Delta 6" Jointer On/Off Switch Problem

[Kurt Aebi]

I am having a problem with the On/Off switch on my Delta 6" Jointer. I am getting wood chips/sawdust inside the switch and it is locking in th eOn position. I can take it apart and blow the stuff out, but within a few more uses of the Jointer, it locks On again! I fear that this could become a safety issue and would like to replace the switch with something a little more robust. I was hoping one of you here would have a good suggestion as to a good replacement.


Thanks,

Kurt

[Arnie Grammon]

I have a 6" Delta as well......mine is configured with the switch on a post above the jointer. I have never had a problem with the switch at all.......could it be the switch itself is defective?

AG

[Tyler Howell]

Would putting a heavy plastic bag over it work???

[Dave Moran]

Kurt, someone posted a link to magnetic switches at grizzley once for the same price Delta wants for the mechanical switch that they mount on the post. you may want to check them out as a magnetic starter will 'drop out' if you have a power interuption so I think of ot as a safety feature. Just NEVER trust any switch when you are working in the machine, always unplug.

[Kurt Aebi]

Tyler! You may be on to something there! :rolleyes:

Actually, our friend Dennis Peacock suggested a dust-proof box with similar cover/switchplate. I think as the switch works well after cleaning out the dust - I'll go with his approach (not too far off Tyler's idea - just more elegant). As an Engineer, I get all kinds of samples and I think I have a NEMA 4 (waterproof) box that will fill the bill.

Dave, The magnetic switch from Grizzly is a good idea and if this quick-n-dirty idea doesn't work I may persue that avenue.

Thank You all for your input it helps.