Make a footswitch, become a monkey.

Here's how I made a footswitch for my belt sander.

Awhile back I made a stand for my belt sander (see the last photo). To start the unit I had to reach around and push the trigger with one hand and push the lock button with the other hand. Not very safe since it placed my chin close to the rotating belt. Like a monkey, I thought using my feet may be safer. I needed a footswitch!

I tried eBay but decided to make something myself. I searched Instructables and found these two entries.
Dremel Foot Switch
DIY Power bar
I basically combined the two. Thanks for the ideas guys!

This is an easy Instructable. You can put this together with basic tools: screwdrivers, pliers, drill, hot glue gun, superglue, soldering iron, jaws of life. After you get all the parts, it should take about an hour to assemble. It took me longer to write this Instructable than it did to make this thing. :-)

Step 1 Parts and coin

Plastic 2 Gang J box - OSH $4.69
1/2" End Cap - OSH $0.35
Rubber Feet - OSH $2.19
Appliance Replacement Power Cord - OSH $8.69
Wall Switch - OSH $4.19
2 Gang Wallplate - Weird Stuff $1.00
Receptacle - Weird Stuff $0.50
2 Acrylic 1" dia. solid domes - Tap Plastic $1.50

(Not Shown)
3 pieces of wire, 5.5" long 14-18 awg
Zip Tie
Electrical Tape
Flux Capacitor

Comments

[!Andrew_Modder!]

huh.. thats cool specially if your sander does not have an off switch (plug into wall and its automaticly on)

[unknownuser2007]

Ha! Yeah, this will only work with equipment that has a locking On switch.

[MuadDweeb]

No locking "On" switch? That's why God invented zip-ties. :)

[unknownuser2007]

lol! : - )

[Rob K]

Nice belt sander jig also.

[unknownuser2007]

Thanks! Here's a link to it. :-)
http://www.instructables.com/id/Belt-Sander-Stand/

[sleeping_gecko]

That looks really nice! When I saw the first image, I thought that was a large Superball, sawn in half and then glued down. I like the stand in picture for the last step that converts a handheld belt sander to a standing belt sander. Is it shop-made? Possibly the subject of a future instructable? Great project!

[unknownuser2007]

Thanks! Yeah, the belt sander stand is shop made. I didn't capture any photos when I made it but since others have shown interest, I'll try to put another Instructable together.

[sleeping_gecko]

Cool, I'll look forward to it!

[bleachworthy]

too much like this instructable but a little more elegant.

[unknownuser2007]

Thanks. I admit it but I believe in giving credit to those I have "borrowed" from. stuie25 put together a great Instructable but I was concerned the stomp switch used wasn't rated high enough for my belt sander.

[455H013]

He mentions that instructable as the source of his ideas, he just said that he combined them, with some modification.

[camp6ell]

i like how you did the end cap to hold the wire in place.

[unknownuser2007]

Thanks, but I'll be the first to admit, it is a short cut. :-) I couldn't find the strain relief mentioned in the DIY Power bar Instructable. That's the proper way of doing a strain relief.

[bdl]

Can we see ore of the belt sander stand? Looks extremely good and very useful.

[unknownuser2007]

I didn't take any photos of it when I made it but I'll see what I can do...

[servant74]

just be a little easy and don't stomp on the switch to hard. They can brake under the force feet can provide.

[unknownuser2007]

Yes! I agree! Don't stomp too hard, these switches aren't designed for gorilla feet. Thanks!

[joejoerowley]

Cool!!

[unknownuser2007]

Thanks!

[Punkguyta]

Very good job, but why the rubbers on the switch, it's just as easy to find with your foot without them.

[unknownuser2007]

Yes, you could do without the domes but the domes make it easier when wearing clunky workboots.