Thread: on/off switch

Hi andyjackson1,
I'm not sure what amps they would take, but what about the Foot Controls on an older style Sewing Machine.
Must be a few around somewhere.
Regards,
issatree.

McJING Online Tools Products Search

Give this lot a ring.No price mentioned.I think they were less than $100
Do you have the same plugs in NZ as in Aust?
Let us knoe how you go

I bought one recently I am using on my Nova 3000 Lathe I got it from Bunnings $19 approx. Its pure in-line on off foot switch.

hi issatree, thanks for that , it would seem like such an easy solution but according to electricians i have spoken to, would not work, is really frustating

As Wheelin said," Bunnings have them", foot or hand operated.

thanks guys, foot operated is what im after, aussie and kiwi plugs are the same,will try bunnings cheers

can someone put a photo of the Bunnings switch up please?
I ask at Bunnies a few months ago,and the guy showed me a crappy switch meant for a lounge room light.

How about this one on Ebay

Foot Switch-Brand New FS-4 - eBay, Other, Electrical, Industrial. (end time 27-Aug-10 20:24:15 AEST)

Col

Regarding the foot switch from Taiwan - I think it would have to certified to Australian Standards for electrical safety - think the safety and insurance angle

Years ago i remember people asking me to repair imported telephones that plugged into the mains power and did not have such certification and therefore could have been or were very dangerous - Mickey Mouse phones is whay we called them as they were a joke.

Mike

RS Components have a pretty good range...

Relays, Switches and Indicators | Switches | Foot Switches / Accessories

Originally Posted by andyjackson1

hi issatree, thanks for that , it would seem like such an easy solution but according to electricians i have spoken to, would not work, is really frustating

The older style foot controls for sewing machines are current limited by their nature. They are not a traditional style make/break switch with metal contacts. They are a carbon button speed control comprising a stack of carbon buttons loosely picked into a column. As the pedal is pressed down, it progressively applies increased pressure to the stack, increasing the contact area and reducing the series resistance of the stack, allowing the motor to run faster. With the pedal fully released the metal contact connecting to the stack is isolated from the stack to give a positive stop position. The units are usually limited to about 150W, and rather wastefull of power.


If you do go with a footswitch system to activate your tools, you should either install a keyswitch to isolate the tool when not in use, or always ensure that the switch is disconnected when the unit is not in use. This is to prevent the tool being activated by children, animals etc. as the switch on the floor is easily activated without your express intent should people/animals gain access to you shop. Someone recently was seeking advice on one of the US forums about using a footswitch to control a table saw and a large proportion of respondents suggested that it was not a particularly safe idea.

Originally Posted by issatree

Hi andyjackson1,
I'm not sure what amps they would take, but what about the Foot Controls on an older style Sewing Machine.
Must be a few around somewhere.
Regards,
issatree.

G'day issatree.

A good idea but most sewing machine foot controles have a carbon presure resistor. The harder it's pressed the lower the resistance and the faster the machine runs. I think a straight on/off is required in the question.

Johngi

You can get a momentary foot switch at Jaycar for $30.
Foot Switch - Jaycar Electronics

Then just build a safety box over it.

The switch needs to be rated for a minimum of 5A @ 230VAC AC23
AC23 indicates that the switch contacts are rated for an inductive load.