I just got a cordless Makita mitre saw and I'm trying to figure out a better way to operate my corded Dustvac vacuum while I'm cutting. Typically, I just turn the vacuum on manually, make my cuts, and then turn it off. However, my vacuum is tucked away in a cabinet under my table saw, which makes it a bit of a hassle to access.
Previously, with my corded mitre saw, I used an iVac Pro switch setup. The problem now is that I don't think my new saw has Bluetooth or any other feature to trigger the vacuum automatically. What solutions have you found that work well for situations like this?
3 Answers
A straightforward solution would be to just buy a cheap wireless remote for your vacuum, which you can find for about $15. Just tape the remote to your mitre saw’s stand or somewhere handy. It’ll require a button press, but it's an easy fix and you can make it super accessible!
Have you looked into Makita's AWS (Auto-Start Wireless System)? Unfortunately, your Dustvac might not be compatible with it. But there are alternatives! Some systems use sound or vibration sensors that turn the vacuum on when triggered by your saw. I haven’t tried those yet, but some folks swear by them.
In my shop, I’ve got an RF relay switch I bought from Aliexpress for around $3. It plugs into your socket, your vacuum plugs into that, and it comes with remote fobs. Even from a distance of 50 feet, it functions flawlessly and saves me from walking to the vacuum each time. I've been using it for three years without a hitch!
Check out the Metabo remote control switch! It’s a switched outlet for your vacuum, and it’s really cool because you can fix the remote to the vacuum hose. Plus, it has an automatic mode that detects when you’re using the saw and turns the vacuum on for you. Such a handy tool if you want to simplify the process!