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Foot switch - Momentary or push on/push off?

5K views 23 replies 20 participants last post by  CharleyL 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I am looking at getting a foot switch for my SS, but am not sure what type would be best.. either the momentay type or the push on/push off version. Was wondering what preference others have and why?

Cheers,
Brad
 
#7 · (Edited by Moderator)
LOL - I figured that being posted in the scrollsawing forum, "SS" would be kind of obvious! Sorry about the confusion.. yes, I'm looking at getting a foot switch for my recently aquired Delta 40-601 scroll saw :) I was just curious about the pros and cons between the two types.

Cheers,
Brad
 
#10 ·
I have foot switches on my scroll saw, drill press , belt sander and band saw. All are harbor freight click on and click off type. While using my scroll saw, near the end of my cut I depress the foot switch and the saw will continue to run until I release it. (Much like the dead man type) The best of both worlds.
 
#12 · (Edited by Moderator)
Well, it's only been two years since I first asked this question, and I finally got around to picking up one of those foot switches today :)

Had a 25% off coupon from HF that expired today, so I ran over and picked up one of the push-on, push-off types. I have to admit, I waited way too long, and should have got it a lot sooner. I went with the push-on/push-off type mainly based on Ken and Jim's comments above - best of both worlds. It certainly makes things much easier, and at roughly $11 (after tax) for the switch and a free 20' tape measure, the price certainly was right!

Cheers,
Brad

PS: After using it a while, I now firmly believe that all scroll saws should come from the factory with a foot switch, not just the uber-expensive ones :)
 
#15 ·
I keep both around.

The momentary gets the most work doing inlay and stringing work with routers and a Dremel, my ShopVac in between groups of pocket holes, and anything else I want on and off hands-free or in bursts.

I use the click on/off for my scroll saw, my HVLP turbine when I'm not using my RF remote, bigger handheld routing, and anything my foot would go numb holding down a foot switch.

With the on-off, I'll turn the tool off when my hands are free. I don't leave it live.
 
#18 ·
I checked out my foot switch at woodcraft it was close to $30.00 Harbor fright has the excavation same switch. For $13.00 therefore I have a H F switch and it works great. I thought the woodcraft one would have a metal case but they are both plastic. Why pay more?
 
#19 ·
"Well, it's only been two years since I first asked this question, and I finally got around to picking up one of those foot switches today :)"

Hello Brad,
Thanks for resurrecting your original post. I never gave any thought to a foot switch for my scroll saw but now I'm thinking about getting one ASAP before I use my SS again.
Marc
 
#21 ·
If you get the HF one, signing up for text coupons can get you a 20% off one item coupon right away. Then you can just text the stop code to make the texts end. I used that trick this weekend to save 20% on my highest priced item (which was a big package of zip ties, it was not a fruitful trip but it probably saved me the gas money to get there).
 
#24 ·
I have several foot switches (momentary switches, so on only when pressing) and use them with any tool whenever I'll be doing something where a catastrophic failure is a possibility. I have one that stays on, requiring a second step, to turn it back off. It was the first one that I purchased, and I don't like it, so don't use it. I want the tool to shut off as I'm heading for the door.

Charley
 
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