Ruminations, Philosophy, and Workshop Antics.......... #1: My antic plans for the weekend........

I am into “shop antics” this weekend, or at least I think thats what Mike Stefang from Norway would call it. One of Mike’s comments gave me that part of the title for this series.

I decided I was not going to use my TS (nearly 20 year old Delta contractor’s saw) any more until I fixed the on-off switch and position. You can’t find it half the time, and to look, puts your face in front of the blade. Bad deal. So I have pretty well designed my new switch…......you really didn’t think I would buy one, DID YOU…......

Had to make the cord from the switch to the power source longer in any case, and it needed a new plug. Put in a 12 gauge cord since I doubled the length of the old 14 gauge cord. I will have increase the segment from the switch to the motor a little bit tomorrow. Sometime in November, hope to rewire it for 220.

Anytime we mention wiring, safety has to be addressed. For those of you not conversant with wiring, consult an electrician, or a knowledgeable friend for help. There are a lot of ways to screw up, destroy your equipment, burn down your house, or endanger your loved ones. As I have noted before, I have been doing this for many decades, and have the background to understand what I am doing. And I always follow the code.
So please be careful.

But aside from putting in longer cords, my switch is only going to involve mechanics, no electricity…...so read on….......

So back to the switch. I looked at a lot of switches from retailers, and also mods from other users. I don’t like hunting for the on switch, let alone the off switch. I wanted a switch I could hit with my thigh or hand without hardly looking, and turn on without searching. Nothing out there seemed right. I needed a push-pull action. That’s a toggle effect. And this saw came with a toggle switch. So, why not figure out a way to use the original switch? You know, it might be a CHEAP solution…....

So I think I have it designed. In Sketchup no less…..needs a little work on the visuals.

So I am going to try it. Use the old switch. Throw down the gauntlet. Basically free.

I am going to make a first class switch for my Delta Contractor’s Saw out of scrap…...........

Boy am I going to be red-faced if this fails…..................it will then become another one of my workshop antics…......(-:

More tomorrow…................................................

-- Jim, Anchorage Alaska