I have a 20 year old 1.5 HP Delta Unisaw. The electrical switch has stopped working. I diagnosed this by tracing the electrical current, OK into the switch but nothing out to the motor.
I called Delta and the switch is no longer available. The only option is to replace the entire box, switch and overload protector for $120.83.
Do you know any other options? I called the switch maker and it has been discontinued without any replacement. I checked Grainger and McMaster-Carr and googled everything I can think of. Some posts said Grainger had something but I could not find it. I can’t figure out what to do other than pay Delta the high price. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Replies
McMaster-Carr p/n 7657K31 is a toggle switch rated for 3 hp, in a NEMA box, and it costs $26. It'd replace the Delta box and switch.
Tom,
Give Grizzly a call. You should be able to replace the switch with a magnetic one. I'm assuming it's 220V.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/item.cfm?itemnumber=G4571
Hope this helps.
Hi Tom... If it is an 'open' type switch (contacts exposed), take an air gun and BLOW all the crud out of the switch. When you're finished, blow it out again. If this fails, locate a 'motor shop' near you. These guys save EVERYTHING! Most likely they will have one of these switches laying around. If not, they usually know the source of 'out of production' parts.
SawdustSteve
Even your local Radio Shack should have a switch of enough amperage for this application.
Motor switches are beefier than conventional switches. The motor is a great big inductor, so when you open the switch (turn off the motor), there's a big arc across the switch contacts. Over the long term, the arc erodes the contacts. Motor switches (and motor-rated relays) have big contacts to survive this abuse for a long time. That's why motor switches are more expensive than standard light switches.
Edited 6/7/2005 9:54 pm ET by JAMIE_BUXTON
I would direct wire the motor into a box.. With a Quality light switch rated for 1.5 HP .. EDIT:: 20 Amp switch more en' enough...
Not sure what you have but a good quality 20 Amp switch should do.. If You want Current protection also you can always feed it off a Circuit breaker at the rated current.. Shoulden't cost more than $30.00 or so... Even if you HAVE to put the circuit breaker in a breaker box and hide it in the cabinet..
Just me..
Edited 6/7/2005 2:44 pm ET by Will George
I had the same saw and same problem. I went to a electrical suply house and they were able to give me an exact replacement. I don't remember what it cost but it was no where near $120.00.
Joe
Tom, I have an older Delta than yours with a switch that was on it when I purchased it 26 years ago used. I have opened the switch and repaired it 3 times since I have owned it most recently a month ago. Take it apart carefully watching for the springs and ball bearings. Clean it out with a toothbrush, spray Topcoat or some other dry lube into it and reassemble. Make sure you clean the contact points and it shoud work well for a few years (about 10. Otherwise, spend the money for the mag switch. Aloha, Mike)
Careful: it sounds like this is not only a switch, but also a thermal overload protector. Don't replace it with a switch only, but get an overload protector included, sized for the motor.
Grizzly has these. A G4572 should work.
Your advice is right on target. I called the Delta parts line and the Delta Richmond, VA factory authorized service center. Both recommended a $120 switch without overload protection. I only found this out after I talked to the very helpful people at http://www.sawcenter.com. I found you can't trust the Delta people on the phone. They just look up things on the computer and have little knowledge of the saw. They really misled me, very disappointing.
I am looking closely at the Grizzly magnetic switch you recommended, made by Taian Electric for $49.95. I wired the motor direct and used the breaker for a temporary switch to make sure the motor was OK and it is fine. I took the switch apart and two of four contacts were burned and mostly gone so it is not salvageable as contacts can't be replaced. I have had no luck finding a replacement switch.
I am thinking of going to a magnetic switch with overload protection like the Grizzly G4572. I also found the Canwood switch for $74.06 on http://www.houseoftools.com. The Canwood has a nice big shut off button. The Sawcenter has the Delta equivalent for $120. Of the three options, any experience out there as the best way to go?
A prpoerly sized breaker will provide overload protection. The advantage of a mag starter is if the power goes out you don't have to worry about the saw coming on because you forgot to turn off the switch. Go with what ever is cheaper or if you like the big off button on the Canwood. Many folks add a big hinged paddle swtich so they can turn off the saw quick with a simple push of their knee so you don't have to fumble to find the switch in a panic.
Not too sure about the house of tools prices. Checked a couple of tools I'm researching for the guys at work and the prices were $100 higher than anywhere else including my local Home Depot.
Edited 6/9/2005 1:04 pm ET by rick3ddd
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled