Let’s say you have a cordless power tool. A miter saw? Rotary hammer? Circular saw? Jig saw? Table saw?
And you have a dust extractor or shop vacuum. Maybe it offers an automatic start mode – but that’ll only work when a corded tool is plugged in.
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So how do you start a dust extractor or vacuum with a cordless tool?
There are some specialty vacs that attach to the tool, but as far as I’ve seen, that only applies to on-tool rotary hammer extraction vacs.
Not all corded tools can turn on automatic dust extractors either, because of power draw considerations. That’s one reason a lot of users have welcomed the emergence of near corded-performing cordless power tools, because it takes some issues or potential issues out of the equation when working on certain projects or at certain work locations.
There are some remote control systems that allow for remote vacuum activation.
I believe it was Fred who introduced me to the MaxSys wireless remote, but that’s a module that will only work with Festool dust extractors.
There’s a PSI woodworking dust collector switch. I learned about this when searching for an automatic switch for my new (but not yet opened) Fuji HVLP sprayer. But that still requires manual automation.
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What we need is a reliable way to turn a dust extractor on whenever a specific cordless tool is in use.
Several people mentioned this in response to yesterday’s post about Dewalt’s Bluetooth tool and tracker tag expansion.
I completely agree.
Perhaps in a few years we’ll see cordless saws or other tools that can remotely trigger a vac or dust extractor.
But in the meantime, let’s brainstorm about how this could be done. Maybe someone will run with the idea and make it for us.
A setup would need:
- Some type of tool activation sensor
- Where is it placed?
- How’s it powered – coin cell battery?
- Vibration sensor? Sound? Manual?
- Does it require modification of a tool?
- Remote Receiver
- Does it plug into a vac’s “auto” outlet?
- Can there be a model that goes between a plug and a wall outlet for non-auto vacs?
- Size?
- Power source?
- For vacs with auto sensors, how to simulate an AC load?
I think that last part might be the most difficult challenge – how to simulate an AC load in a compact and portable device?
Thoughts?
Chime in if you want to see brands come out with a device that allows cordless tool-activated dust extractor or vacuum. Do you know if such a device already exists?
BonPacific
Here’s my thoughts.
Two options:
1.) Bluetooth: Now that DeWalt and Milwaukee have BT (I like DeWalt’s battery-adapter retrofit), it should be a simple software feature to add a wireless trigger when the tool activates. They can either communicate with a first-party vacuum, or a small BT module that sits on the plug. This would provide a solid reason to actually buy the BT model for holdouts.
2.) Use a small sensor that could be attached to the handle. Pressure is better than capacitive as gloves may be used. Simply have it communicate with a remote outlet adapter (like the Etekcity models). When you grip the handle, it turns on the vacuum, and turns it off when you release grip on the handle.
John Blair
You win the internet today. I really like Idea number 1. Since I don’t do this for a living, I couldn’t find any compelling reason to go Bluetooth. That would be a compelling reason for me.
Jon
Did you ever figure this one out? Trying to figure this out now.
James C
This is what I do for my corded tools in my shop and would work exactly the same for cordless tools.
I bought an Etekcity wireless outlet and remote (other brands make these, too). I have my vac plugged into that with the switch always on and the wireless remote controls the power to the vac plug.
Yes, there are potential current-draw issues with that $15 outlet but I haven’t had any problems (just using a medium-sized Ridgid vac). It’s not automatic but I find no issue in keeping the remote in my shirt pocket and pressing a button to start and stop the vac.
mattd
this is the easiest answer. these remote control outlets have been around for decades and are fairly cheap. if you want it to be portable you can easily wire it into a box on a pigtail for like $5 or less.
James C
Sorry, I wasn’t very clear. It’s not an outlet wired into the wall. The receiver is a small device that goes between the vac cord (or any cord) and the wall outlet. It’s convenient to be able to remove it or plug it into different outlets. Super easy to use.
