Anyone care to post their auto-off switch?

[Scott Behrens]

I did a search and didn't find any posts about it.

I'm curious if anyone cares to post the switch they've created to automatically turn the lathe off once the carriage has traveled the full distance.

I'm getting sick of watching the lathe cut and I'm afraid I'll forget as I'm getting bored. I've got some ideas but they don't address the fact that if the switch fails it will ruin the lathe (or at least some parts).

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Chris Byrne]

You can use an normally closed spring arm switch and put it in series with the motor or, use it to run a power relay. I am at work now I will try to get you some pics this week. Chris.

 

[macguy]

I did a search and didn't find any posts about it.

I'm curious if anyone cares to post the switch they've created to automatically turn the lathe off once the carriage has traveled the full distance.

I'm getting sick of watching the lathe cut and I'm afraid I'll forget as I'm getting bored. I've got some ideas but they don't address the fact that if the switch fails it will ruin the lathe (or at least some parts).

Thanks,
Scott

Here is kind of a simple one I use on one lathe. The switch turns off an outlet that the lathe and router are plugged into so everything shuts down. The switch can be adjusted along a piece of angle it is mounted on. I think the pictures are self explanatory. I have the lathe in an enclosed room sound proofed so I don't have to listen to it. I could not do without it being able to shut down itself. I would go nuts. Also it lets you better use your time rather then babysitting the lathe.

 

[WilleeCue]

I had an old power interupt outlet from my computer days.
It is a relay mounted onto a power outlet that will un-latch if the power is disrupted and will not re-latch until the reset switch is pushed.
It was an easy mod to wire in an industrial micro-switch that opens when the router reaches the end of its travel.

I havent seen any of these around so I do not know if they are still available.
However a latching power relay is a simple circut to design and build.

 

[Scott Behrens]

closed spring arm switch

Chris,

I'm not quite sure what a closed spring arm switch is but I do think I'll end up using a 2-pole contactor/relay as I'm wanting to shut down a 220V metal lathe. Guess I did know what I was doing when I bought two to build a remote control for my 220V cyclone unit.

Pictures would be great if you could post them.

Thanks,
Scott

 

[WilleeCue]

Here is kind of a simple one I use on one lathe. The switch turns off an outlet that the lathe and router are plugged into so everything shuts down.

Nice and simple, Macguy, good job.
It looks like you cut from the headstock toward the tailstock.
Is that right?

 

[Scott Behrens]

MacGuy,

I wondered if thats what people were doing but I wasn't too confident I could be sure the switch would be thrown every single time. I have to admit, after seeing your pictures, it does look like you can be sure it will flip. I think your pictures have given me the confidence to get out and build it...

Thanks,
Scott

 

[macguy]

Nice and simple, Macguy, good job.
It looks like you cut from the headstock toward the tailstock.
Is that right?

Yes I do, I cut from left to right and from the large dia, to the small dia.

 

[Scott Behrens]

WillieCue,

I noticed the same thing. Looks like he cuts toward the tail stock. In case of failure, is one direction better than the other? I imagine neither way would be good...

Thanks,
Scott

 

[macguy]

MacGuy,

I wondered if thats what people were doing but I wasn't too confident I could be sure the switch would be thrown every single time. I have to admit, after seeing your pictures, it does look like you can be sure it will flip. I think your pictures have given me the confidence to get out and build it...

Thanks,
Scott

I needed one almost right away after chewing up a half nut. I took some scrap I had around and made that. That was like 25 years ago and although I could make some Rube Goldburg device, I never really needed anything any more involved then that. I have complete confidence in it, none I have made have ever failed. It is important that everything shuts down so what ever you make up keep that in mind. Also no matter how small you shop is it is nice to have the noisy lathe in a separate room. Just some simple 2x4 framing and drywall is all you need. Same with your wood storage, build a separate room if you can with a controlled environment. My hobby shop is a two story 1200 sq. foot free standing building, but most of the time I am in a small air conditioned room 10 x 18.

 

[DaveK]

MacGuy,

I wondered if thats what people were doing but I wasn't too confident I could be sure the switch would be thrown every single time. I have to admit, after seeing your pictures, it does look like you can be sure it will flip. I think your pictures have given me the confidence to get out and build it...

Go for it Scott ! I use the same setup on my power hacksaw, no problems once it's set properly. Notice how the unit is professionally sealed up to prevent filings from getting in ... and pay no attention to that key and lack of guards

Dave