586,616 active members*
2,421 visitors online*
Register for free
Login
IndustryArena Forum > MetalWorking Machines > Tormach Personal CNC Mill > Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!
Results 1 to 18 of 18
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    131

    Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    And looking identical!

    So I reset a program right in the middle of it. At least it was a small part.

    This is my solution for now:


    This is coming:



    I'll eventually get this thing fully enclosed and will move all this away anyway but for now I will do the toggle switch and cover.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    670

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    You could also paint them with model paint. Red/Green on the toggle for power and blue for the coolant. I like the flip up cover.
    The Body Armor Dude - Andrew

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Posts
    1780

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    I have the same gripe, I have turned off the computer many times thinking it was the coolant switch. I thought about using the key switch position for it, as I never use the key switch anyway.
    mike sr

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    131

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    Quote Originally Posted by smokediver576 View Post
    You could also paint them with model paint. Red/Green on the toggle for power and blue for the coolant. I like the flip up cover.
    I thought about it but I usually am messing with it as I am looking at the part so I am just touching it. I stretched to move something and slightly repositioned myself and turned the computer off instead since they feel the same.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    344

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    Add me to the list of people who have done that and trashed a part.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2007
    Posts
    438

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    The coolant and interior light buttons are right next together on my turning center. More than once I've turned the coolant on with the door open while doing a setup. The coolant pressure and volume is just a bit more than a Tormach.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    297

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    oddly enough, I think this is the one "operator induced error" I have not committed... I am feeling pretty good now knowing there is at least one thing I have not screwed up with my mill...
    so, thanks for that
    NOTE:As one wise professional something once stated, I am ignorant & childish, with a mindset comparable to 9/11 troofers and wackjob conspiracy theorists.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    2151

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    Quote Originally Posted by SomeWhatLost View Post
    oddly enough, I think this is the one "operator induced error" I have not committed... I am feeling pretty good now knowing there is at least one thing I have not screwed up with my mill...
    so, thanks for that
    +1
    I Mostly use only the on and off switch and most my errors are pebkac errors. "Problem exists between keyboard and chair" This is also a common error i run into when drawing and creating cam tool paths.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Posts
    1267

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    Sadly, many control panels look just like that. Geometrically arranged rows of buttons/switches with no consideration for ergonomics.

    Imagine a car dashboard where you could accidentally switch off the engine instead of turning the windshield washer on.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Posts
    41

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    I hit mine once, I had a really sad look on my face. I run heavy flood and the PLC cabinet doesn't have the greatest seal so I have put a piece of plastic over it. That has forced me to use the controls in path pilot. If you can force yourself to operate everything from there then you shouldn't make that mistake, it is working for me thus far.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    2151

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    LOL,
    I realized that switch has no function on my mill. I use a ups on my machine controller and it cant lose power even if the power goes out

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    131

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    Quote Originally Posted by mountaindew View Post
    LOL,
    I realized that switch has no function on my mill. I use a ups on my machine controller and it cant lose power even if the power goes out
    I may just plug the computer into the wall and on a power strip.

    I'll just use a new power cable and keep the one plugged into the machine since the Tormach is in a corner and reaching the plug would be too much headache.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    2151

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    Quote Originally Posted by eltejano View Post
    I may just plug the computer into the wall and on a power strip.

    I'll just use a new power cable and keep the one plugged into the machine since the Tormach is in a corner and reaching the plug would be too much headache.
    The ups plugs into wall and controller direct to ups and also a switched strip on front side of tool box. Controller is mounted to back of tool box
    .Attachment 354336

    I mount these to side of all my rolling tool boxes
    Attachment 354338

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Posts
    131

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    Quote Originally Posted by mountaindew View Post
    The ups plugs into wall and controller direct to ups and also a switched strip on front side of tool box. Controller is mounted to back of tool box
    .Attachment 354336

    I mount these to side of all my rolling tool boxes
    Attachment 354338
    This is a very clever setup. I had something similar in mind but I may go with a UPS, as well. Thanks for sharing.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    2151

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    I must warn you those switches are handy but can be bumped with vac hose or leg and off they go. I use them most to power all the little gadgets,battery chargers, tablets, monitors and led task lights that end up on my work stations. Most cord power tools are plugged in on overhead cords.

    I use mostly task lights these days. 1000 watts of overhead 4 ft lights generate to much heat and co$st money. Need to rewire them to be switched in banks so I can use sets over mill , bench, and jeep. Another project

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    2151

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    Quote Originally Posted by eltejano View Post
    This is a very clever setup. I had something similar in mind but I may go with a UPS, as well. Thanks for sharing.
    Thanks! Always fun to share pics of where you practice your craft whatever it is. You should see my Swiss Army router, table saw And having a tormach mill makes it even better. I make tools, fixtures, attachments, guides, rulers, fences, sliding guides, offset stops.... the shop is half full of things that attach to it

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Posts
    1538

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    Glad I am in good company - I have done that at least twice, and lost a lot of time.

    One good thing has come of it....I think it has finally taught me to concentrate more!

    Keen

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Posts
    140

    Re: Damn the power and coolant switches being side by side!

    Add me to the list. I've done it once. Now I keep the coolant switch on Auto and use the coolant button in PP instead.
    Tormach PCNC 1100 Series 3 w/ Rapid Turn, Fusion 360

Similar Threads

  1. Compare Mazak programs side by side with diferences highlighted.
    By Raybeamerson in forum Mazak, Mitsubishi, Mazatrol
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 01-12-2017, 05:24 PM
  2. Adjusting CRT Monitor side to side
    By tsrnewlin in forum Haas Mills
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 09-14-2010, 01:11 AM
  3. Replies: 13
    Last Post: 07-13-2010, 05:23 PM
  4. Z-axis - mounting rails on spindle side, rather than tower side
    By guru_florida in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 02-01-2008, 01:54 AM
  5. mounting linear rails side by side
    By 50062040 in forum Linear and Rotary Motion
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 10-24-2005, 01:49 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •