This was posted on LJ, but they have screwed up their review section to the point that I had to rewrite the entire article. So I hope I can repeat all my taradiddles here. Note:- I use a 240V Aussie PowerCube. You may need to search for your denomination as this is for Aussieland use.
Many claim that time is free, however, my claim is that time is precious and I will sacrifice shekels to make it easier and hoard whatever time I can muster up… even at micro level saving.
So I'm always wasting time on the lookout for time saving devices… that statement itself is an oxymoron… ya moron (me)!
I strive to activate my machinery remotely whenever it is practical and “I can”.
(I say "I can" because many modern machinery sport magnetic switches that when powered off must be phycically turned on by the switch itself, rather than at the power point.)
Just to digress, I swapped out the magswitch on one of my drill presses,
so I could turn it on/off using a power-board controlled by a foot switch,
I have a swag of "remote" controlled power adapters… be they power points or boards, ranging from foot operated (tablesaw with switch turned to the ON position),
some cradled for hand operation of a router table,
that can be floored for foot operation,
but still remains umbilically attached.
Was pissed with the way I had to operate my Fe$tool VAC$Y$
so I started to surf the NET for another of my existing foot controlled unit and blundered across this PowerCube... (yay finally, the reviewed item),
Eventually received and unpacked it to find it was packaged with a mounting attachment,
which clips over one of the outlets sockets,
unfortunately reducing that socket’s usability.
For my setup for the Fe$tool VAC$Y$, I have only temporarily clamped the cube in place,
however, if you bring the cube within reach using the mounting plate, it has a large switch on the cube to permit toggling by hand,
The remote I attached using double sided tape (on the back of the remote) to the vacuum release foot lever housing of the VAC$Y$,
In all fairness, the way I use this PowerCube, renders it as a one trick pony and is solely used to control my VAC$Y$... rendering the 3 other outlets redundant (2 if mounted using the supplied plate).
Please don't get unnecessarily coerced into buying a VAC$Y$ (and even if you are, you can’t. nyah, nyah, nyah) and also feel free to use the remaining outlets for different tools.
Other options/remotes may be cheaper as this has now inflated since the initial review,
however, I find this the most convenient… at least for this setup. This is the only foot operated, detached remote I have found... the buzz words are detached and remote, operatable by foot.
Apparently the remote is battery-less, so if the unit lasts (past warranty), you'll never need to look for a replacement battery… and/or amuse yourself for hours unsuccessfully looking for the battery holder.
If you decide to purchase one/some, watch what your ordering… some models come with USB sockets, no remote and are country specific.
Furthermore, you can "incestualise" them by making one remote operate many Cubes or many remotes one Cube... Damned if I know why you'd wana do something stupid like that, but it's nice to know you can if you're twisted enough… and to think, you could still use the remote from a straitjacket
with your foot!
PS. It's Dutch design… though probably made in China!
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
Very nice Duckster! I love ur innovations! Keep showing us. and good job on the photos u alter.....they are great, keep including those....except the ones with my bald spot!!!!