Dead Man Switch

[ron hossack]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this question and if not I apologize for posting it here.

I picked up a Dewalt Scroll Saw off Craigslist and I wanted to make a Dead Man's Switch but can't seem to find any pdf files telling me how.

Anyone here steer me to a place for instructions?

Thanks

[Scott Hildenbrand]

Most times I'd ever seen a switch on a scroll saw to assist in cutting was a foot switch... Which technically is a dead man switch..

All a dead man switch is, is a spring loaded switch which turns off when released.

What you'd need for that is either a lever switch, or a SPST momentary push button switch... One which could be mounted in something and wired so that when it's pressed and held, the power would go to the saw.

Just make sure it's 120V and 15A ranted.

http://www.allelectronics.com/ is a decent electronics source.

BTW, a little more detail on how you want to use the switch would be good.. First thing I thought of when you said a dead man switch was a hand held squeeze switch, but then, you'd only have one hand to work with.. :)

This switch is rated to what you'd need.
http://www.allelectronics.com/mas_assets/image_cache/align.center_height.250_vspace.5_width.150_modifie d.1252710786.6550.SMS-241.jpg
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/SMS-241/15A-SNAP-ACTION-SWITCH-W/-LEVER/1.html

Or this one... Has better mounting holes, IMO.
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/SMS-196/SPDT-SNAP-ACTION-SWITCH-W/LEVER/-/1.html

[glenn bradley]

For $10 I wouldn't bother with making my own, but that's me: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=96619

I use a footswitch but it is an off and on version. I find the requirement to keep constant pressure on a switch while working to be a distraction. Others do not.

[Marty Gulseth]

It's been a few years, but I have bought several versions of foot switches from electrical supply houses ("real" electrical supply places, not borgs.) You would (obviously) need to do some simple wiring - no offense intended, but please be sure you know your way around AC wiring.

Best wishes with your project!
Marty

[ron hossack]

Thanks for the heads up on the sites and info.

I won't be bothering making one as I found one at woodcraft

http://www.woodcraft.com/Images/products/147876.jpg?rand=620910358

for $20.99 with free shipping and a $10.00 coupon so for $10.99 I ordered that one.

[Marty Gulseth]

That ought'a work just fine!

Marty