Just IN- PCNC Automation SAFETY ISSUE

[mmcclung]

On the 24" X 36" PCNC Automation router (which I have since returned on Nov 10th, and have not been re-paid for) there was a MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. If there is a power blip or software being loaded or unloaded, THE ROUTER WOULD TURN ITSELF ON. This even happened the day I picked the machine up. The helper at PCNC was taking a 3/4" surfacing bit off the router when the machine turned itself on without warning. He nearly lost his fingers. That won't happen to me since I no longer have the machine or my $3000!

[ger21]

You should never touch a router bit if the router is plugged in. Never

I've seen a table saw turn on by itself before. Once you see that, you never change a bit or blade without unplugging the tool first. And then check the on /off switch after it's unplugged.

[universalfab]

Originally Posted by mmcclung On the 24" X 36" PCNC Automation router (which I have since returned on Nov 10th, and have not been re-paid for) there was a MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. If there is a power blip or software being loaded or unloaded, THE ROUTER WOULD TURN ITSELF ON. This even happened the day I picked the machine up. The helper at PCNC was taking a 3/4" surfacing bit off the router when the machine turned itself on without warning. He nearly lost his fingers. That won't happen to me since I no longer have the machine or my $3000!

Sounds like you got ripped off from the begining, but yeah you shouldn't have returned the machine just because of that. If it happened the day you picked it up then you should've known what you got yourself into in the first place. Did you pay with a credit card? Thats probably the only hope you have of getting your money back, good luck.

[mmcclung]

Originally Posted by universalfab Sounds like you got ripped off from the begining, but yeah you shouldn't have returned the machine just because of that. If it happened the day you picked it up then you should've known what you got yourself into in the first place. Did you pay with a credit card? Thats probably the only hope you have of getting your money back, good luck.

If that was the only problem I wouldn't have returned it. I never touch a bit or blade without the unit being unplugged, but as I pointed out, I saw it happen.

[luthier]

I wonder if this is a Mach issue? When stop is pushed in Mach,the router stops even though the switch is on. When the button is pushed in Mach, the Router starts up. I've never used Mach before so I can't make any comparisons. I can see how you could forget to put the switch back off on the router though. I have always unplugged the router when I change the bit and now that I'm older and wiser, I do the same to all the machines that require maintainance.

[Al_The_Man]

This points out the very thing that is covered by the safety code in machinery control wiring, particularly the PROPER configuration of the E-Stop circuit.
This should include any start up or shut down of the controller that puts the machine in physical Emergency Stop, ANY motors or moving parts should be electrically disabled this way, therefore when changing bits or tooling, operation of the E.S. electrically disconnects all motive power.
If routers etc are controlled this way, it avoids forgetting to pull a plug or disconnect.
Al.

[ger21]

Originally Posted by luthier I wonder if this is a Mach issue?

As Al points out, you should never depend on software for your safety. Too many things can happen with your PC that Mach has no control over.

[universalfab]

Yeah I know a buddy who doesn't use windows no more he hates it for that reason. He had his machine crash 1 or 2 times because of his computer crashing. I personally have never had anything like that happen with windows and prefer it over all, but that is all I know also.

[LazyMan]

I do not use Mach to turn my spindle or router on/off and decided to keep it manually controlled. This takes out a considerable amount of chance for unintended start up. There is of course always a possibility that a power tool turns on by itself even when controlled manually but it is very small. I do not discourage unplugging your router when changing tools but it is something I do not do because its just to impractical for me. However, I always unplug larger power tools such as a table or band saw when changing blades.