Foot Switch....state your preference...

[BilltheDiver]

Another advantage of the foot switch for you guys with Dewalts is that it greatly reduces wear on the regular switch which I understand is somewhat prone to problems anyway.

[Kepy]

I do not use a foot switch as I'm like the others that use a tall stool and rest my feet on the stool or the cross piece of the saw.  My knees don't like me to have my feet on the ground for extended periods of time.

[Merlin]

For you people that sit on a high stool, you can use a knee switch.
I like to stand (even if the feet so no) and have made a home made switch, (can't seem to find one in NZ) and use the front of the knee to switch on/off.
When I do sit (when I take the saw out doors) the switch is at the side of the stand and I use side pressure with the knee to turn on/off.

***Merlin***

[yyyyyguy]

Dead man, my only problem is I occasionally will be concentrating on cutting and all of a sudden the saw will turn off, after a few senior seconds I realize my foot has lifted off the pedal   

Pete

[Mainewoods]

all of a sudden the saw will turn off, after a few senior seconds I realize my foot has lifted off the pedal   

If I had a dollar for every time.......

[dgman]

Question, Has anybody accidentally stepped on the foot switch while changing or mounting a blade?

[dgman]

Another advantage of the foot switch for you guys with Dewalts is that it greatly reduces wear on the regular switch which I understand is somewhat prone to problems anyway.

Hey Bill, The problem with the DeWalt switch has to do with dust getting onto the contacts inside the switch, not a wear issue. Just so there is no confusion

[Mainewoods]

Question, Has anybody accidentally stepped on the foot switch while changing or mounting a blade?

Not yet Dan, but then again I haven't been doing this all that long.   

[GrayBeard]

YES Dan...you bet your fanny!

I was changing blade holes and was concentrating on the change and leaned forward and pressed the switch!
RESULT....a trip to the ORTHO and a cortisone shot in the arthritic wrist.

BUT I would rather use the foot switch than not for the same reason.
When necessary all I have to do is lift my toe and the saw STOPS!

I use one and I will ALWAYS use one.

~~~GB~~~

[termite]

i've hit mine a few times. it scares me more than anything. haven't been cut yet.

[malc]

None of you seem to have the same problem as I have my saw is fitted with a 'zero voltage' switch, as are most UK devices. When the power is turned off the 'on' button has to be depressed before the machine will turn on again. If the foot switch just cuts off the power when released just pushing it down again will not turn the power to the machine back on. Am I missing something?




Malc

[BilltheDiver]

I have to admit to hitting the pedal during a blade change, but even more often is when I am doing something not at all concerned with the scrollsaw and step on the pedal.

Dan, understand on the switch!  Thanks.

[Merlin]

Malc if that "zero voltage switch" is what came on my saw "from the uk) then I had it bypassed.
When the saw arrived in the country it had this bloody big switch sitting on top of the saw with a big red button on it.
Hell I thought is this the emergency switch but it was poorly mounted and moved about 2 inches backwards when pressed, so it's gone.


***Merlin***

[malc]

Thanks Merlin, it's the normal on/off switch nearly any bench mounted rotating tool in UK have these fitted as a legal requirement.
Malc

[dgman]

None of you seem to have the same problem as I have my saw is fitted with a 'zero voltage' switch, as are most UK devices. When the power is turned off the 'on' button has to be depressed before the machine will turn on again. If the foot switch just cuts off the power when released just pushing it down again will not turn the power to the machine back on. Am I missing something?




Malc

My Table saw has what is called a magnetic switch. If the power is disrupted when the saw is running, the switch turns off. That way when the power comes back on, the saw wont.