Remote Switch for Shop Vac - Need sugestions

Do you just need a switch that turns it on for one tool such as your RT or do you need something with a remote control you keep in a pocket that turns it on for DC to a bunch of machines? Ivac makes a few different switches that will turn on a vac when you fire up a router.

I need it to just turn on the shop vac. That way whether I'm dust collecting from a router, table saw, band saw, or drill press I can start the vac before using the tool. I setup DC at each tool as I use it.

Now I walk over to the vac switch, turn it on, then walk back to the tool, cut, route, or drill, then walk back to the vac to turn it off.

This would help me stay at the tool and remotely turn the vac on and off.

Thanks.

Steve

HF has a 3 set remote control with wireless 3 button switch, about $20. I use it for turning on the HF DC, shop vac, and exhaust fan for the window. Seems like I hooked these up about two years ago.

David

difalkner said:

HF has a 3 set remote control with wireless 3 button switch, about $20. I use it for turning on the HF DC, shop vac, and exhaust fan for the window. Seems like I hooked these up about two years ago.

David

Click to expand...

I use the same beside my bed to turn off the air compressor in the shop if I hear it start up when I jump into bed.
I also have a remote switch on the DC to start it and shut it down when I go to use any tool. The remote hangs on my apron. Also there are 3 low voltage wall switches on the shop walls in case I forget the remote.

Go Harbor Freight.
Herb

https://www.amazon.com/Century-Wireless-Electrical-Household-Appliances/dp/B01NASZ0UM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=3+set+remote+control+with+wireless+3+button+switch&qid=1550948601&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Like this? I was looking at these the other day.

Thanks for the response. At first search, I found those outlets that automatically turn on the vac when you start the tool and the price for most of them ranged from 75-100.00.

I was thinking that a simple remote operated unit would be cheaper, but I had no idea just how cheap

Sometimes I don't know what I think I know!

Thanks again.

Steve

I use the same remote switches that David has - bought at Harbor Freight for $20 - have one plugged into my dust collector, air cleaner and shop vac - has worked flawlessly

I went full retard and and bought this system . I had to build a contactor because it wouldn’t accept the in rush current .
But I’m sure loving it , as I’d forget to turn the fan on otherwise.

iVAC Pro Dust Collection Control System - Lee Valley Tools

Herb Stoops said:

I use the same beside my bed to turn off the air compressor in the shop if I hear it start up when I jump into bed.
I also have a remote switch on the DC to start it and shut it down when I go to use any tool. The remote hangs on my apron. Also there are 3 low voltage wall switches on the shop walls in case I forget the remote.

Go Harbor Freight.
Herb

Click to expand...

Okay, Herb...just a quick clarification...you don't wear your apron to bed, do you...? :grin:

RainMan 2.0 said:

I went full retard and and bought this system . I had to build a contactor because it wouldn’t accept the in rush current .
But I’m sure loving it , as I’d forget to turn the fan on otherwise.

iVAC Pro Dust Collection Control System - Lee Valley Tools

Click to expand...

That is a neat system, Rick. The one I have on the Cyclone DC is connected somehow to the magswitch on the fan motor. the magswitch is 110v. and the motor is 220v. The mag switch is powered by the shop lights and if the lights are not on it will not start the DC. this is a safety mode installed by the electrician so that the DC would not start if I wasn't in the shop and had the lights on, the remote is on a 12v. wall wart that trips the magswitch. The electrician said he had hears of cases where the DC's would start when no one was in the shop.
@Nickp HAHA, no, I have the push button switch by my bed, it only controls my compressor and bedroom light, the DC remote is on my vest.
My shop is on the other side of the bedroom wall and I got tired of getting in bed and then the compressor starts and I would have to get up dress and go outside to the shop to shut off the compressor.
Herb

I built my own...

https://www.routerforums.com/kp91s-gallery/97769-why-spend-60-when-you-can-build-30-a.html

Herb Stoops said:

That is a neat system, Rick. The one I have on the Cyclone DC is connected somehow to the magswitch on the fan motor. the magswitch is 110v. and the motor is 220v. The mag switch is powered by the shop lights and if the lights are not on it will not start the DC. this is a safety mode installed by the electrician so that the DC would not start if I wasn't in the shop and had the lights on, the remote is on a 12v. wall wart that trips the magswitch. The electrician said he had hears of cases where the DC's would start when no one was in the shop.

Herb

Click to expand...

That’s interesting Herb. I don’t think it’s happened,but hey , I may not have been in the shop if it did.
I may have to install an outlet from the light switch to make a series circuit just in case .
Good to know.

See it’s a good thing I haven’t insulated and put the plywood up yet :grin:

kp91 said:

I built my own...

https://www.routerforums.com/kp91s-gallery/97769-why-spend-60-when-you-can-build-30-a.html

Click to expand...

But your smart, I don't know the difference between a volt and an amp. That looks very professional Doug.

OCEdesigns said:

https://www.amazon.com/Century-Wireless-Electrical-Household-Appliances/dp/B01NASZ0UM/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=3+set+remote+control+with+wireless+3+button+switch&qid=1550948601&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Like this? I was looking at these the other day.

Click to expand...

That's what I use with a remote at the table saw, router table, and miter saw. I burned up a couple because the startup current of the HF dust collector exceeded 60A! After the 2nd one burned up from the surge, I rewired the 120V side with real wire instead of printed circuit conductors, and all is well.

Fastcap has one. Sorry, but can’t post link yet.

Jerry


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Welcome to the forum Jerry

difalkner said:

HF has a 3 set remote control with wireless 3 button switch, about $20. I use it for turning on the HF DC, shop vac, and exhaust fan for the window. Seems like I hooked these up about two years ago.

David

Click to expand...

I'm glad you mentioned this, David. I've seen those, but wondered if they were heavy enough to handle the startup amps for the HF dust collector. I have the 1 hp model, so if it's working ok for you, it should do fine for me. Thanks.

I have been using wireless remotes purchased either at a Big Box or Amazon for many years. When shopping for the remotes, look for their current rating. I purchased only the ones that can handle 15A and I have never had an issue with either my 6.5 HP or 5 HP Dewalt vacs. The remotes have never failed.

I have however made a new change that I like even more - I am now using Amazon Alexa to control parts of my shop including the two vacs mentioned above. We use a Dot and an Echo in our home and use Alexa to control lights, ceiling fans etc. So I simply purchased a new Dot for my shop along with a couple of their "Smart" plugs (rated at 15A) and added them to Alexa's repertoire of devices. Now, I simply say "Alexa, turn on vacuum 1" and she carries out my command. Even with the loud vacuum going on she can hear me say "Alexa, shut off vacuum 1." She also keeps me company by playing my favorite tunes. And we use our Alexa system as a whole-house intercom system.