Replacing on/off switch 3 HP 220 volts

[Al Faulkner]

My 1965 Rockwell tablesaw on off switch works but I am considering changing it. It's a bit difficult to reach it and I spend a bit of time fiddling for it. I can see that being a bit dangerous so I am wondering what I would have to do to swap it for a new one.

Any suggestions? or ideas?

[Mike Wilkins]

I had a 1964 Rockwell TS at one time, and had to install a new switch as part of the restoration. I went to the Woodworkers Supply site and ordered one of their 220volt single phase switches. Just match it up to the motor amps and Bob's your uncle.

[Curt Harms]

Is this a contractor style saw or Cabinet saw? Table saws are one place I think a magnetic starter makes sense. A momentary power interruption won't cause the saw to stop then start up again all on its own. Installing one is fairly straight forward. Read the instructions of course but typically the two feed wires attach the the two larger screws on the top of the 'block' the wire to the motor attaches to the bottom two screws. You also get overload protection on some. I've had a Grizzly 1023 with their starter and no problems. You can look toward the bottom of this page for some examples:

www . grizzly.com/products/category/275010

[Al Faulkner]

Thanks s Mik and Curt,

This is a heavy duty 3 hp so I presume that means it is a contractor style. The magnetic switch sounds like a good idea and thanks for the explanation.

[Al Faulkner]

I saw a TS with a switch that was moveable along the table's edge. Looked like a handy idea. Anyone has experience or ideas?

[Curt Harms]

What's handy is being able to turn off the saw with your leg while holding onto pieces with both hands. I moved the Grizz starter to the fence rail and am able to turn it off by bumping the 'stop' button with my leg. The stop button is raised, the start button is flush to it'd be difficult to push the start button by accident.Some people have hinged a board so when they bump the board it turns the saw off, bigger target.

[Al Launier]

You might consider http://www.grizzly.com/products/Paddle-Switch-110-230V/D4151

[Al Faulkner]

What's handy is being able to turn off the saw with your leg while holding onto pieces with both hands. I moved the Grizz starter to the fence rail and am able to turn it off by bumping the 'stop' button with my leg. The stop button is raised, the start button is flush to it'd be difficult to push the start button by accident.Some people have hinged a board so when they bump the board it turns the saw off, bigger target.
Thanks Curt, I made one of those long stick shutoffs but at some point it broke. It was fantastic. Maybe I should make a better version or do as Al suggested and get a newer version.

[Don Roberson II]

You might consider http://www.grizzly.com/products/Paddle-Switch-110-230V/D4151

I have this exact switch on my Powermatic 66 3hp motor. I really like it.

[John Sanford]

The ReiTech Easy-Off is DA BOMB! I've got it on my Delta Contractor's Saw, it locks, I can always hit it with a knee or hand, it's big, I love it, love it, love it. They have a variety for different applications.

http://www.machinesafetymanagement.com/products/easy-off-power-controls/