here is the ultimate shop tool activation/blast gate opening/dust collector activation system:
http://videos.americanwoodworker.com/video/Automatic-Dust-Collection
alan has posted several threads on the saw mill creek forum about his system if you’d like more information
for an off the shelf system that does the same thing try the ivac pro system:
http://www.ivacswitch.com/default.action?itemid=50
i use a couple of mbright’s ivac switches to activate my DC and shop vac automatically whenever i activate a 110v or 220v power tool. i can’t say enough about the convenience of activating a tool and having the DC turn on automatically and turn off when the tool is deactivated. they also have an automated 4” blast gate that will work with their other ivac pro components.
-- there's a solution to every problem.......you just have to be willing to find it.