Bremon
I use the Milwaukee m18 vac and electrical tape currently. A battery adapter for “auto on” should come out imo. Clicks in to the battery slot on both vac and tool, then a battery clips into it on both ends and ideally the tools can communicate.
Tim
Grip safety communicating to a small plug in that goes to the vac’s outlet.
The plug in could really just use battery, continuity and a small transformer to simulate load.
Or just go the other way and use a line interupt on the AC power coming into the vacuum and just leave the vac on.
Proprietary vacuums with modules built in seems the best route though and on this subject, more companies need to offer more affordable dust extractor solutions than the few that do.
Ridgid has that little smart cart vac that just needs variable suction, bags and tool start.
Shop-vac clearly simple would also be good with these add ons.
John Blair
The closest I come is my lunchbox Dewalt 20v Vac. I use it when I am using my Kreg Jig. It isn’t auto toggled on but having the vac on the same table and the power switch right on top, it is convenient.
ktash
I like this idea a lot and hope some manufacturer(s) pick up on it. I use an increasing number of battery operated tools.
But how about a mfg making the best possible dust collection for all their tools at the tool itself (at less than Festool prices, though). Collect the dust at its source and make it easy to auto-trigger using cordless and corded tools. Miter saws, for instance, range from unacceptable to pathetic for dust collection.
If a major tool mfg came up with a really effective coordinated set of tools (corded and cordless) specifically designed with excellent dust collection AND came up with a remote system for power tools, my current tools would be on ebay in a flash! I love my Bosch, Makita, Dewalt, Hitachi tools, but even if Ryobi came up with it, I’d sell those more premium tools and never look back. Dust collection is by far the biggest problem I have, working in a basement shop. It’s not whether a particular tool runs smoother or longer on batteries, is brushless or any number of other things we discuss here. Sure I like my Bosch top-rated jigsaws, both corded and cordless. The dust collection is worthless. Ryobi would win hands down over these brands if they came up with this. (so would any other reasonably priced brand).
Right now it’s pretty much do research on each tool, mix and match, and a lot of work to make and try jigs and aftermarket devices, adapters, etc. Festool is not an option for a DIY or hobbyist woodworker who is willing to buy good quality, but not willing to forego their children’s education. And speaking of children, what about the fine dust that escapes in an in-house shop or during rennovation?
At this point I wouldn’t invest in a single device to do this unless it was very inexpensive, but man, would I be the first in line to buy a whole suite of tools designed with dust control in mind.
I do appreciate the clever ideas discussed. I’m going to look into the etekcity devices.
MichaelHammer
Dust collection and all the engineering is expensive. I can’t see Ryobi ever effectively competing in the market. Agreed, Festool is exorbitant, but they really are the only game in town. They are the only company that engineered their tools from the ground up to collect dust at the source. I’ve noticed that other companies got on the dust extractor band wagon, but with the exception of a dust port, have given little thought as to how to actually capture it before it becomes airborne.
I’ve spent a ton of dough in an attempt to collect or, at the very least, contain dust while working in people’s homes. It’s actually an effective marketing strategy. Yet, I am often disappointed in the effectiveness of the product as compared to the price. Festool in particular doesn’t live up to their claims and still they are far and away better than the big four.
So if your serious about dust collection, be prepared to dig deep into your wallet and maybe consider community college.
RKA
If you have a tool activated dust extractor, run an extension cord with the vac hose and plug a light into it. Who of us doesn’t need more light? You just need to make sure the light is pulling enough current to trip the dust extractor, which might rule out many LED lamps.
It’s not perfect, but eventually the manufacturer’s will catch on and allow the tools to “talk” to each other.
John
Ha! I had this idea too
Matt
I use the DGC Products IS110M autoswitch for my corded mitre saw. I suppose that light trick just might work should I go to a battery mitre saw.. Good call there!
