Thread: On off switch for table saws

Originally Posted by Malcolm Eaton

I have a second hand table saw which which I picked up some 3 years ago, it has worked with out fault over that time with out a hick up except till this week end when the " On Off switch has seemed to have picked up a problem. The On part has seemed to have a problem in making contact so that it does not turn the saw fully on and it cuts out after a few seconds ( does not hold ON. The switch is one of those switches that you push for On or push for Off, each button is encased in a rubber shroud, one green and one red.

I had the exact same problem on a bandsaw. I took the switch off the machine (make sure you carefully record where all the wires go) take the covers off the switch & blew out the dust (even if it doesn't look like there is any) and wiped in between the magnetic poles with some meths. put it in the sun to dry out for a few minutes and it has been working for two years since then without a problem.

I took the standard switches off my table saw and band saw and replaced them with single phase DOL started muck safer they have a built in overload and as they are magnetic contact if there is a power outage they will automatically turn the machine off and leave it off until it is started again. These are a generic item available at any electrical wholesaler.

A photo would be good, but...


The problem is almost certainly caused by dust build up inside the plastic box that houses the on/off switch.

From your description it would appear that you have a magnetic type switch. This type of switch relies on a fairly close contact between the other end of the "green" button and the rest of the unit. It gets full of sawdust and stops making contact. Blow it out with compressed air or disconnect from the supply, disassemble as much as you feel comfortable with and clean it out. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, call your local electrician.

I agree with some of the others. Dust can build up in the switch. I had it happen on a bandsaw so open it blow out and a spray with wd40. I had to repeat about every year. Of course if that does not work then other options need to be looked at.
Regards
John