ISSUE ARCHIVES

NOV/ DEC 2001
Volume 44 /  Issue 6

IN THIS ISSUE
Project Articles
• Rocking Horse
• Child's Chalkboard
• Wine Rack and Desktop Bookshelf

DEPARTMENTS
• Ask Smitty
• Owner’s Gallery
• Letters from Owners
 
Academy Notes
Finishing Touches - Pt.2 Applying an Oil Finish
 
Service Pointers
MARK V (Worktable & Carriage) Troubleshooting
 
Safety Tips
Using Extension Cords

What's New
Pro-Fence System Router Table

EDUCATION
• Find A Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Near You
• National Woodworking Academy in Dayton, OH

ONLINE CATALOGS
• Online Accessory Catalog
• Request Printed Accessory Catalog
• Online Replacement Parts Catalog

MARK V INFORMATION
• Find A Shopsmith
MARK V Demo Near You
• Request MARK V Information Package

LINKS
• Links Worth Visiting
• Free Woodworking Tips

FEEDBACK
Contacting Shopsmith

Copyright 2001.
Shopsmith, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

One “rule-of-thumb” states that you can run up to 10 AMPS of current through an 18-gauge wire for up to 50 feet without an overloading problem. Quite frankly, our recommendation would be that if you're going to purchase extension cords for any power tool drawing 10 AMPS or less, you should use a 14-gauge wire. WHY? Because overloading an extension cord creates heat, which causes resistance...which, in turn causes more heat. It's a snowballing situation that, given the sawdusty conditions in a workshop, could lead to a fire. In addition when an extension cord is overloaded, fuses blow more rapidly...and that can be annoying. The few extra bucks you spend for the added capacity will pay you back many times over in added safety and fewer problems.

The Shopsmith MARK V is a slightly different story. Our extension cord recommendations for this mainstay of your shop are as follows: Up to 25 feet, use 14-gauge cord. 25 feet to 50 feet, use 12-gauge cord. 50 feet to 100 feet, use 10-gauge cord.

What types of extension cords should you buy? Always purchase 3-conductor cords with a ground. In fact, if you're using older power tools that are not double-insulated, it would be a good idea to purchase cords containing a built-in GFI (ground fault interruptor) circuit for added safety. In this case, the few extra dollars you spend could save your life.

Recoiling ceiling drop cords placed strategically around the shop are an excellent choice because they keep your cords off the floor and out of your way. If you must have cords running across the floor, cover them with rubber cord protectors such as those found in office supply stores. This will keep them from becoming badly worn and help prevent tripping when you walk across them.

What about joining two extension cords together? Try to avoid this if at all possible. If your shop is wired properly with an adequate number of outlets and strategically positioned drop cords, this should never be necessary.

In Closing
Safe electrical practices in the workshop are a matter of common sense. If your shop is properly wired and you use extension cords with discretion, you should have no problems. Remember...it's a lot better to plan your electrical requirements carefully than to “zap” yourself while you're working with your tools...or, worse yet, to have to call the fire department in the event of a dangerous electrical fault or overload.