Foot switch

Where can you buy a foot switch for a scroll saw or can you make one? I have tried all the local stores and they don't have one, feel like I may be able to make one from local items, maybe, know a little about making switches like a wall switch etc. What to use as an on/off device?

[jttheclockman]

You can get them at any of the big scrollsaw sites like RBI Hegner, or Dewalt. If you have a woodworking show coming up you can get them there. You can get them any tool supply company. Just do a web search. If you are going to build one which I think is not worth the effort but that is my opinion you need a momentary normally open contact switch that is rated at 20 amperes.

Jordan, here's two 'do-it-yourselfer' switches.

#1 Pickup an old sewing machine foot switch, works excellent with any power tools for on/off/variable speed.

#2 Get a plain old door bell switch (button), wire it up to a 110 electric outlet mounted in a box, with a power cord to plug it into the wall be sure to use the ground!!!!!. Plug your saw in, apply pressure to the switch, the saw runs, remove pressure the saw stops. CAUTION: Be sure to unplug this when not in use. You wouldn't want a little one (or yourself) to have an accident!

I am sorry I can't remember where I bought mine, but if you do a search you will find numerous tool suppliers/woodcarving suppliers, scrollsaw suppliers etc have them....I might have gotten mine from www.scroller.com but not sure...but whatever, check a number of sites as I found the prices usually run about 19 to 25.00 and sometimes more, but I believe I got mine for 15.00...sorry I can't remember where? been several years :

[jttheclockman]

A word of caution. The sewing machine switch is ok but the door bell button is not because the contacts are not rated for 110 volt use and will arc. With a dust situation not a good idea that is why I would recomend a true foot switch for they are rated for the amps and are enclosed to protect from dust.

As the clockman says, the doorbell switch is definitely out. As for the sewing maching foot control; it all depends on your saw motor. Some motors will no handle reduced voltage operation well, especially under load. Power = Current times Voltage. To provide a certain amount of power if you reduce the Voltage the Current will increase. If it increases beyond what you motor, or other circuitry can handle, ooooops, a meltdown or other unqood things could be the result.

In short buy a foot switch designed for the purpose. Or, build one from the proper components, which will usually end up costing you more.

Ed I have to disagree

If it increases beyond what you motor, or other circuitry can handle, ooooops, a meltdown or other unqood things could be the result.

The only way voltage can increase from the switch is a power surge from the power company which you would get with or without the switch. Also, the sewing machine footswitch and power tool footswitch are identical in that they both provide the variable speed function by the amount of pressure applied to the switch!

As for the doorbell button - I would recommend that any disbelievers take a trip down to their local hardware store and read the specs on the package, doorbell switches are rated at 120 volts AC! Yes it is true they operate at 12 volts supplied from the transformer/regulator connected inline between the switch and chime itself, but the switches are rated at 120 volts!!! A foot switch built yourself as I suggested will cost under $10 and be as safe to use as any provided the builder is competent to correctly assemble it with quality components!

Didn't say the voltage would increase ... if the voltage is decreased the CURRENT must increase to provide the same amount of power. Some motors can handle this and some can't. As for the doorbell switch some are and some aren't. As you indicated, the builder must be competent to build it properly with quality components. If one has to ask, is one qualified???

[jttheclockman]

Jordan
I am with Ed on this unless you know what right equipment and what you are doing, when it comes to electricity it is not worth it. For $20 you get a piece of equipment that is designed for what you want and you do not have to worry about if you did everything properly and spend that valuable time scrolling and making sawdust. Just my opinion, good luck!

[Jimpask]

I recieved my foot switch when I purchased my RBI...after about 5 minutes of use, I don't know how anybody would want to operate a scroll saw without one...there GREAT !!!

If you have a Rockler Store or a Woodcrafters Store near you they would carry them in addition to the big companies previously mentioned.

Spend the $20-25 you won't be disappointed

Jim