Push Button Switch for T/S

[Al (Galt) Cambridge, Ont]

Hi All,

I'm looking at changing the toggle switch on my table saw to a push button on /off type. The saw has a 115 volt 1 hp motor. I have seen the pics and demos of the newer machines with the switches mounted above the table on a guard / vac assembly and I would like to use that idea. It seem a lot safer than groping under the work piece - like I do now!!

I'm hoping one of you electrical types out there could explain what I would have to do to get the push buttons working?
Al

[Randy Gillard]

Hi Al,

Any switch that you buy that switches the power to the saw motor directly must be rated high enough for that duty, and specifically rated for motor switching. For example, if your saw draws 10 amps, a 10 amp rated switch is not sufficient. The switch must be HP rated. This is due to the inrush currents and arcing in the switch assembly associated when starting and stopping motors.

I cobbled together a magnetic starter for my contractors saw from parts I got at a junk dealer for $15.00. (I don't recomend you do this unless you are VERY conversant with electrical control circuits). The pushbuttons actually control a large relay (contactor) rated at 2 HP. This means that if the power trips the saw will not restart unless the start button is re-pressed. The stop button is a red mushroom head that I can bump with a slight raise of my knee when sawing. A very effective "hands off" stop switch. You can see it mounted on the saw in the photo. The contactor is in the grey box screwed to the side of the saw on the left.

If you are going to go to the trouble of buying a switch, I recommend purchasing a magnetic one. More expensive, but safer. All the major tool dealers sell them.

Email me offline if you need more info.

Cheers

Randy

http://www.accesscable.com/~rgillard/shop.jpg

[Ron Hemstreet]

The toggle switch on my Delta contractor's saw is great. Large button that you have to get under to start and can be turned off with wide range of body parts. It is also lockable and is located on the far left side of the saw so that it is seldom under the workpiece. Maybe you could buy one from Delta.
Cheers:
Ron.

[Ron Evers, Beeton, ON]

buy the switch kit from Delta. I put one on my Trademaster after Ford Machinery gave me one.

At the Toronto show last year I was talking to Rob of Ford and told him I wished that my saw (purchased from him) had the top mounted switch like the ones he had on display, as I found it difficult to get at the one down on the cabinet. He said "no problem" and sent me one of the Delta switch kits free. The switch comes with a plug in wiring harness for the motor so that after it is installed you may remove the motor from the saw without having to detach any wires, simply unplug. Last summer I was in the Delta showroom in Guelph and saw the kits for sale at about $70.00. Now that is what I call after sales service.

Best Regards, Ron.

[Graham Hunter]

Randy, I just put a regular household light switch on a table saw with a 1 1/2 hp motor. I haven't used it since. From your post I am wondering if I should get another switch?
Thanks, Graham

[Bruce in Ballantrae Ont.]

The house light switch was not made for this. It is rated for a resistance type load not a motor load with a high inrush current as mentioned before. However they will last for a long time and cost pennies to replace so go for it as long as you are happy with a toggle switch. I use them on some of my equipment. There are toggle switches available for motor switching but they cost a lot more. My 2c worth.
Bruce