Panic Bar

Re: Panic Bar

John Lucas

>Woodcraft now sells a remote switch that could easily be adapted to a panic bar. I think it's about $29.

how about a foot switch?

Mike Schwing from Md.

>The reason I'm thinking of this is that, in my experience, when I'm frantically trying to reach the off switch on a lathe its because something has suddenly dangerously started spinning wildly out of control and I want to get AWAY from the lathe rather than closer to it.

When I need to find the switch in a hurry with the table saw, I might be trying to hold a piece down that I suddenly think might kick back on me, or keep something from wiggling back into the saw, or keep a sheet of plywood from moving, etc.. In those instances I'm glad the switch is within hand reach of the saw blade, one hand on the work, one hand (or knee) to the switch.

However, with the lathe I'm wanting to back away from the dangerous thing thats going on and I could put that foot switch in the same location I'm wishing to go....back and away..because thats where I insinctively go anyway, to then move back near the impending disaster goes against the grain.

Re: Panic Bar

Bill Grumbine, Kutztown PA

>Hi Jim

A lot of the fancy pants lathes have the controls for on/off, speed, etc on a pendant or some other movable system. As Mike says, when something goes wrong on the lathe, the initial (and usually safest) reaction is to get out of the way.

Since you are going to hard wire the motor, why not make a switch box on a stand or moveable pendant yourself? That way you can put the switch wherever you want. For example, my control box is on a free standing pedestal which stands off to the right of the lathe, down towards the tailstock end. If something goes wrong with a big blank, I do not have to reach or step in front of it to shut it down. If I am turning outboard, I move it around to the other side.

Bill

Re: Panic Bar

Chuck Ludwigsen

>My last trip to the gym (yes, it was recent) gave me an idea.

The treadmills all have a lanyard that you clip to your clothes. If you fall and the treadmill is still running, the lanyard will pull a key out of a kill switch.

Anyone ever thought of doing something similar for the lathe? That way, getting away would be the safest route AND it would shut the power down.

Something to think about, I guess.

Chuck in Memphis, TN.

Re: Panic Bar

Bill Hale / The Wood Spinner

>Another thought is to use an electronic Sw. I use X-10 switches on my vac sys, my lighting and on the fans in my spray booth. I have a portable button, similar to what you use on a car for door locks, for my vac.. I can turn it on or off from any location in the shop.

You could easly use this on the lathe and use a key chain on your belt for the control.

WWW.x10.com for the site. It is a little hard to navigate but worth the effort. Stuff is fairly inexpensive. If you have questions drop me an E and I will help.

Good turning and be safe

Bill

Re: Panic Bar

John Lucas

>chuck

I think a voice activated switch would be a good idea. When you jump back and say "oh Sh#t" the machine automatically shuts down. If it hears more explitives it automatically starts dialing 911.

I like your thinking

Chuck Ludwigsen

>;-)

As a good friend of mine affectionately says of me.... you just ain't right...

With that suggestion, there are days my lathe would NEVER run.

Take care, John.

Chuck in Memphis, TN.

LOL

Ron Sardo in PA

>

Re: Panic Bar

John U. - NC

>John -- be sure to bring your "prototype" to the NCW meeting on the 13th -- and be sure to test it out - you may get a good jump out of some of the members who always sit front row for the demos ;-) LOL

What's a "gym"? :-)

Clem Wixted Jonesboro, AR

>

Re: Panic Bar

Frederick Nelson

>X-10 does make a controller-outlet for 220 volts (only) that can switch 15 amps. Their SR227 receptacle (called a "Super Socket") can switch 15 amps of "resistive load" or only 500 watts of lighting. Much of their equipment is too small for a lot of woodworking applications.

That notwithstanding, I use a "Super Socket" to switch my 1 hp dust collector.

FNelson

Re: Panic Bar

TDaniel

>If you need something to switch a high current load you might try a solid state relay, using your light duty switch to operate the gate of the solid state relay and the relay would switch the load. Cost of a 25 amp 230 volt SSR is about $20. They are available with switching voltages of 3-32vdc or 90-280vac. If you are seriously wanting to do this email me and I can give you part numbers and such.

TD

John, I love your humor. Alan

Alan Tolchinsky

>

Re: Panic Bar

Dick Hines

>When I wired my PM last year I put the power at the tail stock end. If things go bad I can just move that way and pull the plug. That way I don't have to reach across the wildley spinning chunk of wood to hit the power switch.

Re: Panic Bar-Thank You

Jim From Mo.

>I wish to thank each and every one of you for the tremendous responce to my question.

Re: Panic Bar

Guy

>How about making/adapting the power cord from the wall to the lathe long enough so you can secure it down at each end of the lathe. Then wire in an on/off switch at each end of the lathe. If you leave them both on you can turn your lathe off and on like normal. If something happens then you have your normal switch plus an emergency at each end of the lathe when you are getting out of the way. Thats what I had on my old lathe and it worked well, going to do it on my new one when I get around to it. I have wired a remote off/on/speed control with a magnet on the back so my switching follows me around right now, debating whether I like this arrangement or not. If you are not sure about messing with wiring get an electrician in, not much cash to spend but good insurance. Either way good luck and be safe.

Re: Panic Bar

Bill Hale / The Wood Spinner

>They have other types also. My 3 hp vac is on one and woorks fine.

Look a little deeper in the site.

Good turning and be safe

Bill

Re: how about a foot switch?

Garrett in Victoria BC CA

>Hi Mike

I used one for years. I think they still cost about $10. For the lathe to run, the pedal had to depressed. Lift off and the lathe stopped. It took about 5 minutes to get used to the foot position, and I got so I could nove it to any position I wanted, usually without looking at it. Convenient and VERY safe.

My new lathe is 220v, and the pedal is 110v. While it was no biggie to switch back to the hand control, I often miss the convenience of the pedal.

Cheers, Garrett