Don't make the same mistake I did | Auto vacuum switch vs. remote switch for dust collection

[@TheRosstaman]

I put a foot pedal on the side of my bench for the vacuum. It's toward the top and I activate it with my hand. That said, I'm going to get the remote and hang it on a string from the ceiling toward the center of my bench. Today I was at the other end of my bench and needed to turn it on and off a few times. My bench is 8 feet long, so that wasn't convenient. The remote switch will help. I don't wear an apron, so I don't have something that I will always be wearing when I'm working in the shop/garage, so I figure dangling it from the ceiling will work, and it will ALWAYS be there.

[@stevet47]

Great idea with the auto switch and the sander; I don’t know why I never thought of that! Turns my cheap shop vac into a festool dust extractor on the cheap 😂.

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

Right?!

[@indieOttawa]

Just make sure whatever brand, that it has a seperate input for both Shop Vac and Power Tool. That way you have 30 amps altogether 15 amps on each plub.

[@ronaldberger2170]

The auto vac switch with delayed on-off is a problem if you are using a tool intermittently, like a miter saw cutting multiple pieces. It turns the vacuum on and off every several seconds each time you finish a cut and position a piece for the next cut, which is not good for the vacuum motor. Whereas with the remote switch, you leave the vac on while you position your next piece to cut. Same for using a detail sander, where you are going to use it intermittently as you move to different parts of what you are sanding. I prefer the remote switch, with a few controllers placed around the shop. And as others have noted, if you have a decent sized dust collector or large shop vac, and are using a high amp machine like a table saw or 3 hp router, you are likely maxing out the 20 amp circuit, which even if it doesn't throw the breaker, will still do damage to the motor.

[@ACNailedIt]

I have got to get me one of those auto switches! I use a remote control switch and it’s been helpful but I still forget sometimes. 👍👍

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

Yeah this can be incredibly useful for some tools!

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

Also, hi AC! 👋

[@mak4374]

I bought the five pack remote units with two remotes made for lights for $30, they are also 15 amps, and have each for different tools.

[@rexseven6907]

I got a remote with three buttons from Harbor Freight. It has three separate plug jumpers you can spread out around the shop. I use one for dust collection, one for air compressor, and one for a fan. It was under $20 and I've had good luck with it. If you had a really high amp draw it probably wouldn't work.

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

Oh that’s an interesting solution.

[@rexseven6907]

​@BikeCityWoodworks I now have a second, larger dust collector that is just for the table saw. I also use it for my planer. Unfortunately, I had problems with the breaker tripping. I found another auto switch with two power cords so you can put the saw and collector on separate circuits. Works like a charm.

[@jesusfreakster101]

New sub, gonna build that portable dust collector! Thank you

[@noname-pz9kb]

Could you not just plug in a power bar into the top plug so you can then plug multiple tools?

[@Zaid-2024]

Thank you! could you provide v240 version ? we outside US and v120 is useless for us

[@markkeown9532]

What about larger vacuums that are capacitor start?

[@rickculpepper709]

Very good information.Just got the saw stop table saw like yours.I see you upgraded the fence on yours.Thinking about getting the fence you have,but that support table on the end with the legs will add about 13 inches to the overall width.Kind of tight in my shop.Was it worth the 500 bucks to get that fence??Thanks

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

Funny you mention that! I’m producing a video that should be out soon on this very topic. Spoiler alert: yes, it’s worth it, but see if you can pay less :)

[@alejandrocalvo881]

What vacuum can I use for this in order to work? Any recommendations?

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

I don't have a great vacuum myself, it's an old Shop Vac brand that was left with the house when we bought it. I've heard really great things about the Ridgid shop vacs though.

[@JackieBright]

It would be really cool if someone made one of these that has a amp clamp that goes around the main circuit to your shop and turns the vacuum on any time it goes high enough

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

That’s a neat idea!

[@johnsmith4402]

I have seen many videos for this kind product, but nobody mentioned that it is ONLY good for Vac less than 3HP. Otherwise, it is overloaded and will burn. For 2 HP Vac, it needs 13A current and 3HP 18A current. This procuct is designed for 15A only.

