Linear Actuators 101 - for Woodworkers

[@ourmidwestlife]

This was singlehandedly the most helpful video on linear actuators that I have found on KZbin. It has helped build my confidence for a current project I have been working on, but wanted to automate a bit. Thank you!

[@TommyTompkins]

Great to hear! Glad the video helped you.

[@skmorton6849]

Ditto

[@GinoGenero]

So that's how they did it. I once visited a fun restaurant in Portland that had a table top move up and down slowly enough to not be noticed, that is, until your food and drinks were in a ridiculously high or low position. They also had an ultra-slow rotating top that was unnoticeable (until it wasn't anymore.) A good laugh.😂 Super clear video 👍

[@dys3945]

I’m a techie and I’ve started to do some woodwork lately. I am building something like what you have and have been looking into a linear actuator or servo for the job. This is one of the best... I repeat BEST videos I’ve seen for quality of the video, audio, information, examples, etc. I’m definitely following after this video and going to try this out. Thank you!!!

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@thepubliceye]

Hey Techie, how would keep these synchronized so they don't bind up. His build using two will get out of sync and bind as soon as it's operated with more weight on one side of his bench than the other.

[@DanielDeArco]

I highly appreciate your presentation style! Please continue making these educational videos!

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you!

[@seheabol]

YOU ARE AWESOME and just opened my builder world UP 💫

[@cam_DA_Hawkdriver]

Let the magic of move-making erase the need to explain why something doesn’t go the way you wanted. Good job on the video!

[@anthonynatole5037]

After spending thirty minutes looking for the parts online I finally looked here. Thank you for all the help and the instructional video. A big time and life saver!

[@berniesmith2831]

I'm building a standing desk right now and was struggling on how I was going to wire up the actuators to the rocker switch and the 12v DC convertor. This video really helped me out and I can I see it is really not that difficult. Thank you for making it simple for my simple brain. Thank you. Instant subscribe.

[@cmel7841]

Im a tech engineer woodworker on the side, I wanted to make a standing desk and was having problems deciding how to lift it, I wanted to make mine out of oak, this is perfect I will be buying your plans and altering for my desk. thanks!

[@ZOEng99]

very well presengted and gave me confidence to start playing with actuators. Thanks

[@edwardshomestead9074]

Hi Tommy. I'm a finish carpenter here in the Bahamas and I like your explanation of the actuators, most definitely going to install in my future builds . Thanks

[@sambinomio]

Exactly what I was looking for for a loft bed project. Thank you !

[@jhclauseiv.]

Any update on your project? Would love to see your progress!

[@fnxrz7513]

This is my friends dad I just was him

[@DannyDangerOz]

Mate, thank you! You made this so easy to understand and demystified the whole idea.

[@davecline4966]

I've absolutely no idea for using these in the future but I do know a great demonstration video when I see one !! Thank you for sharing and you are a natural at explaining in a very logical and sequential manner.

[@TommyTompkins]

That's really nice to hear because I actually think I'm really bad at presenting and I have to do lots of editing to clean things up. I'm getting better :)

[@sedge6591]

@DaveCline But isn't it great when you think of a new project, it'll have some movement, you'll think, By Jove! The answer lies in... Actuators! lol at least that's what happens to me. @TommyTompkins I too thought it was a great instructional video, glad you didn't try to talk over some KZbin's "free license" background music. Audible - your voice comes across well, comprehensive but not overwhelming, begins at the beginning, knows how to stop at the end hahna. I'm brand new to Making and dying to automate everything but research first and this was a perfect place to begin. Thank you. PS: I sub'ed

[@nbpraptor]

I agree that the presentation was well done, it was very informative and will help me when I use actuators for raising and lowering a TV unit.

[@petervandierdoncq1468]

Thanks for the great video,now I finally understand everything about it,greetings from Belgium(Europe) 👌🏻

[@lindam.9282]

Very helpful...I wasn't sure where to get ones that weren't so noisy...Sounds like an alternative...Thanks for posting this video!

