Replacement Power Switch for a 520

[mountainbreeze]

The power switch on my 520 is failing in a very dangerous way. It is sometimes hard to turn off and is sometimes like a hair trigger when turning on. I found some info about replacing the switch with one that has a standard 1/2" round mount but after removing the existing switch I see that mounting would be a problem. Is there another source for this switch or a good way to mount the 1/2" round type?

[dusty]

The power switch on my 520 is failing in a very dangerous way. It is sometimes hard to turn off and is sometimes like a hair trigger when turning on. I found some info about replacing the switch with one that has a standard 1/2" round mount but after removing the existing switch I see that mounting would be a problem. Is there another source for this switch or a good way to mount the 1/2" round type?

I have hunted for a totally compatible replacement switch and have not been able to find one. I found some that were close but no enchilada.

If you have the standard swictch for use in later model Mark Vs and it is Double Pole Single Throw (DPST), it is possible that only one half of the switch is bad.

To determine this, first confirm whether or not the white power wires go thru the switch. If they do, they can be disconnected from the switch and simply connected together. In this configuration, you would be switching only the hot wire (which is the way Shopsmith wires the power switch on new units today).

Connect the black and the blue wires back to the switch as they originally were. Check to see if it now works.

If it does not, move the black and the blue wires to where the white wires were originally connected on the switch. Check to see if it now works.

Hope this helps. If it does, it will allow you time to save up enough money to buy a new switch from Shopsmith.

[mountainbreeze]

Yeah, SS is really proud of those switches. Mine is the one with just two connectors so wire changes are not an option. Don't think it is the contacts, I think it is the mechanical movement that is failing. I'm going to try the rocker switch that someoone found at Grainger. No kids around so a lockable switch is not a necessity for me.

[dusty]

Yeah, SS is really proud of those switches. Mine is the one with just two connectors so wire changes are not an option. Don't think it is the contacts, I think it is the mechanical movement that is failing. I'm going to try the rocker switch that someoone found at Grainger. No kids around so a lockable switch is not a necessity for me.

When you buy that switch from Shopsmith you do get some extras with it. You get a white jumper wire that allows you to connect the returns together and you also get a couple other wires, complete with connectors, for use on the hot side.

The locking feature probably drives the cost up considerably. If I could find just a switch, with no safety feature built in, I would be satisfied.

A couple, maybe three or four years ago, I had a run on failed switches. I bought an extra and haven't needed it. I believe that the switches used to be rated at 15amp and that might have been why they failed more frequently. Just conjecture!

[mountainbreeze]

Dusty,

Did you ever consider this one? Twenty amp and 2 HP rating should last a while. Nice looking fit too.

[dusty]

Dusty,

Did you ever consider this one? Twenty amp and 2 HP rating should last a while. Nice looking fit too.

Thank you. That is certainly a suitable replacement for anyone needing a switch and willing to give up the safety feature.

Interestingly, I am unable to utilize the safety feature on mine. I either don't know how or my fingers are too weak. I just can not do it.

[wallpaperman]

Dusty,

Did you ever consider this one? Twenty amp and 2 HP rating should last a while. Nice looking fit too.

You will need to replace the wire end on the SS.
I have replaced the switch on my old 520 power head & on my power station & this switch came on my new power pro.
It works.
By the way Mountainbreeze your dust colection mod. on the saw blade works great made out of PVC board with a 3/8" strip on top of the long rail that rest on the under side of the table.
Cliff

[dusty]

You will need to replace the wire end on the SS.
I have replaced the switch on my old 520 power head & on my power station & this switch came on my new power pro.
It works.
By the way Mountainbreeze your dust colection mod. on the saw blade works great made out of PVC board with a 3/8" strip on top of the long rail that rest on the under side of the table.
Cliff

Two questions.

Are you saying that I will need to change the connector (to mate with the switch) on the wire end at the Shopsmith? I can do that if it will allow that switch to be utilized?

Are you saying that your new PowerPro did not come with the safety switch?

[wallpaperman]

Two questions.

Are you saying that I will need to change the connector (to mate with the switch) on the wire end at the Shopsmith? I can do that if it will allow that switch to be utilized?

Are you saying that your new PowerPro did not come with the safety switch?

Yes to both questions
Also Shopsmith does not sell the safty switch any more, shey show it in the catalog but ships a replacement switch like this one.
Cliff

[mountainbreeze]

You will need to replace the wire end on the SS.
I have replaced the switch on my old 520 power head & on my power station & this switch came on my new power pro.
It works.
By the way Mountainbreeze your dust colection mod. on the saw blade works great made out of PVC board with a 3/8" strip on top of the long rail that rest on the under side of the table.
Cliff

My original switch is a SPST so I don't think I will have to modify the wires for the replacement.

Glad the dust collection mod worked for you. Just remember to remove it before you tilt the table.