A couple of questions

[Bill Siler]

I've seen a simple plan for making a remote switch with a magnetic base. But the plan doesn't say exactly how the switch is wired in. It sounds as if the switch is, in effect, just spliced into the lathe's power cord, so that using the remote switch is equivalent to unplugging the lathe. This plan was specifically proffered for the PM3520. My question is this: Would this sort of remote switching do any harm to the electronics?

On an unrelated note, does anyone know why the knock-out bar for the PM3520 slides in and out of the weighted handle?

Bill

 

[Captain Eddie]

The one I saw was just that and it may damage your controller. But you can wire a second start/stop switch set into your controller. You need the schematic on your controller and find the remote settings. Almost all have them and the two powermatics I have worked on each got one. Momentary buttons are available at Radio Shack, along with a box and magnetic mount. Good Luck.

 

[Dale Miner]

I wired a remote switch for my 3520b. It is in series with the push pull switch that is on the lathe. The manual has a note somewhere in it that if the lathe is switched on, and the power is interupted, and comes back on with the lathe switch in the on position, the lathe will not start.

Most VFD's do not like to have the power to them shut on and off for starting and stopping the motor they control.

Later,

Dale M

 

[Jim Stoppleworth]

On an unrelated note, does anyone know why the knock-out bar for the PM3520 slides in and out of the weighted handle?

Bill

To me it seems to make it easier to tap the MT dead center out after finishing having turned something. One can vary the amount of force by how far back you slide the weight.

Jim

 

[Captain Eddie]

Dale, glad you jumped in there. Long day. Most controllers not only do not like to have the power turned off while running, a few get mean about it. The Delta controller will remember such an occurance and cause a glitch or shut down at the most inappropriate time.

The Bayou Woodturners have one in their power line for emergencies and learned how to drain the diode when it was switched off like that.

Thanks for jumping in.

 

[john lucas]

I installed one on my 3520A in series with push pull switch. I've never had any problems with the controller. The only problem I've had is with the remote switch getting dirty and not working. This seems to be a common problem. I've never had a problem with the controller. You aren't switching the controller on or off only the switching circuit.

 

[Ron Sardo]

Where can I find some info on making a remote switch.

TIA

 

[Jake Debski]

I installed one on my 3520A in series with push pull switch. I've never had any problems with the controller. The only problem I've had is with the remote switch getting dirty and not working. This seems to be a common problem. I've never had a problem with the controller. You aren't switching the controller on or off only the switching circuit.

I don't have a remote on my 3520, but I do have a line switch that I use to shut down the entire power circuit when I'm finished for the day. I also rarely use the machines red on off switch. I simply use the speed control. With the speed control set to zero and the line switch off, to restart the machine it is necessary to reset by turning off, using the red on/off, then back on. This activates the controller. The remote put in series with red on/off would be the same. Three years into this method has yet to cause any bumps in the road for my controller.

 

[Dick Latshaw]

Where can I find some info on making a remote switch.

TIA

Try mustardmonster.googlepages.com under electrical.

 

[Griesbach]

Bill, your second question didn't get answered so...

The knock out bar slides in the weighted handle so you can get more force to the bar without using your fist or some other heavier tool.

 

[Bill Siler]

Thanks for all the replies. I had a feeling that just interposing a switch between the wall outlet and the controller was too easy to be true.

Bill