Written by Timothy S
Introduction
I have a Festool vacuum system that automatically starts when a connected tool is powered on, which is somewhat similar to how this relay functions. However, with my Makita palm router (which doesn’t have an anti-start feature), I still have to manually turn it on when sending the G-code and then remember to turn it off when the job is finished.
Benefits of the Relay
Automatic Shutoff
While turning it on isn’t a big deal, I have occasionally forgotten and ended up slamming my bit into the workpiece. What makes this relay particularly useful is the automatic shutoff. If I’m happy with how the job is running and need to step away—whether I get called away or have something else to do elsewhere—I no longer have to worry about whether the job has finished and the router is still running unnecessarily. With this relay, it turns off automatically at the end of the job, providing peace of mind.
Multiple Device Connections
Another great feature is that it allows multiple devices to be plugged in at once. For example, I can connect both a vacuum and my router simultaneously. In my case, I plug my Makita router into my Festool vacuum system, and I still have an extra outlet available for another tool that needs to start at the same time.
Build Quality and Compatibility
The build quality is solid, with a sturdy folded metal enclosure, a well-designed push button illuminated by an LED, and a reliable mains switch. The package includes several cable options to ensure compatibility with various CNC machines. For my 3030 Prover Max, I used the "Set A" cable plugged into the laser output. The instructions are also very clear, with multiple pictures to guide the setup.
Conclusion
Overall, this relay is a fantastic addition to my CNC setup. It simplifies operation, improves safety, and eliminates the worry of leaving my router running unnecessarily. I highly recommend it!
Next Steps
Just need to make my CNC enclosure for my ultimate setup. I’m on Instagram and will start my CNC journey there if you're interested in Tawnyowlworkshop. Genmitsu would love me to share a video; I agree, but there is this insane 50MB limit, so look at the YouTube here.
