Hi Folks,
It has been a couple of weeks since the MM16 has been back in service, this time for good, finally.
Many of you may be familiar w the issue of the switch for some of the MiniMax machines.
I am posting this, after reaching a calmer state.
The last 7 years have been, shall we say-frustrating.
This particular switch is prone to failure. I have been told on account of the microswitches as a safety feature-if either door is opened, or the foot brake depressed, the saw will not work.
But, hey, the last 4 months it didn't work either on account of the most recent switch not working.
SCM (Minimax parent company) has a warehouse about 20 minutes from me here in Atlanta.
So, in September, I motored over there, picked up another switch, the fourth or fifth (I lost count).
Brought it back home, and over a period of all day, installed it, checking all along to be sure it would work. It did all along the way. Except when I finished the install, and once the switch was neatly in it's housing, w me feeling confident......it failed on the first trial. Disappointing.
Now, this is a BS that I took great pains to research before buying.
This is an international corporation. The problem w the equipment is known, fabled even.
Each person who has one of these BS is known by SCM. Every time another switch is purchased (I would guess), SCM has it in their database.
Has SCM ever contacted me? No.
Every time I bought a switch, did anyone ever ask if I needed any help? No.
In the beginning, I asked the SCM technical person about it, they did not offer any help other than to sell me a(nother) switch.
I must say-abysmal customer service
The only two people who have been significantly helpful have been Eric Loza (I think no longer w MiniMax), and a generous, kind gentleman-Charlie Plesums. Charlie has a whole page about this situation on his website.
So, after considering the entire situation, and consulting an electrician (certified high and low voltage) friend of mine, I installed the 30 amp light switch you see below.
Bandsaw new switch.JPG
Nice, huh?
Afterthoughts:
1) It did occur to me that the problem might be one of the three microswitches could possibly be the cause of the malfunction. Sorry, not in the mood to second guess that one.
2) The safety features have been taken out. Certainly, I had the ultimate safety feature much of the time-a nonfunctional machine
3) I will probably install a throw switch on the wall as a safety on, and look into some type of easy off push type emergency on the machine.
Is the above constructive?
My point is-It is a great saw, with the exception of the switch. If you buy one-I cannot testify as to any customer service at all.