I recently upgraded my SO3 XXL from a Dewalt compact router to the Carbide 3D 65 mm VFD spindle. My dust collection consists of a Festool CT 22 E dust extractor which has worked pretty well for me. I was able to leverage the auto start feature of the dust extractor when powering on my router. However, now that I have the VFD spindle with the VFD controller box, it appears that I will no longer be able to use the auto start feature on the dust extractor. I plugged my VFD controller into the outlet on the dust extractor but because of the variable frequency of the VFD, it powers the dust extractor on in intervals without even starting the spindle.
I am thinking that I will need to have to get something like a separate controller with a remote that I can plug the dust extractor into and just start the dust extactor separately with the remote when I start a job.
Does anyone else have a similar setup with the VFD Spindle and a dust extractor?
How do you use the auto start feature to power on the dust extractor when starting up the spindle? Is this even possible because of the VFD control box?
I am still not sure if this will work or not because I believe that the VFD is sending variable frequency signals which causes the vacuum to turn on and off every few seconds when controlled by the VFD. At least that is what I observed when I plugged the VFD controller into the dust extractor power port directly.
I was thinking that I could get one of those IVAC power outlets, which is the same as what you suggested. But again I am not sure if it will still cause the VFD to start the vacuum every few seconds or not.
Bryan, I use ivac pro switch what has a remote control (they are also sold separately, check before ordering)
and the fascinating thing: it has a current sensing attachment:
That item is mounted around the cable of the device that should trigger the vacuum.
When I installed the VFD I just was tired of experiments, and did not try whether the VFD triggers one of these 2nd device switches, and installed this combo.
The sensing device needs an USB power supply.
And it workes very well for me.
I built a vacuum hose switch, and can use the same vacuum for cleaning when the CNC rests, and switch back the vacuum hose to the CNC dust catcher when the CNC runs.
Same setting can be combined for different devices like table saw with just more current detecting devices, all goes wireless. Just need to direct the vac hose of course.
They sell a 110v and a 220v unit. So when I get ready to start a job I just hit the on button and when the job is finished I press the off button. Although not automatic it is not very complicated. Plus I have multiple remote switches that I use on different tools like the tablesaw. I do have to manually move my 4" hoses around but there are solutions for that but they overly complicate your dust collection. If you are only collecting dust from the Shapeoko then this would work great.
I purchased this one that Will recommended and it works very well. The vacuum does not power on until the spindle is engaged which is exactly what I want.
Thank you for all of the great suggestions. This is an awesome community,
I use the 220v Long Ranger for my Oneida 3hp industrial dust collection system and this inexpensive remote switch for my Oneida Dust Cobra that I use to exhaust the CNC (and also my hand tools).
