Router Table Stop Location

[clark_fork]

Installing a stop switch on a new router table. Have paused; thinking about the best location?

Front or side?

Router right to left so perhaps mount in on the right end instead of on front

Hands free shut off?

Knee height to it can be shut off by knee

High or low?

If mounted on the front should it be mounted high up under the table lip or further down at perhaps arm's length.

Any other locations that make sense and fulfill safety considerations?

 

[Joelm]

I had a large router table and would use it from different angles depending on the job. I really disliked walking all the way around the table to turn the router in and off. So after some consideration I decided to install 2 switches at thigh height so I could easily turn my router on and off.

 

[Sparktrician]

I made a mount for my CMS that puts the switch above the work surface and in a vertical plane with the back rail of the CMS.  Far better than having to put my mugly ug down near a spinning bit to turn it off by the stock switch. 

 

[derekcohen]

I am right-handed ... so close to where I can reach it quickly ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[Bob D.]

I made a mount for my CMS that puts the switch above the work surface and in a vertical plane with the back rail of the CMS.  Far better than having to put my mugly ug down near a spinning bit to turn it off by the stock switch.

I like this setup. It's easy to reach and always in view.

I recently replaced the switch on my Delta Jointer which has failed after 12 years. The original switch was mounted similar to what you did with your router, and I liked the original switch position so I installed the new one in the same place.

I used a magnetic switch since the OEM switch was NLA. I had to dump the original switch box which wasn't a problem. The new switch is made by PowerTec. They have switches for 120 and 240 volt applications and rated for various motor HP. I found my switch on Amazon. Attached is a PDF data sheet for the switch.

I like that the jointer will no longer restart on its own following a power outage. This seems like a desirable feature for a router table. I believe most stationary power tools could be safer using this type switch. You'll find them on 240v tools but rarely on 120v tools here in NA.

 

[Birdhunter]

Different approach.  I have a foot operated dead man switch for my router table and my drill press. I use the power switch to apply power to the dead man switch. Whenistep on it, the router starts up. If I lift my foot, the router stops.

 

[Bob D.]

Different approach.  I have a foot operated dead man switch for my router table and my drill press. I use the power switch to apply power to the dead man switch. Whenistep on it, the router starts up. If I lift my foot, the router stops.

That's what I have been using on my router table, a momentary contact foot switch. I like it because if something goes wrong I don't have to free up a hand to shut the router down, just take my foot off the pedal. I get to keep both hands on the workpiece and maintain control.

Since I found these PowerTec switches I have been thinking of adding a magnetic switch in front of that.