Even before I put my
dust collector to use I knew
I would need a remote control. Running across the shop to turn the
collector on and off was never a viable option for me.I've seen several
options for handling this issue. Some setups have an auto-on switch
so that when you turn on the machine it turns on the dust collector.
To me, that is the ultimate solution. I don't know how you could
wire a Unisaw, bandsaw, etc. to do that but it sure does sound nice.
Maybe someday I'll have something like that in my dream shop?
Another option is the auto-on blast gate. There are systems that
turn on your when you open the blast gate for a machine. The upside
of that is that when you're moving from machine to machine you have less
to do. The downsides are that 1) the noisy DC runs longer than it
has to 2) if your blast gates are not conveniently located it's more of a
pain to open and close them for each use than to have a remote control.
For me, this would be a problem. Normally I use the same machine
several times in a row so having a remote on my belt is a nicer solution
than running behind the machine to open the blast gate.
As for the actual usage of the remote, it couldn't be easier or better.
There are two buttons clearly marked "on" and "off". They perform
the functions that you would expect. The range is far enough for any
reasonable shop. I've turned my dust collector on through three
walls and 50' as I move to the other side of the house.
I haven't had a single problem from interference. The unit comes
with a mounting bracket and a couple of screws. The cord is 5' long
so your dust collector outlet doesn't have to be very close to your dust
collector with this system. Assuming that the dust collector has a
5' cord, the plug could be 10' from the actual dust collector because of
the two 5' cords. I bought the 220 volt version but a 110 volt
version is also available.
Finally, I considered the X10 remote control as well. I have most
of the lights in my house on X10 brand receivers. Their stuff is
cheap. I replace it every couple of months and pressing the "on"
button is no guarantee that it will turn on. Also, sometimes when I
turn a light on then turn the ceiling fan on the light turns right off.
These sort of issues are just a bummer when it comes to room lights.
However, they are a bigger concern when it comes to shop equipment.
That's why I spent the extra money on the Long Ranger.
