berry

I have Rocker router table and Craftsman plunge router I use in it. I'm at work and don't have a model number. It was, at the time of purchase their best 'heavy duty' unit. As a hobbyest, I use it on a very irregular basis.

I mounted a standard household switched plug on the front edge of the table. When I use the router I turn it on and plug it into the swithch I added. Then I turn the router off and on with the switch.

Recently, on a Yahoo forum, there was a discussion that lead me to believe that this practise was: 1) not good for the motor; 2) a safety hazard (the switch contacts may stick together and I'd be unable to turn off the unit.

So I'm wondering what the pros here think, do I need to get a special switch???

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ATLAS 2556

Hi berry! the hook up is ok,,,,off is off no mater what switch u use,,, i have the sme hook up.....It cant hurt the router,,,,,,, Tom

bobj3

Hi Berry

Like Tom I do the same thing on all my router tables, I think the key word is KIDS or to say little ones in the shop from time to time.

"special switch???"

Then I recommend this type of switch ▼
Router Table Power Switch at 20.oo bucks

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shops.../routacc1.html

Plus this one will let you plug in your Vac.so it comes on at the same time when your router comes on and it's free shipping the norm.
It also has the safety pull out switch .

But the safe way is just unplug the router ( the Bob and Ricks way ) with little ones under foot.

Bj

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PodCast videos
RWS on YouTube

http://www.routerforums.com/86898-post1.html
Besure and click on the Up Arrow key ▲ on the Youtube video, you can select other youtube videos on router tables
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/?s=dovetail
Machine Cut ▼
http://www.woodworkingonline.com/200...cut-dovetails/

http://www.woodworkingonline.com/woo...podcast-store/

http://www.woodshopdemos.com/menu2.htm

Bob J.

Mike

Berry, Using a switched outlet is fine. One important note: As BJ mentioned follow Bob and Ricks advice and ALWAYS unplug your router when changing bits or set up's. The aftermarket "Safety switches" are just that; it is easier to hit the stop button in case of a problem. Rockler offers their switch on sale for $14.95? during November/2006. This is an excellent value, I have several of them on various machines. And yes, I still unplug EVERY time.

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Mike
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Lee Brubaker

I copied that old pro Patrick Spielman & installed a regular household dual receptacle. One plug-in is always hot, the other is switched & the router is plugged into this one. The router switch is always on. I have used this method about 9 years with no related difficulty or damage to the router.

Lee

lrr

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?p...&filter=switch

This link seemed to paste correctly, but if not, Google "Rockler", and then search for "switch" on their page-- it is on sale for $14.99. I have this on my Rockler table, and plan to get another at this price.

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Lee

Joe Lyddon

The Rockler switch is OK... will not cause any harm...

Now is a good time to get one & save $10...

I got one for my router table AND ordered another one for the Drum Sander I will be making very soon... one of the best buys in town right now... IMHO