Minimax bandsaw switch

[Philip Johnson]

Does anyone have a picture or can describe the switch on a newer Minimax bandsaw? I have a new saw and the on button seems like something may be missing. It is just a little white thing covered with a flexible plastic...almost seems like there should be a larger button over it. I can't seem to find a pic of one

thanks
Phil

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Phillip,

My MM-16 is 2 years old and your description pretty well describes it.

[Philip Johnson]

thanks Ken

It just seemed there should be something a little bit more substantial to push on but as long as it works.

[Dick Sylvan]

I just had to replace that switch (under warranty) and it is in fact just as un-substantial as you described. It's nothing like switches on other large power tools I have had. There are 13 wire connections coming in to this switch to handle the idiot-proofing, er.... safety features, the EU requires. There are micro-switches for the two doors and the foot brake. The ones for the doors make little sense to me because who would open the doors with the motor running? Even if you are that careless, the blade continues to spin well after the motor is shut off, so there is little gained. The switch on the foot brake does make sense as you can shut off the motor and stop the blade with one action. I think with one micro switch, they could probably have a simpler, beefier main switch than what you have seen. But I'm just guessing.

[Brad Noble]

Mine is an old S45 but the switch you describe is exactly what I have on my saw. I've only had this particular saw for about 4 years now but it appears to be the original and I have had zero problems. HTH,

Brad

[Walt Caza]

Hi Phil,
I'm not sure if this matches your switch...
But I got my MM16 for Christmas 2006, thanks to my terrific wife.
It came on a boat from Italy to California, and then long on lotsa trucks
to Detroit and finally into Canada.
Waited 60 eager days, but it all worked out eventually.

Anywho, I dug up this old photo of my switch from my 5hp 16" resaw MM16.
I know there have been various problems and versions of these switches.
I recall taking this photo to capture the annoying way the switch interferes
with opening the door wide to mount wider bands. uugh
It's a hassle if you swap blades often...

I have always been underwhelmed with my bandsaw switch.
Particularly disappointing is the way it feels when I try to turn it on.
Squishing my finger around in that soft plastic, for that bizarre shaped nub
has seemed strange to me every time and to this day.
(keep your thoughts clean folks - family forum)
Otherwise, strong saw, glad to have it in my shop.

I always tried to console myself by saying 'at least my switch still works',
and then knock on some wood...
which of course - is everywhere!
good luck with it,
hope you get some shop time,
Walt

ps upon proof-reading my description, I was quite surprised but assure you...
it is accurate and any comedy... unintentional

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Uhhh....guys...the soft squishy plastic is a cover to keep the sawdust out. It's not really a switch in the normal sense of a switch in that it is also a magnetic hold relay within it too....so that if power is dumped.....it doesn't come back on when power comes back on.

I don't really care how "wimpy...squishy" if feels as long as it works.

[Walt Caza]

Hi Ken,
Yes, I understand it's crucial function...
but the shape of the actual switch is peculiar,
and just does not feel good when I am fishing around for it.
I find it a little hard to find? shrug

None of my other machines have such an odd shaped switch?
It feels flimsy and edgey to me.
If I press it off-center, which is likely when I'm focused on the set-up,
safety and the upcoming cut...
it feels as though one of these days I just might snap it off.

And, Murphy being a friend of mine, I fear it will leave me without
a running bandsaw at the worst possible time.
That's my story, and I'm stickin' to it.

Sorry to be contrary, but I certainly agree...
as long as it works when I ask it to!
on we roll,
Walt

[Philip Johnson]

Walt that is the switch. The rest of the saw is like a tank except for that switch. I spent about 2 hours after putting the saw together trying to get the motor to run. It would click and not turn on, I check all my connections and power cords and everything. Took the switch out and check wires and power with a meter. After a few hours I discovered I was not pushing the switch hard enough. I hope I don't ever have to change that switch.

[Jeff Willard]

Has anybody considered that, it may be designed that way to require a deliberate action to apply power to the motor, as opposed to an accidental "bump"? Does anybody actually unplug, or have a lockout device on their machinery, outside of a commercial/industrial setting? Remember also, that it is a European machine, where many governments take seriously the task of protecting the populace from themselves :eek:. End of nanny-state rant.

[Rod Sheridan]

Has anybody considered that, it may be designed that way to require a deliberate action to apply power to the motor, as opposed to an accidental "bump"? Does anybody actually unplug, or have a lockout device on their machinery, outside of a commercial/industrial setting? Remember also, that it is a European machine, where many governments take seriously the task of protecting the populace from themselves :eek:. End of nanny-state rant.

Yes, I have lockout capability on four of my machines (TS, Planer/jointer combo, cyclone and shaper).

The only one I use is the one on the cyclone, since it's the only permanently wired machine.

All the other machines are unplugged for adjustments, repairs or tool changes.

Yes I also unplug drills when changing bits. Before you start laughing I broke a bone in my arm once changing a bit in a drill that wasn't unplugged.

You would be amazed how tight a Milwaukee right angle drill can make your shirt sleeve when the hole saw grabs it.

I know it's humourous to poke fun at safety standards, however if common sense were common, they wouldn't be needed.

Training improves safety, safety standards reduce accidents, and improve outcomes.

Regards, Rod.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Rod and Jeff,


I agree it's recessed design is for safety and the European market.

Safety is no accident.

Like you Rod, I unplug drills to change bits...I use th blade guard on my tablesaw. I wear a heavy face shield when turning anything larger than a pen......

It does seem to feel a little physically underwhelming and yet it's design is to satisfy multiple safety concerns.

As long as it works....

[Walt Caza]

Does anybody actually unplug, or have a lockout device on their machinery, outside of a commercial/industrial setting?

Yes Jeff,
As a matter of fact I do, and it's no accident.(bad pun, I know)
I deliberately added a big Frankenstein throw switch at the time
I wired up my 5hp bandsaw for home use.
I used spendy 30 amp twist lock plug and recepticle as well.
Those make it very difficult to accidently make contact and get zapped
when plugging and unplugging the fat wire.

My power lockout is redundant, because the saw already has it's own lockouts,
such as it should not run with either wheel door open.(but Murphy never sleeps)

The advantage of my big switch, is that I can confirm at-a-glance that
the power is dead and I can proceed with blade change safely.
All mechanical things can and do eventually fail.
If the internal cut-offs were to fail, I might not be aware of it...
until it's too late and maybe I'm bleeding?
Handling 13 foot long bands is risky enough, always a chance they might bite you.

My tablesaw has a large, highly visible power cutoff as well,
adding peace of mind to blade changes.
Careful never killed anyone.

Phil, I'm glad I posted that pic since you were able to confirm my switch matches yours...
Just keep remembering to twist it to reset the stop before
you can run the saw again. I still tripup on that from time to time!

see you in the sawdust,
Walt

ps In grade 7 my friend cut two fingers off with a 14" bandsaw in a
shop class. He was cutting a bowl blank round, and I was standing next
to him watching. Ya, the guard was up by the moon.
Believe me... Such lessons we get to keep.