Linear Actuator Blast Gate
Looking for a cheaper alternative to iVAC Blast Gates? Simple, reliable, easy to install, low
cost? 12 volt DC Linear Actuators are the answer!
Here is my sad story about how I found Linear Actuators the hard way. I tried iVAC Pro Blast
Gates and Servo Blast Gates. They cost to much and were not reliable. Then I found 12 volt DC Linear
Actuators and used them to automate my existing blast gates. They are low cost, 100% reliable, and
easy to install. They are the answer!
Better Blast Gate Micro Switch
I have a big 2 HP dust collector in my studio. It is turned on/off by little micro switches on
each blast gate. See red circle in above photo.
The micro switches are part of an old "Penn State Industries Long Ranger" system. The micro
switches trigger a relay that triggers a magnetic motor starter.
Over time the micro switches have failed and given me trouble. I have replaced them with
better micro switches that I have purchased from Digi-Key (www.digikey.com) part number
LS0851506F045S1A-ND. The Digi-Key switches are bigger and more rugged. Continue reading Better Blast Gate Micro Switch →
Last year I went out and looked for a better floor sweep. I actually found one that I really like. It is made by “Powertec” model #70282. Around $50 on Amazon on 5/2021.
Why is it better? Because the handle is adjustable! You can EASILY rotate the handle up/down and you can EASILY slide it up or down the clear tube.
Short people can move the handle down. Tall people can move it up. No more disagreements with my vertically challenged tall students.
Continue reading Better Floor Sweep →
One of my students showed up one day with a little battery powered workshop blower. I tried it and I was sold. I had to have one.
I put it on my Christmas list last year and it is the best Christmas present ever!
Continue reading Workshop Blower for Cleanup →
A “Lathe Curtains” tip in the December 2014 issue of the AAW Journal magazine inspired me. I decided to replace the dirty old painters tarps I used in my studio to control wood shavings with some nice new shower curtains. The new curtains work great and look great.
People say I have never seen an idea, I can’t improve. They may be right. I liked the “use cloth shower curtains” idea but the track, hooks and string shown in the article were to wimpy and expensive for me. I decided to make my own long and cheap hooks and hang them from cheap EMT pipe. Continue reading Lathe Shower Curtains →
Someone asked about the Dust Collector in the photo behind my 3520B lathe.
I like the “Big Gulp Dust Hood” from PSI (Penn State Industries) sold on Amazon, Rockler, etc. I have tried others and I have made my own. I like the Big Gulp because it catches lots of dust and it can be rigged up to hang nicely.
If you live in the Poughkeepsie NY area the best place to get your dust fittings is from Jim at Warren Cutlery in Rhinebeck. Jim tried to keep them in stock.
Continue reading Big Gulp Dust Hood →
Life's Too Short To Use Crappy Tools!