[@raynelson3404]

Why not set it up to send power to a relay coil or contactor for larger loads? This would solve the hp limit of your collector.

[@jayshreve4567]

I love keeping the sawdust on the floor for something soft to walk and stand on. It's NEVER in the way.

[@jayshreve4567]

Links don't work.

[@louannkoebel3000]

Having trouble getting the O Skool Auto Switch to start my Rockler Dust Right. Anyone else have the same trouble?

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

Hmm is this the one that has a remote built in?

[@louannkoebel3000]

Not sure, bought it used. It is a 2020 model. There are two on/off switches, a large red paddle and a smaller black square. Designed by a belt and suspenders kind of guy?

[@eitantal726]

Problem: Both the shopvac and the tool are on the same outlet, breaker, and phase. They use considerable amperage and could exceed the rating

[@MAGAMAN]

I used one of these at my old house with no problem. My new house is older and has older wiring and if I plug the shop vac and dust collector in at the same time, it trips the circuit breaker.

[@GlennLecus]

All I have to do to turn my dust collector on is say “Alexa turn the Vacuum on” I used an accessory plus that works with Alexa.. I have that biatch in my shop and she comes in handy for.. and it Only cost me $5 for the plug. 👍

[@sunalwaysshinesonTVs]

Hey! Since this is your latest video, Im gonna park this comment here. I see you own the CNS, like me! My blade's run out was outta alignment. I went to hell and back to figure out how to fix it. (Well, I searched KZbin, and none provided a clear answer. Ultimately got the instructions from SawStop -there's a set-type-screw hidden behind the rear bracket if you have a table extension). Maybe you could make a how to video. Hint. Rather than loosen the bolts and tap, man-handling the trunnion was way easier.

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

I actually have a video idea around this! Is there anything else you'd want to see about the contractor saw?

[@guillermomanrique8297]

Breaker 20 amps electric wire gauge 12 Router : 15 amps + vacuum 10 amps Total 25 amps vs 20 breaker amps Question: working together vacuum and router won’t the breaker trip ? Remember : electrical code : for breakers only 80% of the nominal amps ; that means only 16 amps for 20 amps breaker

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

I’m not an electrician so take my advice with a grain of salt but I believe that is initial amperage. The vacuum starts just after the tool. Also I believe my vac and router together are around 14 amps. It’s a small vacuum and a small router.

[@MAGAMAN]

Those remote switches seem to die in a few months. The auto switches work great if you only have one tool plugged in at a time like I do in my small garage shop. Plug the extension cord into the auto switch and use that for your tools.

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

Interesting, I haven't had a problem with mine.

[@danwilkening888]

Just plug a power strip into the auto switch. then drop cords to the tools. Thats how my small garage shop works.

[@boomerangfreak]

As long as you work alone that's a good idea. I do the same, Tho I see there becoming issues if you were to have multiple people in your shop at one point

[@MAGAMAN]

That's a terrible idea. Power strips can overheat and start a fire without tripping the breaker. Never use them with anything that pulls a lot of power. You should also avoid using extension cords with less than 14 gauge wire. Most are 16 gauge and can overheat when using high powered shop tools.

[@danwilkening888]

@@MAGAMAN I only use one at a time and use a 30 amp rated power strip.

[@maluraq]

@@MAGAMAN that's why you buy heavy duty power strips rated for 15-20A. Lots are out there, they're not even that expensive.

[@js3217]

These are two separate things for two separate purposes!

[@krenwregget7667]

useless if you have 240V tools.

[@asderven]

You could get 240v version. I believe the creator is in USA, they primarily have 110v, single phase electricity. Over here for a home, we get 240v, three phase or one phase. Most people wire the house to a single phase even with a three phase option. But solutions exist for all kinds.

[@BikeCityWoodworks]

Yes you can get a 240 version of both I believe. When you look for a 240v remote switch you may need to start looking at a woodworking hobby store though.