[@TommyTompkins]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AndersJackson]

Nice and simple explanation of how actuators can be controlled. This system is an open control loop, as there are no feedback to see what speed the actuators are actually running at. Yes, a speed controller would make it possible to make two different actuators run at same speed. As long as the load are the same. If one really want to have them run with same speed, one need a closed loop, that is there has to be a feedback so that the system knows which speed each actuator actually run at. Because the speed are dependent on the load. So if you move a heavy weight, like a computer or stack of books, from one side to the other, they will run in different speeds. Then you need some simple controller, like the new Raspberry Pi nano controlling both actuator and reading how fast each are running, so it can adjust power or time that each run, adjusting for the changing load. Yes, in most cases that could be over complicated, compared to have two buttons that control each actuator separately, so the operator can adjust for changed loads. Then the operator provides the feedback of the system and are the one responsible of leveling the actuators. Or better, just use one actuator, and the problem with balance is removed all together. ;-)

[@stephenowens5375]

5yr old video but absolutely BRILLIANT, thank you 🙋

[@turbomarch7275]

Awesome video. I’m an electrical noob. I really feel like I learned a lot from this video. Thanks for making it!

[@TommyTompkins]

Glad you liked it!

[@Y-I-C-A]

This is really perfect whan using a large TV or Monitor & you want it to go back & forth relative to your distance. ❤

[@Pilotweldman]

Enjoyable, understandable and this guy doesn't TALK IT TO DEATH! (like some video makers!) Nice layout on the parts too. Liked the humorous (facial smirk) bit near the end.

[@TommyTompkins]

Glad you enjoyed it Larry!

[@Eagle031265]

Great explanation, quite simple and straight to the point. Regards from Costa Rica

[@JexxieJay]

This was sooo helpful, I want to build a desk for my fiance actually excited now

[@bryanhopper4727]

Thank you so much I was trying to figure out how to get different size actuators to sync up at finish! The speed controller is what I needed.

[@TommyTompkins]

Glad the video helped!

[@adowshalleadow2752]

Me 2

[@nimnadisooriyabandara]

The best explanation I have found. Thank you so much. You helped me on my project. Thank you!

[@shanezveganess5969]

Casey's model is an excellent visual resource :) :) :)

[@TommyTompkins]

Hahaha yes, yes it is :)

[@ajaydesai6525]

Excellent video and presentation! I don'thave any project at the moment, but now I will create one.

[@BOSWAHANA81]

i have to click the like button for your explanation sir....

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you sir!

[@cyberlizardcouk]

this is just the video I have been looking for - thanks for making it.

[@georghauslschmid1038]

EXACTLY the video I needed. Thanks a lot Tommy!

[@watercarepro9610]

Love how you explained everything !

[@Markomyt1]

Great job! Who in the world would thumbs down this?

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you! I always wonder about the mind set of somebody that takes the time to thumbs down a video.

[@stuffsethmakes]

Very informative, thanks for sharing. I want to build a sewing table for my wife and be able to have the sewing machine drop down out of sight and raise up to position. This video opened my eyes and really helped me understand how I’ll be able to make it happen. Thanks again, very well done!

[@stellarsidewalks430]

So incredibly helpful, concise and well explained! Thanks a million for this video. I’m a GC and a good part of my business is converting shipping containers. I am looking for a system for a moveable wall and am researching hydraulics vs linear actuators and your video was the deciding factor. These are much more simple than hydraulics and assuming I can find actuators with a large enough capacity, I’ll be using them. Thanks again, you’re awesome!

[@TommyTompkins]

Great, glad I could help!

[@Frequenterable]

What are the connectors that you are putting in the ends of the wires to make them easy to connect and safe to handle? Thank you!

[@juliuspereira7067]

Excellent content. Thank you for putting this. I have been going in circles trying to figure this out. Not any more. :) Thank you

[@nathanmciver6496]

I like how you show a close up of the switch! No bias here, I just think that the industry within the past was so bullshit with all thier terminology when really it's the product and how it opporates that gives a person the understanding of what's going on! So makes sence when you show that one switch going back to it's neatural setting as it won't keep the actuator going!

[@KBBAKTHA]

Excellent tutorial of basics of actuators and the wiring involved. Thanks

[@mumihp]

Thank you so much. This is the best video I have seen that explains linear acurrator and how to set it up. Many thanks. One question, what is the clips you used to connect the wires so there look like spade connectors and what is the wires. Cheers for this very informative video 👍

[@isaacpenaflor9596]

Great video. Helped me out completely with my aquarium stand project. Thanks

[@dahon853]

Very helpful!!! Now I understand it way better!!!!!!! Thank youuu really appreciate this!!!!

[@David_K_pi]

Great video. Now I have find a project to make use those guys. One big recommendation, though - don't use a 5 amp power supply to run two actuators. You want to have 25 to 30% overhead. I'd recommend an 8-amp power supply minimum. For three actuators, the 10-amp supply will be fine. Cheers! David (an electrical engineer, aka EE) Remember, you can't spell "geek" without a double-E.

