Foot Switch - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

Gary W. · 08-09-2008, 02:27 AM

I am thiniking of purchasing a foot switch to use with my scroll saw. I am reading of one which is turned on when stepped on and off with the same action. Also reading of one which is activated by stepping on it however you must leave your foot on it to keep it on. Interested in opinions as to which is the best and why?

Jim McDonald · 08-09-2008, 02:33 AM

Gary,
I bought one of the "deadman" switches at Harbor Freight for about $20. The click on click off was a little cheaper, but in my mind, when I drop my foot, I want the saw to stop--otherwise I would just use the switch on the saw.

If you have any significant time sawing prior to adding the foot switch, it will take a little getting used to it since you are so familiar with making the move to the saw mounted switch.

f250 · 08-09-2008, 03:07 AM

Oh, a foot switch is one of the best things possible to have with the saw. The big old magnifier light and a foot switch, I love them both.

Anyways, mine you must keep your foot on the switch and when you let up off it goes. This is the only kind I would buy after using it. It is wonderful

Tom

Gaia · 08-09-2008, 09:28 AM

I would also recommend the kind that stops when you lift your foot off. I love mine! It also saves wear and tear on your on/off switch on the saw.

Bobbi

sawdustus · 08-09-2008, 10:58 AM

I use the deadman (lift foot and the saw stops) type and I love it. Instant stop if I lift my foot even a little. It's great when a blade snaps or slips out of the holder since your natural reaction is to jump (i.e. to lift your foot) and this stops the piece from bouncing, pinching fingers and breaking if delicate.

sawdustus

Mick Walker · 08-09-2008, 03:22 PM

Gary W. I use the kind that you step on to start the saw and step on again to stop the saw. I stand while sawing and have it attached to the saw stand at knee height. I just bump it with my knee to turn saw on or off. Sitting while cutting the one that you hold your foot on all the time would be okay but I would not want to stand with my foot on a switch all the time. Just my 2¢ worth.

Gary W. · 08-09-2008, 08:13 PM

Thanks to all for your advice. I guess when all is said and done I just need to buy one and get used to it. Again, thanks.

Stoney · 08-09-2008, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gary W.

I am thiniking of purchasing a foot switch to use with my scroll saw. I am reading of one which is turned on when stepped on and off with the same action. Also reading of one which is activated by stepping on it however you must leave your foot on it to keep it on. Interested in opinions as to which is the best and why?

Gary I prefer the dead man type. I bought mine through Sloan's. There are cheaper one on the market but the one from Sloan's is repairable if the switch fails. I had to repair mine after about a bazillion cycles. It contains a small micro switch that can be replaced. I repaired mine for just a few dollars. Much better than having to buy a complete unit. Just a thought.

Stoney

marshall · 08-09-2008, 11:58 PM

I love my foot switch, but after I got it in the mail. Found one just as good and cheaper at Harbor Freight Tools . Got in too big of a hurry, hope this helps. Marshall :

112321:

marshall · 08-10-2008, 12:11 AM

[B]I have a switch like Bobbi 's and it works best for me, I did not start using one till early last year and I LV it , Marshall

08-09-2008, 02:27 AM	#1
Gary W. Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Point Blank, Texas Posts: 63	Foot Switch I am thiniking of purchasing a foot switch to use with my scroll saw. I am reading of one which is turned on when stepped on and off with the same action. Also reading of one which is activated by stepping on it however you must leave your foot on it to keep it on. Interested in opinions as to which is the best and why?

08-09-2008, 02:33 AM	#2
Jim McDonald Sawdust Maker Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Muncie, IN USA Posts: 1,117 Blog Entries: 9	Gary, I bought one of the "deadman" switches at Harbor Freight for about $20. The click on click off was a little cheaper, but in my mind, when I drop my foot, I want the saw to stop--otherwise I would just use the switch on the saw. If you have any significant time sawing prior to adding the foot switch, it will take a little getting used to it since you are so familiar with making the move to the saw mounted switch. __________________ Jim If it cannot be fixed with a hammer--must be an electrical problem. "Political Correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end."

08-09-2008, 03:07 AM	#3
f250 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 1,791	Oh, a foot switch is one of the best things possible to have with the saw. The big old magnifier light and a foot switch, I love them both. Anyways, mine you must keep your foot on the switch and when you let up off it goes. This is the only kind I would buy after using it. It is wonderful Tom __________________ Hawk G4 http://www.scrollsawer.com/gallery/s...00/ppuser/4243

08-09-2008, 10:58 AM	#5
sawdustus Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,255	I use the deadman (lift foot and the saw stops) type and I love it. Instant stop if I lift my foot even a little. It's great when a blade snaps or slips out of the holder since your natural reaction is to jump (i.e. to lift your foot) and this stops the piece from bouncing, pinching fingers and breaking if delicate. sawdustus __________________ A day without sawdust is a day without sunshine. George delta 650, hawk G426

08-09-2008, 03:22 PM	#6
Mick Walker Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,492	Gary W. I use the kind that you step on to start the saw and step on again to stop the saw. I stand while sawing and have it attached to the saw stand at knee height. I just bump it with my knee to turn saw on or off. Sitting while cutting the one that you hold your foot on all the time would be okay but I would not want to stand with my foot on a switch all the time. Just my 2¢ worth. __________________ Mick, - Delta P-20 The future ain't what it used to be.

08-09-2008, 09:28 AM	#4
Gaia Sawdust Maker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 170	I would also recommend the kind that stops when you lift your foot off. I love mine! It also saves wear and tear on your on/off switch on the saw. Bobbi

08-09-2008, 08:13 PM	#7
Gary W. Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Point Blank, Texas Posts: 63	Thanks to all for your advice. I guess when all is said and done I just need to buy one and get used to it. Again, thanks.

08-09-2008, 11:58 PM	#9
marshall Just love Being Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Jonesboro Arkansas { USA } Posts: 2,643	I love my foot switch, but after I got it in the mail. Found one just as good and cheaper at Harbor Freight Tools . Got in too big of a hurry, hope this helps. Marshall : 112321:

08-10-2008, 12:11 AM	#10
marshall Just love Being Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Jonesboro Arkansas { USA } Posts: 2,643	[B]I have a switch like Bobbi 's and it works best for me, I did not start using one till early last year and I LV it , Marshall

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