Viceroy T.D.S 1/1 G.B - Emergency Stop Safety Foot Switch

[dazz]

Hello

The original TDS lathe was fitted with a pneumatic foot switch. This was missing when I purchased my lathe. I have a healthy respect for a machine that is capable of doing serious bodily harm so I decided that the foot activated switch needed to be replaced. The "normal" on/off switches are on the base and not easy to find in a hurry. I am sure that there is no chance of getting original replacement parts so I made a new switch.

I wanted the new switch to look like it could have been factory fitted. I made the switch without any sharp edges that might damage footwear. The switch is low profile to avoid false stops. The results are shown below.

The new switch consists of a metal kick-bar which hides a micro-switch at each end. The switch is fitted within the aluminium extrusion that held the original pneumatic bladder. In the middle is a spring that keeps the bar away from the micro-switches. Kicking the switch at any point will result in one or both micro-switches opening and stop the lathe.

The photos show the switch in pieces and screwed to wood for testing. The gray colour is zinc primer. This needs to be aged for a while to chemically bind the zinc and steel. I will then paint it.