[@TommyTompkins]

Well, if an electrical engineer says so, I'll take your advice. Thanks!

[@nbpraptor]

Thanks for the info david!

[@edoromoweroesther9266]

Thanks so much, this was very simple and helpful. I learnt alot from this video. Please do more of this kind of video 😅😅😅....

[@lexxielex]

I love finding local KZbinrs! Great vid!!

[@robinwalthour2357]

Excellent teaching! I can’t wait to create my standing desk.

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you!

[@bbarney6139]

I needed this video 12 months ago. Thank you so much for the knowledge, now I have some furniture to take apart & rebuild :)

[@TommyTompkins]

Ha! Well at least you'll have some fun doing it :)

[@gabecuevas]

So are we not going to talk about what happened at 14:15? lol -- Dude this is the perfect video I was looking for. I am "hoping" to build an electric standing desk that moves monitors that are on poles (not on the desk) in sync. i.e. desk moves up, so do the monitors 🙏 -- Oh and hoping [wishing] to link with Alexa.. If you want to make the video that would save me time and money LooL

[@WestSenecaValleyRailroad]

Excellent demonstration, and offers so many options, both for furniture applications and more!

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you, and yes I agree that there are many applications that span beyond furniture.

[@quasimodo5177]

Thank you for this great video. Now understand some more thinks because you explained and show it easyli

[@tusharnita]

Great pains you & your wife has taken, greatly appreciated 👍

[@Law9223]

Hi I repair and replace motors for recliners and I believe they are basically the same type of motor that you are using. I was just wondering if these speed controllers would speed up a new motor that is slow? Or is the speed of the motor the fastest that it will go. Thanks

[@datadev1]

Wonderful explanation/demonstration. Thanks for taking the mystery out of linear actuators.

[@TommyTompkins]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching!

[@WTGDarksight]

Mind me asking how you connect the power supply to the wires? Unsure if you need to cut off the original connection so you have access to the power supplies wires.

[@TommyTompkins]

I think it depends on the power supply but usually you need to cut off the default connector that comes with the power supply and add your own. I usually use twist connectors.

[@NeautralGround]

What would I use if I needed to combine the up/down motion and a swivel?

[@palomero0885]

Can you pair this set up with google home for remote control when I’m away from home?

[@HaroldA1972]

I have 2 4” actuators that I will use for wood planer lift, I tried 1 power supply,12v10a and it moved both of them at same rate but just a bump at a time, not breaking any speed records at all lol then I tried just running 1 with power supply and it runs great, any suggestions, on video it was mentioned that 5a would run both so I got a 10a in hopes it would make it a bit faster and smoother, but I need both of them

[@chazbarclay]

Thank you. This is a very informative video for the basics. This has put me on the right track.

[@TommyTompkins]

You're welcome. Glad the video helped.

[@DeliberateNRandom]

Is there a brand you recommend now? I'm planning on making the head of my bed adjustable instead of buying an adjustable base. It's on a short wood loft bed with 4x4 corners and 2x4 bracing. My bed is laying on plywood and I was going to use hinges for the bend. If the 2x4 brace doesn't work, I might try some metal angle iron.

[@erikaamac2727]

I really needed this today. I almost gave up on making my bed move up and down in my van.

[@AshcraftFraming]

That was very helpful, thanks for taking the time. I'm about to install my first linear actuator and this has clarified a lot. Thanks!

[@tacochub4353]

do you need an additional component to connect two linear actuators to the middle terminals of the rocker switch? How would you do that?

[@sherardtemple7034]

@Tommy Tompkins FYI, I am an electrical engineer so I am only telling you this to protect your equipment. ALWAYS hook up the negative side first in electrical circuits. This way if you hook up the powerside electricity has a safe path to travel. While a 12 V System will not hurt you. The power-surge from improper grounding can burn up motors without any fuse protection. I also recommend some sort of fuse protect to protect the electronics. AC Power causes burst of power also, this can jump up to 140 volts at an instantaneous moment (With AC Power when you hear 120 or 110 it actually means the average voltage). If enough AC Power gets into the voltage divider circuits the this can increase greater than 12V of power which in turn increases the power through the circuits. This can in turn damage your motors and controllers (PCBs). I would research how much current is needed to power the motors and either use a poly fuse or normal fuse to protect. Poly fuses reset themselves on the next start up after the threshold current is met.

