me. However, I would rather have a knee bar like the Vicmarcs.

Regards,

Matt

 

[Ronald D. Black]

I had foot switch on my lathe and liked it....until the day I needed it FAST and my foot slipped off as I hit it on the edge and the lathe did not turn off. Fortunately no harm done. I have taken it off and also moved the on/off switch to the right side my lathe (I am right handed) so I do not have to reach across myself to turn it off.
Ron

 

[Steve Worcester]

I would think you could hook up a foot switch the same way as a on/off remote on a Oneway. You would have to come up with the switches and such, but seems doable. Probably even in line with a remote on/off. As for needing a quick stop, the Oneway's big red STOP button wouldn't get over ridden

 

[Owen Lowe]

Check out this thread on the Oneway Forum from 2007:

http://www.oneway.ca/forum/index.php?webtag=FORUM&msg=400.1

 

[Don Geiger]

Robust foot switch

Robust offers afoot switch (option LA-OFF) that only turns the lathe off.