Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Mar 15, 2004 07:49pm | #1

   You can get what looks like a household light switch that is meant for starting motors for considerably less than 180.00.  You can also get magnetic switches for less than that.  Grizzly will sell you a magnetic switch for under $70.00.

   John W.

1. 
   bmwz3coupe | Mar 15, 2004 08:05pm | #3

   Why would a manufacture need of use a magnetic switch to start a 110 Volt item ? 

1. 
   Michmesquite | Mar 15, 2004 08:38pm | #4

   It is a saftey item, not a power issue. Mag switches disconnect the tool from a power source if the power source fails, so when the power source returns the machine is not on.

   Imagine a table saw or shaper or jointer or sander like you have starting up suddenly, especially when you are twisting the blade or shaft to be sure it isn't stuck.

   I just wish they had mag switches on hand-held belt sanders. It has been many a time I had to chase a sander across the work bench after pugging the thing in and the switch is stuck on.__________________________________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   Freedom from mental disturbance is the very most for which one can hope.

    Epicurus (341-270 BCE)

1. 
   RickL | Mar 15, 2004 08:57pm | #5

   Delta was carrying a product that replaced the regular cord with a unit that had to be reset if power was lost. Did the safety thing of a mag switch for around $100 or less. Good for up to 2 hp depending on the model. It does work well. Was meant for schools and such to add safety at a lower cost than replacing a switch.  I found the original maker....

   http://www.saf-start.com/

1. 
   Michmesquite | Mar 15, 2004 09:08pm | #6

   Excellent. One of those units is all you need for a small shop.__________________________________________________________

   Michael in San Jose

   Freedom from mental disturbance is the very most for which one can hope.

    Epicurus (341-270 BCE)

2. 
   JohnWW | Mar 15, 2004 10:45pm | #7

   In addition to the safety factor of not having a tool restart after a power loss, another major advantage of magnetic switches is that they also detect a motor overload and shut down the power before the motor is damaged.  For this reason, magnetic switches have a built in adjustment mechanism or need to have a small part called a heater installed to match the switch to the motor's horsepower.  I think that in the U.S. all motors over 1 HP in size are required to have some sort of overload protection, although it doesn't have to be as fancy as a magnetic switch.  

   A manufacturer probably doesn't pay $30.00 for a switch they sell to you as a repair part for $180.00.  Although it does cost a bit more to install a magnetic switch than a simple one, the maker of your sander must have decided it was worth the extra expense to avoid liability and warranty problems.

   John W. 

2. 
   IMERC | Mar 15, 2004 07:58pm | #2

   You have make and model #. HP ratting and so forth. What would you like?

   Is 20 to 30$ more realistic... 

    

                                         Here fishy fishy....

3. 
   Steinmetz | Mar 16, 2004 03:06am | #8

   If you're reasonably handy and can buy a 120 volt dpdt relay plus two momentary switches ...One N.C. (Normally closed) and one N.O., (Normally open) you can wire it up to do the job and still have the 'No on when power is restored' feature.

   The wiring is simple. The  N.O. momentary swich, (colored Green) is conected in series to the line wire (Black) and one of the relay's coils terminals.The other coil terminal is conected to the neutral return. (White wire)

   When you press this green switch, it closes the relay's interior switch contacts which are connected to your motor and itself then back to neutral.

   The relay also latches itself on at the same time  and the machine will keep running.

    When you push the Red switch, (It's in series with the Green switch) it opens the relay's latching circuit and the power is off to BOTH the relay AND the machine

   The contacts in the relay can also be connected to turn on red or green lights if needed. Stein.

   
   

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   Edited 3/15/2004 8:11 pm ET by steinmetz

4. 
   SawdustSteve | Mar 16, 2004 04:09am | #9

   Hi Z3,  Start with the basics... momentary contact switch and sawdust.  Fine sawdust has a nasty habit of mucking up magnetic switches as I have found out many times.  I'm assuming you have a decent air compressor or can borrow one.  Take an air hose and BLOW every bit of dust out of the switch, the switch box and its cover.  When you think you have all the sawdust out, give it another good, long blast of air.    I'll bet that will cure your $181.00 headache.  Some people may yell at me but in a one-man shop that type of switch is total overkill.  Purchase a HEAVY DUTY switch and use it in place of the magnetic job.  SawdustSteve     Long Island, NY    (with snow predicted for tomorrow!)