Controlling a Vacuum with your Shapeoko

We've seen increased interest in automatically controlling a vacuum with Shapeoko electronics. While the Shapeoko electronics do not have a simple way to control a vacuum, we do have an inexpensive recommendation.

Amazon sells many Automatic Vaccum Switches that switch power on and off on a vacuum outlet when another device is turned on and off.

One device we've used in our shop is this one, although there are many options to choose from.

To use this with your Shapeoko, just connect your VFD or Carbide Compact Router to the "Tool" outlet, and your shop vacuum will automatically be switched on and off when the spindle is turned on.

The side benefit of an Automatic Vacuum Switch is that a small delay can be added to the vacuum power, so your breaker will not be subject to a large surge from a vacuum and spindle being turned on simultaneously.