Ricc, the advantage to building your own is that the retail versions do tend to not last compared to shop-built and with shop-buit, you can zero in on the exact amperage load you require and have multiple options for the control side so that you can match things up to your own personal needs. Some folks prefer wireless remote controls and as someone mentioned, you can even use inexpensive holiday light controls for that since they are only "switching the switch", as it were. I personally use a centrally located wall switch for mine...it's only a few steps from anywhere in my shop and I can never "lose" it. My setup. Note I chose to use a switched 120v outlet on the control side so I can completely disconnect the contactor from power on both load and control merely by unplugging them.