[@marioncurtis3709]

I am trying to install an automatic chicken door opener using 12 V battery, solar charger, photocell timer and linear actuator. I want to add a light also to the timer. Later, I would like to add another linear actuator. What kind of controller do I need, and do I need a relay or anything I didn't mention here?

[@deshmitter5717]

Nicely explained video. Sir can we install hall sencers to stop actuator at desired position at both ends ei retracted and extended. Thanks

[@jeffharper3320]

I’m trying to automate a drawer for a quadriplegic. She needs a drawer that slides over her bed. Is there any way to hook Alexa to one of these things? Thanks for the video.

[@JacanaProductions]

So I need to just raise a cat door and want to automate this on a daily basis - what type of cheap controller can I buy to just "press" the switch long enough to raise the cat door?

[@АлександрАндреев-ь7ф]

Awesome video. Is there a way the jig can be made without a drill press?

[@tedfritsch3340]

Dec. 13th 2020 just found your video, Awesome. LOL, I was about to ask the question using two of them do you have a matching problem, and you answered the question before I asked it. NOW that's a great presentation. Going to use this hiding my Porter Cable jointer in my work bench. Thanks so much.

[@byron2521]

Yeah! This gives me an idea. I've wanted one of those Veri- desks or what ever they are called. I do woodworking and I'm a draftsman. So I am used to the actuators on old school drafting desk, like the one you show. However, those Vera or Veri- desks are pricey! Anywhere from $400 to $800! Building my own with linear actuators sounds like a cheaper way to go. Thanks!

[@RoundTownWithMike]

Is there a way to install a small actuator (to open and close blast gates) in a way that it opens with the switch the shop vac is on and closes when power is shut off? (My shop vac and tools are on an automatic vacuum switch). I have a regular wall switch that activates the vacuum without the tools on. I want to wire an actuator to a blast gate just by giving it power on and off (without having to switch polarity). Thanks!

[@awesomedee5421]

What was the name of that company that made the black solar actuators. I couldn't understand you in the video.

[@slrs3908]

One of my hobbies is boat building, and after seeing this, I just might use a linear actuator to engage and dis-engage the drive system on my next project. It would be awesome to engage drive (or reverse) by pressing a button. Might use them for other things too. Thanks for directing my attention to these.

[@eugenana6783]

is there a tip you can give for installing linear actuators for windows or doors that have batant (rotatoinal) move?

[@d1986ben]

Question? Couldn't you run these actuators with a m12 battery also? DC power is DC power. Just have to watch for total discharge issues.

[@JohnS-hp2xu]

The power window switches in old Chevy trucks (pre-97) are DPDT momentary switches as well.

[@robertpropst22]

If you set the speed one actuator will that actuator keep that speed or return to what it was prior to adjustment.

[@mycats7321]

I spy a Porter Cable air compressor in the background. That's the kind I have. I want to create a sewing machine lift. I will also have a vertical slide & ball-bearing glide stabilizing system. Could I use a single actuator in the center to lift the platform for the sewing machine? I don't think max weight will be over 50lbs. I don't care about noise since it will only make noise while in use. Plus, I'm accustomed to loud stuff so it doesn't bother me. Did you test out any Das Marine brand actuators?

[@Ravi_Sachchade]

Hi sir if we use two actuator then power supply would be same or may have to double it...?

[@scottrussell5696]

This was a really good explanation. Thank you!

[@deankay4434]

Reading post below are asking a lot of good questions. The length of wire and the amount of current determines the size of gauge of wire to use safely. There are many charts online to help with the size of AWG gauge. Remember as well, that a device, if rated for 2.5 amps, there is an inrush of current when first turn on, due to copper coils in the motor are cold, more current because less resistance. So, 2.5 amps maybe 3.0 amps for a second or less. This also help with sizing a fuse for circuit protection. Using a high end digital multi meter (DMM) like a Fluke 87 type 5, will measure 15 amps inside the meter with the newer fuses. Using two actuators in parallel adds to the amperage, so 2.5 + 2.5 = 5 amps, but add cold start current by measurement (Digital amp clamps are good & cheap) is the best way or guess using smaller fuses under a dead load. The dead load increases amperage requirements to start a heavier load to get moving. The "Speed Switch" is more likely a (PWM) pulse width modulation type. So these are a duty cycle type, example; 50% duty cycle is on half of the time & on half of the time, therefore you will expect half speed of the motor. Just note, the total amps required for your device, must be determined before you order the PWM speed controller so it does not fail due to higher amperage than it's rating. To be safe, purchase one with twice the current rating of the actuators / devices being used assembled in a real word project. Test, know, don't guess! The fuse is to protect the wires in the circuit and not the device. The device is designed to be change, while the harness is not. And for Harold Buford, people by habit, create tic's in there speak. I know a guy that says "On There" at the end of each sentence. Ah, Uh, Ums, You know...are all habits, a little annoying but it will not kill you. No ones perfect. Hopes this helps our fellow creator, inventors and wood-workers! A very tall eye lady eye doctor told me, that her husband & her both had counters in their house adjustable with actuators...it cost $14k extra. But how much is back surgery?

