iVAC Pro Tool Plus Tool Sensor

This is my second purchase of the iVAC Tool Plus Tool Sensor since 2019 when I purchased my dust collection system and wanted to automate it for my table saw. I was a little concerned about the sensor when I received it because it used a regular USB cable for its power supply which, IMHO, is not substantial enough for a shop environment. However, the first one has held up well in my one person shop. I added this second second one for my miter saw and, despite using that same flimsy cable, They both work flawlessly! Within 3-5 seconds of turning on my machines the dust collector fires up then runs several seconds after the machine is powered off.My next purchase will be one of iVAC's electronic gates which will automate another inconvenient step in the duct control process.

Sounds like a good women but I mean the automatic remote switch. I clamped it to the power cord of a CNC router so when the controller power it up, it starts the dust collector and shuts it off when the job is complete. Following the instructions it was simple to set up and calibrate to the tool. I was not sure whether or not it would be sensitive enough to activate at no load very low RPM (minimum current draw) but following the provided instruction it was easy to set the sensitivity.I have a handheld remote but it is usually on or near the last tool I used. Especially with the CNC which starts and stops the spindle under program control, it is handy not to have to find the remote and push the button, especially when the job is done.Works great, I may buy more for other tools as the switch suppprts multiple remotes and keeps track.

Pros:(1) It works as intended, to turn on and off a dust collection system automatically when a connected tool is turned on.(2) Apparently, the system is smart enough to keep track of the states of multiple tools, so that the first on powers up the dust collection, and the last off powers it down. I have not yet tested this aspect, though.Cons:(1) It uses a power supply like a cell-phone charger, which requires a separate 110-volt outlet, with enough clearance for the power supply block. Providing this power near your tool may require additional wiring, especially if the tool uses 220 volts, or an extension cord on the floor (something to trip on). I don't see why they did not design this to use a battery, similar to the remote control for the base unit.

This is my second unit. I have one for my table saw and another for my miter saw. It isn't particularly complicated. It just eliminates the wasted time for me to walk over to the dust collector every time I want to start or stop a tool. Now, I can just think about the specific tool I want to use and know that the dust will get collected with out any extra effort.One thing that I didn't plan for was an extra outlet for the USB power supply to power the sensor. So after a few weeks of draping the USB cables across the floor, I used a cabinet-mount mini power-strip (x2 outlets) which also has a dual USB 1A jack. So, I mounted these under or behind each tool and plugged the strip into the wall outlets. Then I plug the respective tool into the mini-strip and plug in the iVac sensor's USB A connector into the USB socket on the same strip. Now, I'm powering both the sensor and the tool itself over a single power cable. Just watch out because the mini-strip's rating is only 12A, which is a problem if your tool's current is >12A. Both of my saws are rated less than 12A and I have each one on a separate circuit breaker from each other and the dust collector.But the iVac Pro system is definitely worth the cost. I will be adding more sensors in the future for my router table and any future power tools.

I have this paired with an iVac Pro Switch. I've been using this system for a few weeks now and so far, it has performed flawlessly. The sensor is clamped around the power cable that runs from a CNC controller to the spindle on my Shapeoko 5 Pro and activates the iVac Pro switch without fail. I'm very happy with this purchase.

Outstanding product for easy dustcollection in my woodworking shop. I have used manual blast gates for years and I thought maybe I was being extravegant installing these in my shop. Now that the gates and remotes are in place, I wonder how I did without them. Before them I would often not bother to go to the trouble of switching the gates and turning on the collector if I was making a quick trip back to a different tool. Now it is effortless changing machines whether it is for a 30 second cut or for 15 minutes at the planer. I'm very pleased with my decision.

I clamped one tool sensor to the main feed for three machines (miter saw, jointer, planer). The dust collector starts every time any of the three machines start running. Same for the unit I installed on my router table (two routers). great system definitely worth the money. Had 1 tool sensor act up. Dave from Ivac helped troubleshoot the problem. The next day I had a email with return procedures and numbers. The replacement was shipped before my unit got to them. All is OK again - great company to work with!!!!

Works fine. However, I have my dust collection on its own circuit, so I don't need the delay on start up. Because it can't be turned off I have to run my miter saw for a couple seconds before the dust collector activates. This is very a annoying and doesn't allow for quick cuts, especially during production.