Simple router mill e-stop setup?

[dfro]

I am doing a first stepper based router mill build. I have read several threads on setting up an e-stop and it seems like a very complicated subject.

I want to use an e-stop to kill all power to the machine with no concern for the software remembering any settings.

I was thinking of doing this as a simple e-stop setup:

I would just wire up a 2 outlet power strip, and wire in a 10 amp, red e-stop button as an on/off switch. I plug the e-stop power strip into the mains and I plug the router and the control box into the e-stop/power strip. In an emergency situation, I just turn the power strip off with the e-stop button.

The e-stop power strip would be attached to the mill base.

Does this sound like a decent solution?

Thanks,
Dave

[MrWild]

Sure, but why not make it even easier. My mom just pulls the plug.

[dfro]

Originally Posted by MrWild Sure, but why not make it even easier. My mom just pulls the plug.

Haha. Which plug does she pull first? the router or the controller?

But seriously, I have read several of the threads about e-stops and I have great respect for their importance and how dangerous a cnc machine can be that has run amok. I cannot find many diagrams for a hard machine killing e-stop. And I have not seen a power-strip method mentioned. I am sure I will find more info as I search the cnczone.com gold mine.

I think this method seems best:

When you push the e-stop, a short timer starts, the enables on the driver boards are disabled or a software stop is initiated by tripping one of the par port input pins, the timer ends and trips a relay which shuts down all power to the motors and the controller. That could be a good open-source circuit to post for people. Eventually I would like to design and put this in place, but I figure the power strip method will get me up and running (and e-stopping) for now.

Thanks,
Dave

[TOTALLYRC]

Originally Posted by dfro Haha. Which plug does she pull first? the router or the controller? But seriously, I have read several of the threads about e-stops and I have great respect for their importance and how dangerous a cnc machine can be that has run amok. I cannot find many diagrams for a hard machine killing e-stop. And I have not seen a power-strip method mentioned. I am sure I will find more info as I search the cnczone.com gold mine. I think this method seems best: When you push the e-stop, a short timer starts, the enables on the driver boards are disabled or a software stop is initiated by tripping one of the par port input pins, the timer ends and trips a relay which shuts down all power to the motors and the controller. That could be a good open-source circuit to post for people. Eventually I would like to design and put this in place, but I figure the power strip method will get me up and running (and e-stopping) for now. Thanks, Dave

Hi Dave, the estop is not simple. Both of my motion controllers have an estop pin built in. If you are running a pport set up then it is different. My router has a relay that is latche in all the time and when you hit the e-stop button, it unlatches the relay which cuts power to the router motor and the power supply for the drives. You of course loose position but it is safe and effective.

Upon rereading your first post about the power strip it does about the same thind as mine.

[beone]

any thought about the machine or settings should be forgotten when dealing with E-stop. Shut down all power to motors in the fastest way possible. You care about not cutting off fingers, arms, etc---not the machine!
a switch in the main power strip is a good idea

[dfro]

Thanks guys for the comments!

Dave