[@TommyTompkins]

Thanks for the good points and thoughtful comments Dean! Back surgery isn't cheap, but boy am I glad I pulled the trigger on that one. I'm 100% back in action and enjoying every second!

[@Reldvs1]

My linear actuator are from a tempurpedic bed. The plug has a din style 4 pin... Do you know the pinout on that type of plug? Is it possible to convert a 4 pin plug to work on a 2 pin socket? I have a bed controller that has 2 pin sockets but my linear actuator is 4 pin. Do you know anything about these type of linear actuator? I found one video that says you could cut off the plug on a certain brand and it was two wires after the plug. Are all linear actuator the same? I don't understand why some I've seen are two wires and some are 4 and some even 5 or 6 on adjustable bed controllers. The actuator are 24vdc instead of 12vdc but I'm hoping you might still be able to help. Can you give any advice on the subject? Awesome video!

[@Prodbycorpse]

Stupid question but do I not need a 12v battery if I have the power supply?

[@pabloleon2013]

Hola... Muy buen video. ...Gracias por enseñarnos tus conocimientos.. Ya m suscribí... Saludos desde Bolivia

[@fishingismydrug1]

Thank you! Clear, quick, to the point. Much appreciated.

[@manulepereira6563]

BRILLIANT &&&&& Extra ordinary explanation Thank you very much for sharing BYE from INDIA Love

[@TommyTompkins]

Thank you!

[@victormorales3144]

Hi, I have an INCA TV lift with a tubular motor. We lost the remote, and lift got stuck in up position. Any advice how to bring it down? Any ideas or how to reverse the motor movement? Highly appreciated. Thanks for sharing awesome ideas.

[@micro963]

Man you just answer so many questions thank you for sharing 👍👍👍

[@seandeeme]

Idk if u will see this. I was wondering, is it safe to just buy a plug head and connect it directly to actuator and plug into the wall?

[@rb-today]

As an old electrician, I would suggest connecting the power last not first. Otherwise, very good info. Just subscribed, too.

[@TommyTompkins]

Good suggestion. Thanks for the sub!

[@alexiz.7569]

What do you use in this system to connect multiple Linear Actuators ?

[@emilywilcock4039]

He quickly explains how to do that around 10:30.

[@wallheadkdir]

How do i cut and wire it to a car battery when they send me with the 120 wall adapter? How is the 12v power supply working in this video? If its plugged into the wall i want to cut that off an wire it to a battery.

[@makermania182]

Awesome video! Just a quick suggestion: you may be able to use a 24v power supply with the other linear actuators to potentially reduce noise (check spec sheet jic). I noticed many of the cheaper units say 12-24v in the spec and it may be similar to stepper motors where an optimal voltage will help reduce noise. I plan to test this on my first ebay set

[@mikefuson176]

Great demo. Thanks for taking the time to do it.

[@BrianYoungquist]

Is it possible to run a single actuator with 2 rocker switches (like 3-way light switches)?

[@howardhagadorn9443]

How these things operate has always been a mystery to me until now............ thank you

[@zachbmeyer]

Great Video, Looking to build the same sort of desk you made; regarding the power supply, when looking to connect the power supply to the switch, would you just remove the end piece they have on it to splice it?

[@muspherebrah4652]

Sir is it applicable on outdoor use?

[@akivazohar2502]

Thanks I’ve been looking for something to explain them The power supply looks like the power supply for my laptop PC Is that correct? I’ve got several old ones that I could use

[@joshramsey6893]

Forget actuators this dude has a dog that can teleport. Watch at 0:12. Amazing.

[@BrettWyrick]

@Tommy Tompkins TEACH US

[@marcelogouveia9614]

LMAOL

[@davvit-o4960]

what stroke actuators do standing tables use?