Must Have Shop Items

[dragoneggs]

I really like the idea of lights off/compressor off... gonna have to think how I can do this simply/safely.

 

[ovrszd]

Mark, I think I paid $40 for the contactor, another $10 for the box. The box is between the power source (fuse box) and the compressor. Then add a circuit from the nearest light to the box. All of that was pretty simple for me since the compressor is in the bathroom and so is the fuse box. The light circuit was about 20ft away.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I'm envious of everybody with a shop.

 

[Doofy]

Yeah, I don't have any leaks either.

Good friend of mine left his on all the time. Line busted in the middle of the night. Compressor ran until it caught on fire. Was awakened by a neighbor saying his shop was on fire. He was able to crawl in on his belly and hook a chain to his Grandpa's 1970 Cadillac that he had just finished restoring. Lost everything else.

Oh, good point! Thanks for that. Never thought of a fire.

 

[Doofy]

I'm envious of everybody with a shop.

Well, get with the program. In Alaska, a Shop is a necessity. It took me some 25 years of working in the ice, snow, rain,mud and gravel to finally get fed up enough and build one. Sure makes life easier.

 

[ovrszd]

I built my first shop after my Eldest Son was grown and had left home. 2nd Son was a Senior in HS. 3rd Son was a Freshman.

I waited too long. I should have built it 10 years earlier and shared it with my Sons.

If you would use a shop, build it now, by whatever means is needed. Especially if you have kids at home.

 

[grsthegreat]

When I wired my 220V Air Compressor I ran it thru this contactor. When I turn on my shop lights the Compressor has power. Turn the lights off and the Compressor is disconnected.



View attachment 645469

I was thinking about doing something similar to your idea about 10 years ago. But instead I opted for a switch and pilot light combo right besides the man door. When switch is on so is a green pilot light. This reminds me to turn it off before leaving.....had all the parts in stock.

 

[ovrszd]

I was thinking about doing something similar to your idea about 10 years ago. But instead I opted for a switch and pilot light combo right besides the man door. When switch is on so is a green pilot light. This reminds me to turn it off before leaving.....had all the parts in stock.

How did you wire it? Did you use a contactor to handle the 220V, triggered by a 110V toggle switch?

 

[grsthegreat]

How did you wire it? Did you use a contactor to handle the 220V, triggered by a 110V toggle switch?

Nope. I just used a 30 amp 2 pole switch. I install lots of these switches in commercial shops.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...VyhitBh0QzAQxEAQYASABEgJuCvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Doofy]

A Shop is also good for a Marriage. A little distance between you on occasion can be a good thing.