MiniMax MM16 switch problem

[Bill Crisp]

I've got a new to me MM16 bandsaw. When I got the saw, the switch wasn't working. After blowing some dust out of it, and generally fiddling with it, I got it working. However, after about 15 hours of use, the switch started malfuncting again. (The start button didn't have any tension on it, and pressed in with no effect.) For awhile, I was able to make the switch work by tapping on it, and getting it to reset, but today that stopped working.

The switch in question is an
AEG Mbs 25
I've done a little digging around and it looks like it's no longer in production.

I'm wondering if there's a way to rehabilitate the switch, or barring that, if there's a source for a replacement switch. I'm planning to call SCM Group in the morning to see if they carry a one.

[Robert LaPlaca]

Bill unfortunately the switch on the MM bandsaws is one of the few Achilles heals on the saw, I have been fortunate that my 20 year old MM16 is still sporting it’s original AEG switch.

I think some of the information from this link about MM bandsaw switches may help, https://www.solowoodworker.com/mm/switch.html.

[Brad Schmid]

Bill, this story goes way back... I dealt with it in 2007 and here are the details.
https://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?57102-MM16-is-it-just-me&highlight=bandsaw
Unfortunately the MM people have probably changed since then but this should at least help point you in the right direction. I have had no problems with the non-AEG replacement switch...
Good luck.

By the way, the replacement switch was a Klockner-Moeller PKZM01

[Kevin Jenness]

I had a similar problem. Rather than sourcing a direct replacement I installed a standard magnetic starter surface mounted on the bandsaw column.

[Bill Dufour]

Like this ? There are no spaces in mbs25.
Three phase voltage and what FLA?
https://www.electricmotorwholesale.com/AEG-MBS25.html
Bill D

[Bill Dufour]

By the way, the replacement switch was a Klockner-Moeller PKZM01

https://www.klocknermoeller.com/pkzm01/index.htm
Bill D

[Bill Dufour]

Ebay shows 75 hits for mbs25. Most are seperate parts. Maybe buy a complete one and switch coil and heaters from yours?
Bill D

[Jim Becker]

Like this ? There are no spaces in mbs25.
Three phase voltage and what FLA?
https://www.electricmotorwholesale.com/AEG-MBS25.html
Bill D
It would be extraordinarily unusual for an MM16 to be three phase. Depending on the year, it's either a 3.x hp single phase motor or a 4.8 single phase motor. My 2004 MM16 has the former.

[Erik Loza]

I am unaware of any three-phase MM16 ever being ordered for the US market. Simplest path would be to just order the OEM Eaton/Moellner switch. Aside from being stiff, the switch issues disappeared once Italy began using them.

Erik

[Walter Plummer]

My saw is a 2003 MM16. Two years ago SCM still had the switch but it is expensive. 509855

[Bill Dufour]

So it is a three pole contactor with overloads. It is really a three phase unit only using only two poles. I suppose the extra pole is used for latching instead of adding an auxiliary contact block. It is probably a DIN mount standard size. Just match overload amps and coil volts
Bill D

[Izzy Charo]

I had this same problem on my MM16, and ordered the switch replacement parts from the company and person cited below. They were very helpful with installation instructions as well...note it's a 3 part switch. I went ahead and replaced all 3 parts, and it's been fine since. I would contact them and send a picture of your switch, after you remove the dust cover. Best of luck!
https://sawmillcreek.org/blob:https://sawmillcreek.org/7fb87e72-ddd3-4021-bbc3-2a4ffc1874da

[Izzy Charo]

I had this same problem on my MM16, and ordered the switch replacement parts from the company and person cited below. They were very helpful with installation instructions as well...note it's a 3 part switch. I went ahead and replaced all 3 parts, and it's been fine since. I would contact them and send a picture of your switch, after you remove the dust cover. Best of luck!
https://sawmillcreek.org/blob:https://sawmillcreek.org/7fb87e72-ddd3-4021-bbc3-2a4ffc1874da. At: KMParts.com. I spoke with Tony Wolff