latching foot switch

[Jacob]

Looking for a latching foot switch (one click on, another click off) for lathe and/or router table. 10 amp.
Seems to be a vast range from a few quid to 100s.
Any particular recommendations at the cheaper end?

 

[MARK.B.]

Pretty much any of the offerings on ebay/amazon etc will do the job for around a tenner, if its for your shop i would look for a heavy duty one in case you drop a lump of timber or your wallet on it

 

[gcusick]

I’d advise against a simple latching footswitch in this application. Two reasons: first, how do you know the switch state when you first connect it? Second, in the event of power failure, the switch could remain in the ‘on’ state. In either case, the connected machine could start unexpectedly, which is probably undesirable.

Two foot switches, one for on, other for off, plus a relay or contactor wired as a no-volt release switch is the safe(r) option.

 

[Rorschach]

Any reason you want it to be latching? I wouldn't use that kind of switch except on maybe a dust extractor.

 

[MARK.B.]

My Bad i assumed it was for a lamp for the lathe

 

[Jacob]

Any reason you want it to be latching? I wouldn't use that kind of switch except on maybe a dust extractor.

Same reason the most normal switches latch - don't want to have to keep a finger (or foot) on it, they stay on or off until switched again.
Foot operated so that I can keep hands on the workpiece, and/or switch on/off a step away from the machine out of harms way.
I take Geoff's points but the foot operated switch presents no increased hazard over most commonly used switches, such as already fitted to my router and lathe.
PS just realised - the router switch latches in the off position but you have to keep your hand on it to stay on. So Geoff does have a point.
So is there an off the shelf 2 switch (on/off) foot control with no voltage protection?

 

[clogs]

on my plan to do list but mine will be only on when my foot is on it......
I will also be teaching and to me the above switch could be a life saver,,,,

 

[gcusick]

Same reason the most normal switches latch - don't want to have to keep a finger (or foot) on it, they stay on or off until switched again.
Foot operated so that I can keep hands on the workpiece, and/or switch on/off a step away from the machine out of harms way.
I take Geoff's points but the foot operated switch presents no increased hazard over most commonly used switches, such as already fitted to my router and lathe.
PS just realised - the router switch latches in the off position but you have to keep your hand on it to stay on. So Geoff does have a point.
So is there an off the shelf 2 switch (on/off) foot control with no voltage protection?

I had a quick look, but didn’t find one. However, it’s a pretty simple circuit to build. I’ll draw a schematic and post it here (probably tomorrow)

 

[Rorschach]

Yep take your point about it being as safe as the fitted switch in most cases, you can also retain use of the NVR if you want to.
I just tend to think of foot switches as being something to increase safety rather than make it less safe or no change at all. The foot switch on my drill press has been superb, really given me much more confidence and made the times I have had a catch a lot less dramatic.

 

[Jacob]

Changed my mind about foot switch - too many bits of timber and shavings on the floor.
Going instead for very normal Workshop KEDU KJD20-2 NVR Safety Switch Common To Many Workshop Machines | eBay
My router has to have its own switch taped down to work in a table not hand held, so this will replace it in the circuit, but not floor mounted.

 

[Ttrees]

You can make a paddle for that one pretty easily, if it's suitable.