dewalt switch

[Dav]

have read a lot about the dewalt switch going bad and people using foot switches, didn,t think much of it till the other day my saw wouldn,t start so play with it till it did. look up foot switches and by the time I add sales tax,shipping, I'm up over 20 dol.  so went and bought a 38 cent wall switch and a 38 cent outlet and a box for1.19 and we will see how it works having the on/off next to the machine

[GrayBeard]

My opinion...

Economical but 'clumsy'.

Several places have the 'NO' (normally open) type foot switch which gives you "Instant" on/off for $9.99 USD.
Often called "Dead Man Switch"
Harbor Freight in my area...

Gives you most control over the blade ESPECIALLY when it breaks. Just lift your foot and the machine is OFF.

~~~GrayBeard~~~

[northie66]

You might save the money but it's nice to use the foot and not take a hand off the wood.

[Shirley]

I love the idea of a foot switch but I sit while I'm scrolling and with my scrollsaw on the stand my feet don't touch the floor from my stool.

[sp_343]

I got a foot switch recently and it is the way to go.  Bought one cheap on Amazon.com and it is the best thing.  I can keep both hands on the wood from start to stop.

[ChaplainRon]

I am brand new at this and after a few days of messing with the switch on my Dewalt I got the foot-switch from Harbor Freight. It makes all the difference in the world. It is more like sewing and I can't imagine sewing with a hand operated switch.

Got mine for $9.99. It works great.

Ron

[MadHatter]

i to use a foot switch and got it at my local harbor freight, cant imagine scrolling without it. 

[northie66]

I got mine from Harbor Freight also... no problems with it.

Shirley - Build a stool to attach it to

[ufgator]

Shirley; I mounted my Harbor Freight foot switch on a small box next to my DW788 and it works out GREAT.  Wouldn't be without it.

Happy Scrolling
     Bill

[Rapid Roger]

"Different strokes for different folks."
Dav, the DeWalt switch isn't a bad switch, well not any worse than ANY switch. It is just that it will get saw dust in it and cause the contacts not to contact.
The foot (dead man) switch just make things alot handier and easier to use. By repacing the orginal switch with a "wall" style hasn't helped you at all. It has just temporaly moved the problem to another place. You still have to take one hand off your work and fumble around to turn the saw off.
If you sit on a tall stool, just mount the foot switch to a "block of wood", "a box" (of the correct height) or a "platform".
It will take you about 15 minutes of getting used to it, and then you will be a very "happy camper" (well scroll saw user) in this case.
In fact, I have a "kill" switch on my table saw that I can bump with my knee to shut the power off with out moving a hand or loosing controll of the material I am cutting.
Cost is a problem, (I payed $40.00 for my foot switch) but, as others have said, you can get one for as little as $10.00. It will be a very good investment to your hobby.

Rog

[julief]

The foot switch is far less about saving the switch on your saw.  They are easily replaced.  The convenience of instant on/off is what it is all about.

[mainberg]

My foot switch is stuck (with carpet tape) on the front to back support bar of the DeWalt stand. I can put both feet on the bar going side to side. I sit also.
Pat B

[woodworker13403A]

I also use the foot switch and love it! Because of back and knee problems, I sit and stand so I mounted the switch on a box too. When I stand, my knee is slightly bent and takes the pressure off of it.
                           Rick

[Russ C]

I have used the foot switch for so long I forgot what was like without it. 

[Barry]

Money well spent, I wouldn't do with out a foot switch.  I also cover the switch on top of the machine with tape to keep out the dust.  It should last longer that way.

Barry