Thread: Dust Problems

Triton saws have the same problem. I had a switch replaced under warranty due to dust. It's pretty common.

What about a bit of duct tape around it ? I never tried that. Instead I sold the whole thing and got a proper TS

I recently cleaned my Makita 9 1/4" out when I was fitting a height winder kit. It had about 3 years worth of dust in there as I had never thought of it being a problem, anyways, one solution that comes to mind is to wrap the trigger area with GladWrap and tape that up.

The Triton saw switches had a problem for a while with dust.

They now come with the switch sealed inside a plastic sheath, closed off at each end with a cable tie.

This does not prevent dust from entering the handle, just from where it matters most.

Next time you open the handle to clean it out, you may consider a similar option. It is a bit more discrete than duct tape. Mind you, your new saw wrapped in duct tape is probably less likely to be knocked off.

Steve

Originally Posted by TritonJapan

Mind you, your new saw wrapped in duct tape is probably less likely to be knocked off.Steve

I meant duct tape around the trigger area only. One wrap around and that's it.

Looks like duct tape is the preferred way to go. But do I have to peel out the tape after a day's use to release the trigger switch from fatigue (remember I saw/read from Triton's book/video). Hope the duct tape trick works as I don't want to be travelling to Bunnings (I can see the bunnies saying "here he comes again for a new saw") every few months to get a replacement (warranty) saw (and to be tempted to buy more new toys (oops tools I meant)

Awww Gumby, I had visions of a grey ball with a blade sticking out!

The duct tape, will need to cover the part of the handle where it meets the motor housing. Check if there is any path for the dust between the 2.

The fan inside the saw causes a positive pressure build up that can force dust into the handle from where it meets the motor.

Not sure if this is the case for all saws, thought it worth mentioning.

Steve

Originally Posted by al2

But do I have to peel out the tape after a day's use to release the trigger switch from fatigue (remember I saw/read from Triton's book/video).

Another useless warning similar to a McDonalds having to put on hot coffee cups ' Contents may be hot'.

I had a Makita saw in my work centre for 9 years and never released the switch until I upgraded to a Triton saw. After a good clean everything is still working. The Triton saw was in the WC for 18 months on a similar basis and no problems either.


Also I had a Makita router in the router table for 8 years with the trigger permanently engaged with duct tape and no problem either.


I doubt if most Triton users who have the dust collection bag ever releases the trigger switch.


Peter.

Originally Posted by TritonJapan

Awww Gumby, I had visions of a grey ball with a blade sticking out!

You could be on to something there

many moons ago when I had a triton, I had a dewalt saw in it same problem with the switch.

I cut some cardoard around the profile of the switch area that overlapped from either side and taped them together, it had some slope on it so the dust just fell off, cardboard was still small enough to not inhibit any air flow around the saw.
I never took the velcro off the switch and it still worked fine when I took it out just before I sold the Triton and saw ect.

Cheers Ian

Good reading this. After 4 years with my triton saw I had never heard of this happening. I will how ever keep an eye on this, as now that I know about it, it will probably happen. I might make a point of blowing it out with the compressor after each use.

I think 'twas my Triton saw that came included with a skinny velcro strip to tie back the trigger... whatever it came with I promptly lost it anyway.

However, as my saw is in'n'out of the table quite regularly I thought it a handy idea and decided to make my own heavy duty replacement. I found some velcro ribbon 1 1/2" wide and with a 2" rubber O-ring as the "buckle" methinks it has turned out to be perfect.

It covers the trigger completely, preventing dust from entering and it's also big enough I can strap the trigger under the table without needing to look at what I'm doing. Using the O-ring instead of a rigid loop lets me put some tension on it w/out needing to worry about stretching the velcro.

It did involve a few minutes on a sewing machine though.

I've had my MKIII for 18 years and also the Hitachi saw for the same time. For the first 13 years I always released the trigger switch on the saw after use.

Five years ago I put a dust bag on, hooked up the Triton dust bucket, taped the trigger switch up with duct tape and it's been like that since.

Although I did clean it when I put the height winder kit on last year.

Always starts, always works, with the only maintenance being emptying the dust bag when it fill up.

Mick.