Review by David Grimes | posted 04-20-2011 06:52 AM | 11640 views | 6 times favorited | 10 comments | ![]() |
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- Craftsman Automatic Power Switch 924031
- Brand: Craftsman | Category: Other
I just purchased this item recently, but it works exactly as described and is a problem solver for me. I searched Lumberjocks to see if there was already a review. I see many references to this product, but no review. I did not know that this product even existed until about a week ago, so maybe my review will make it easier to find for future new Lumber Jocks.
I found mine for $24.99 at the local Sears store. I used a $10 off coupon and so actually paid 14.99 plus tax.
This grey plastic box plugs into a duplex receptacle (wall only) and allows the user to plug one tool (or appliance, light, etc.) into the top 3-prong plug-in, then plug up to two (2) additional devices into the lower two 3-prong plug-ins. With the “mode” rocker switch set to the on position, starting the tool that is plugged in to the top receptacle will energize the tools (or whatever) that are plugged into either or both of the lower two receptacles.
The auto switch is 120 volt and rated at 20 amps, so there are many possibilities. In my case, I have a Porta-mate 7000 that will have a wall mounted dust hood and small tool dust collection hose (2 1/2”) that I can use for whatever tool I mount onto the workstation.
For example, when I turn on the miter saw, the dedicated vacuum will turn on as well, then off when not being used. When I swap to the sander or the scroll saw, I’ll simply throw it on the rail, plug in the dust port, then the same thing: vac on when tool in use / off when not. I will probably plug my directly overhead fluorescent light in to the third receptacle and have light and vac when tools in use on the Porta-Mate.
I like this item and have already found it useful and well worth the amount paid.
-- If you're going to stir the pot, think BIG spoon or SMALL boat paddle. David Grimes, Georgia
10 comments so far
devann
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2246 posts in 2656 days
#1 posted 04-20-2011 07:17 AM
Thanks for the review David. Where did you get the coupon from? I always wanted to have mitersaw with a switched and an unswitched outlet right there on thr base of the saw. Like on the back of a stereo receiver.
-- Darrell, making more sawdust than I know what to do with
David Grimes
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2078 posts in 2603 days
#2 posted 04-20-2011 07:32 AM
http://dealspl.us/sears-coupons
lmao. Hope this works for you. It’s $10 coupon to spend as cash ! I tear Sears and Penney’s up with these.
-- If you're going to stir the pot, think BIG spoon or SMALL boat paddle. David Grimes, Georgia
Kalijah
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19 posts in 3305 days
#3 posted 04-20-2011 08:17 AM
I too have that Craftsman Auto Switch and i LOVE mine! I use it with my ROS with my shop vac and a ft flourescent light fixture plugged into the bottom 2 sockets. Works like a champ!
-- If you can't do it right the first time, then when are you going to find the time to do it right the second time...
mnguy
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193 posts in 3361 days
#4 posted 04-20-2011 03:58 PM
+1 for what Barry said – I have had two, and also broke one due to my, err, rough treatment. I use it for the shop vac hooked to my miter saw. It’s a very cost effective solution.
Routerisstillmyname
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763 posts in 3472 days
#5 posted 04-20-2011 08:23 PM
THX. will try one.
-- Router รจ ancora il mio nome.
agallant
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551 posts in 2850 days
#6 posted 04-20-2011 08:44 PM
I have always wanted one of these things, now I think I will pick one up. Thank you for your review.
-AG
Eddie Elizondo
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68 posts in 3801 days
#7 posted 04-21-2011 12:16 AM
I got mine at the woodworking show in Houston from Whiteside. I plug in my router table and my shop vac and also use it with my ROS and shop vac. This thing works great. I was afraid that the amperage would be too high but it has worked great. I paid $20.00 for mine. I also bought some other stuff there, well okay alot of stuff. I couldn’t help myself. We don’t get this class of tools down here that often.
-- Eddie -
GaryL
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1099 posts in 2794 days
#8 posted 04-21-2011 01:38 AM
I have three of these and they have all worked flawlessly. The first one I bought is probably three years old and travels in my work trailer. Even abused it still works.
-- Gary; Marysville, MI...Involve your children in your projects as much as possible, the return is priceless.
Don
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12 posts in 2584 days
#9 posted 04-27-2011 07:29 AM
I’ve had one for several years! Used it with my shop-vac on the miter saw, router table, hand router, and more recently on the drill press. One of Sears Craftsman Gems!
-- Don
Furnitude
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380 posts in 3470 days
#10 posted 11-22-2011 05:48 PM
Could this model be used on two power tools (table saw, planer) and one accessory (shop vac)? Or is there another model to accomplish that?
-- Mitch, http://furnitude.blogspot.com Also blog at http://www.craftsy.com/blog/author/mitch-roberson/
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