Perrin Aybarra Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 I have an electric blower that I'd like to use for my forge. Do you guys think that a foot-pedal operation (like a sewing machine) would be worth it to install? Sorry if this isn't where it should be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drewed Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 A foot operated switch is for most people ideal. You don't need the "throttle" control as in a sewing machine, that may in fact hurt the blower motor, but a press on, lift off type of switch will save your coal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perrin Aybarra Posted September 12, 2012 Author Share Posted September 12, 2012 Ok. Thanks for the input. It's funny how we think we've got a clever idea and someone else has already done it! Independent invention and whatnot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 If your blower uses a universal motor then the throttle control will be fine with it and can help. SOFA has foot control blowers on their shop forges that you have to keep pressure on to keep the air flowing---saves a lot of coal and steel for beginners as they can't switch it on and forget it! (they also have an over ride switch so you can get always on for things like billet welding.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOblacksmith0530 Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 I am considering a click on and click off foot pedal. I can carry the steel to the fire and step on it to start the air and then when I return to take it off step on it to turn it back off. I often return the steel to the fire to heat and go pick and place the next tools etc. then my hands may be full and it means I leave the blower on when not necessary as my hands are occupied. Has anyone had any luck finding a foot switch like this? Of course I am looking for cheap if possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rockstar.esq Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 Moblacksmith: Radio Shack sells such a switch. You'd need to mount it in an enclosure and potentially solder the connections but they're pretty common.http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2049717&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032230http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12708877&znt_campaign=Category_CMS&znt_source=CAT&znt_medium=RSCOM&znt_content=CT2032230 If you go with the more expensive one, it'll likely last longer. Bear in mind that none of these are particularly heavy duty or dust proof. Mounting it hip height may work better so you can bump it on and off without it laying in the walk way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bigcity Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 also check a napa parts store and or another parts store they might have what you need (I say napa because my dad owns one and has a large selection of switches) plus most of there switches are made for the trucking and farming industries Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crunch Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 I have a 200 CFM electric blower (squirrel cage fan) that I use with a Harbor Freight foot-operated on-off switch. That part seems to work well. I found that my blower blows too hard, at least with a new fire (it'll blow coal out of the firepot) so I rigged a pivoting "lollipop" of sheet metal that I can adjust to partially cover the air intake of the fan, to regulate the amount of air blowing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glenn Posted September 12, 2012 Share Posted September 12, 2012 I have used a foot operated switch in a deadman configuration (foot must be down or it shuts off) and it worked well for me. Just match the fan power to the rating of the switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MOblacksmith0530 Posted September 13, 2012 Share Posted September 13, 2012 Thanks for the link Rockstar I will look into it. I have found industrial versions but they ar epricey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.