Harrolldean
“Siri (or Alexa), turn on dust control for 5 min.”
Mo
I use the fastcap remote vac switch on my one and only shop vac. It works good,but I have had some random triggers.(neighbor garage door openers?)
This is my “cordless solution”
All others are festool, and run with the power tools.
Mike
Foot pedal switch?
Hammer
Put this small remote switch on the end of your hose. Or, with a miter saw, wrap in around the handle. Works great. Very convenient for shop vac use even when not using it to control power tool dust collection
http://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=45290
Aaron
I just use a $10 inline 120v remote switch I bought 15 years ago. There’s a little wireless keychain remote I clip to my belt or vest and I turn the vac on and off with that. It’s pretty simple.
I haven’t had to replace the battery in the remote ever. It’s great.
Roger
I say skip the connectivity over all and come out with newer more powerful suction brushless vacs that use dual-or-single 18V/20V/60V packs for longer run times. So you don’t have to turn it off so often.
Most vacs will be within 8ft of the task and cordless tool. It’s not hard to push a button.
You say BT but it can only connect one at a time. eg Drill-phone, drill-vac. Signalling will be an issue. Even if it’s a plug module, you’d still have to connect it to the drill. Or just connect to the vac and use the phone to turn it on like remote switch.
Will
With Milwaukee and Dewalt using Bluetooth maybe that could be used? I don’t really know if Bluetooth has that capability but maybe wi fi direct would be able to. Other than that I don’t see too many possibilities other than a remote .
William Butler
I generally do not use dust collection with cordless tools. Cordless tools are for convenience. There needs to be an outlet on site to use a vacuum, just plug the tool in to the wall.
I could see manufacturers using Bluetooth or some other near field communication to turn on vacuums. It could be built right into the batteries.
Nate
Harbor Freight sells a 3-pack of 15A remote controlled outlet switches for around $20 before coupon. They work great. I have the remote attached to the end of my vac hose with velcro so it’s removable. So while it’s not automatic, it’s probably the next best thing as the button to turn on the vac is always right on the tool I’m using. It comes with 3 outlets and 1 remote that has three buttons… I use the other two buttons to turn on/off the bright spot lighting I have over my workbench and stationary power tools.
Rich
Could put some kind of pass through connection between the battery on the saw and the saw it self and when there’s a draw on the battery the vac would start
Rich
It would probably have to be brand specific.
Al
Yes. Exactly what I was thinking about.
That would work great, plus we would get to keep our existing tools versus having to dump thousands of dollars on getting “Bluetooth tools” like others are suggesting.
Michelle
Would the automatic ones which sensor electricity from a power cord work on a battery?
Stuart
It depends on the brand. You generally need a remote control as most tool brands don’t have Bluetooth batteries that can auto-trigger vacuums or dust extractors.
Something like this – https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/milwaukee-vacuum-remote-0950/%3C/a%3E .
Brad Justinen
Step 1: Turn the vacuum on.
Step 2: Leave it on.
Step 3: “I’m Sorry homeowner I can’t hear you. You’ll have to wait in the other room until we are finished.”
james b
Swap the LED on the cordless tool with an IR LED, point it at a receiver that cuts on vac power with an SCR or relay. Decoding your television IR remote is a bit tricky, but just detecting an IR level would be pretty straightforward, and an inexpensive circuit.
For years, I used a christmas light remote control that I got marked down at 75% off. Now I just walk over and switch it on, it doesn’t bother me.
George Kosmidis
I was searching the Internet for a solution to this when I stumbled on this article. I believe the easiest way is to have an RF frequency tag like NFC near the dust port of every cordless tool, this will communicate with the vacuum through a conductive hose (Festool’s vacuums decide this way the suction power when a tool is attached) and trigger the vacuum. The good about this solution is that through proximity the vacuum can only be triggered by the tool that is attached on and no other. Also it should be cheap for manufacturers to incorporate it to their tools.