Thread: Foot switch for Carbatec SS-400C

Although I am not familiar with your particular scroll saw, I think it would require some electrical modification to be able to add a foot switch.

For the saw to operate only with the foot switch would require the existing stop/start switch to be bypassed, but this would also mean that any accidental pressing of the foot switch would start the saw up. Probably not overly dangerous for a scroll saw as compared to other machines.

If it was me, I would install the foot switch with a latching stop button or rocker switch on the saw (in place of the existing stop/start buttons) so that I had a way to ensure the foot switch could not start the saw without having to turn it off at the power point.

Couple of foot switches that are good quality for the $:
Ocean Controls - https://oceancontrols.com.au/HEN-001.html
Jaycar - https://www.jaycar.com.au/foot-switch/p/SP0760

if you contact Helen Harris she has foot switches in Australia not sure if they suit your saw but Helen or Owen will know.

So, for the record, spoke to Carbatec today, they did have a model with a foot switch at some point but have decided not to carry them as they found them more problematic than useful. Likely for the kind of safety reasons you’ve mentioned.

Thank you for the replies guys.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

If your saw has a no volt switch you could still use an inline switch on the power lead. All you need to do is when wanting to start the saw you push the foot switch down and then press the normal start button and away it goes. When you want to stop you just take your foot off the switch and it will stop. All this is doing is applying the power to the ON/OFF switch before you try to start the saw just like turning the power point on.
You can get the switches from Proxxon as well.

this is what I did for my Ryobi scroll saw.

If your Carbatec SS-400 scroll saw is the latest one available being sold by Carbatec it has a Zero Voltage Switch and you cannot use a foot switch without some wiring modification. I believe that this is a simple process best undertaken by a qualified technician as it may have warranty implications should something happens in the future.
I have had a lengthy discussion with Carbatec Brisbane as to why they changed their machine specs to include Zero Voltage switches and was told it was a safety factor which was not present in its General predecessor. I use the General (and other saws) with a Proxxon foot switch without modification with much success and I am reluctant to use a scroll saw without one for safety reasons.

My first Carbatec Scroll Saw had a Zero voltage switch & I just bypassed the switch & installed a foot switch into the power lead & it is still working perfectly,But if not sure about doing this please contact an electrician. Cheers Peter.

I got a foot on off switch from bunnings I wonder whether you can use this as an off only switch

I know this a very old thread, but I am in the same boat. I also have recently bought a Carbatec SS 400C (the latest model) and it has that safety switch. I contacted Helen Harris and I guess she no longer supplies the foot switch as she sent me details to buy one from Proxxon here in Australia. For it to work with this saw the safety switch needs to be disabled. I haven't bought the switch yet as I would like to make sure I can first isolate/ remove the switch. I removed the 2 wires that connect the safety switch and then it will not work at all.
I was told the "fix" is to remove the little green light ??
For those of you who have done this with success, could you please enlighten me as to exactly what you did ?
Many thanks,
Mick.

Originally Posted by Ultra Mick

I know this a very old thread, but I am in the same boat. I also have recently bought a Carbatec SS 400C (the latest model) and it has that safety switch. I contacted Helen Harris and I guess she no longer supplies the foot switch as she sent me details to buy one from Proxxon here in Australia. For it to work with this saw the safety switch needs to be disabled. I haven't bought the switch yet as I would like to make sure I can first isolate/ remove the switch. I removed the 2 wires that connect the safety switch and then it will not work at all.
I was told the "fix" is to remove the little green light ??
For those of you who have done this with success, could you please enlighten me as to exactly what you did ?
Many thanks,
Mick.

Yes I would be interested in any updates on Mick's question also!

Originally Posted by Mulgabill

Yes I would be interested in any updates on Mick's question also!

Russell, I had an electrician call in home yesterday. He had a good look at the switching on it and can quite easy by-pass it and then I can simply plug the in-line foot switch in. I have now ordered it from "My Tool Store" in QLD and it should be here in 4 - 8 days.

Mick.