electric cutoff switch for benchtop lock suggenstions

[KretZ]

Hey people,
I am in the process of building this workbench How to Build a Workbench: Super Simple $50 Bench | The Family Handyman
While I was building it, I had an idea to attach a thinner piece of plywood to the bottom of the 2x4 frame of the benchtop, and then attach the actual bench top to the frame with piano hinges so it can be lifted up and the inside of the bench can be used for storage. Then I thought it would be slick to have a hidden lock to be able to secure what is stored inside the bench. So I bought a cheap deadbolt, and drilled and morticed out a section of 2x4 to install the lock in. I cut away one section of the bottom of the bench so you can reach up inside and use the key. Then..... I had the idea to use an electric linear actuator to lift the benchtop with a switch also hidden up inside the cutout section of the bench. The actuator I got can extend 18 inches and can lift 300 lbs. But then I realized that this actuator could probably just bust through the bench if it was activated while the bolt was thrown. So what I am looking for is a small plunger style pressure activated switch that can interrupt power to the actuator while the bolt is thrown and presses against it. Any ideas? Here are some crude diagrams that might do a better job explaining what I am looking for.

 

[ultrarunner]

I just use a small box with a disconnect that can by padlocked...

 

[Rustyferrious]

In theory, nice idea. In practice. A lift up bench top will never be used for storage unless you are the neatest workbench-user that ever lived. You would have to clear it off constantly to access the storage compartment. Just build strong drawers underneath. Also, unless you are going to fasten that bench to a wall, it needs cross-bracing or a full plywood back or over time it will rack and wobble.

 

[pappy60]

Go to any place that repairs refrigerators... the light switch used to turn on the light when the door is open will work fine..

 

[DuckSlayer1017]

Google limit switch and you will find what you need. I agree with Rusty though, it won't get used unless your bench is always clean. I just cleaned mine off and it still has a half dozen items on it.

 

[franklin2]

Is the actuator and it's mountings hidden inside? If so, then if electrically the actuator is locked, then the cabinet would be locked correct? So just get a electrical key switch and mount it. Insert the key and turn it, and then the actuator works. Close it and turn the keyswitch off and take the key out, it's locked. I don't know the voltage and current requirements of your actuator, so I can't recommend a switch. If it doesn't draw much, maybe a lawnmower switch would work. Just do away with the slide bolt.

 

[CobyRupert]

Like DuckSlayer says, other terms are proximity switch, inductive proximity switch, etc...

 

[BHD]

why not just a "loose" nail, that one can pull out to unlock it, or a bolt that one can unscrew,

 

[mapper]

Got to agree with rustyferrious, if I did that to my bench their would be stuff that I would never see again after the first couple of days after completing it!

 

[KretZ]

In theory, nice idea. In practice. A lift up bench top will never be used for storage unless you are the neatest workbench-user that ever lived. You would have to clear it off constantly to access the storage compartment. Just build strong drawers underneath. Also, unless you are going to fasten that bench to a wall, it needs cross-bracing or a full plywood back or over time it will rack and wobble.

No, no, no, negative ghost rider! Its okay, you just don't see my vision. I didn't do a very good job of explaining it. The bench does have a cross brace. Plus I am going to attach some peg board to the backing, not sure how much that will stiffen it, but if need be, I will add additional cross bracing. As for having it cleaned off, I am envisioning a lip on the back of the bench top, if you were to need access to the storage while the bench is in use, push whatever is laying flat on the bench back against the lip, and raise the lid. Its only going to raise the bench no more than 45 degrees. If you are working on something that can't handle that tilt, then yeah you've got to move it. Other than that, I think it will be okay. Also I am thinking this storage area is not going to be used for super common items that you are grabbing all the time.

Franklin, I like your idea, I like it a lot. The only problem is, the actuator connection to the bench top will not be visible yes, but it is not secure, you can reach up into the compartment that has the bottom cut out, unscrew two screws, then the actuator is loose from the bench top, and it can be opened very easily.

Pappy! Truly excellent idea! Refrigerator switch! Why didn't I think of that. Duckslayer and Coby Rubert, thank you for the proper nomenclature, I was searching for "pressure activated kill switch/off switch" and it was getting me no where. I will figure out the current and make sure whatever switch I get can handle it.

Thanks guys, I will keep this thread updated with pictures once I progress a little further.