Shopsmith Forums

Well I thought I would post the progress (or lack thereof) of my switch problem with my SS 510. I initially placed an order for a new switch back in December of 2008. As of today, I still have NOT recieved that replacement due to what SS Customer Service tells me is a supply problem and that the switch is on back-order. In January I was told they were due in Jan 25th. In February I was told they would be in no later than mid-March. It is now May and still no switch.

I have just sent SS Customer Service another email requesting that they do something immediately. My SS 510 is now having difficulties starting up and my patience has run out. This afternoon it took me over 15 minutes of playing with the switch to get the unit to start up. Something is most definitely not right.

I have asked that if they don't have the switch in stock to remove one from a new one on their production line. Will have to wait now to see what they do for me. I love my SS but am becoming very disappointed with SS Customer Service.

Sorry, I just had to vent a little this evening as this is getting very depressing...

And the reply I received this morning from SS CS...

"Your order number nnnnnnnn is still on backorder. I do not have a due date. I do apologize for the delay."

I know the person replying is only a messenger but my confidence in SS is going down hill quickly. Am going to pursue this issue further and will post the results.

drmcroberts wrote:And the reply I received this morning from SS CS...

"Your order number nnnnnnnn is still on backorder. I do not have a due date. I do apologize for the delay."

I know the person replying is only a messenger but my confidence in SS is going down hill quickly. Am going to pursue this issue further and will post the results.

This Could prove to be quite interesting! 73's

Hi Don,

The situation is unfortunate. For your sake and that of ShopSmith's, I hope that your backorder is filled sooner rather then later. I do want to point out that SS is knot the only source for switches. Of course it is always nice to keep your SS original, and if you do knot want to consider a permanent (non-ShopSmith) solution, you have options that can keep you in business until you get a new switch. I have found that many members of this forum are very resourceful. A little inventiveness could solve your dilemma. Even a wall switch could be used on a temporary basis. Good luck!

a1gutterman wrote:Hi Don,

The situation is unfortunate. For your sake and that of ShopSmith's, I hope that your backorder is filled sooner rather then later. I do want to point out that SS is knot the only source for switches. Of course it is always nice to keep your SS original, and if you do knot want to consider a permanent (non-ShopSmith) solution, you have options that can keep you in business until you get a new switch. I have found that many members of this forum are very resourceful. A little inventiveness could solve your dilemma. Even a wall switch could be used on a temporary basis. Good luck!

Yes, that was my first thought. Shopsmith has never made a switch... Those are standard widely available switches from standard vendors. Even on the newer switches the headstock was designed to fit an available switch they felt was nice. The switch was not designed to fit the headstock. Any good electrical supply shop can sell you a switch for it. Take your old one with you so there is no confusion as to what you need. That is kind of like my common statement on woodworking of "never measure when you can superimpose"...
"Never describe a part when you can lay the old one on the counter".

Thanks for all the support guys! I am keeping my options open at this time and waiting to see if I get a reply from SS regarding my request to have this issue bumped up to management. I'm hoping that may get some more interest in solving this problem not only for me but the others who are also waiting for their switch order to be filled.

My next step will be to request the design specs for the switch. I most likely won't succeed in that endeavor but thought I would try anyway. The main thing I want to get is the mount specs (style, dimensions, etc). Since I haven't, as yet, removed the switch assembly, I don't know what markings, if any, will be found on the switch itself. However, I am also persuing the thought of changing out the method used to turn the power on and off by using a solid state relay. That would totally eliminate the problem with the switch arcing and deteorating since the load would then be switched by the SSR and not the switch itself. Optek has an AC activated SSR with 25A or 40A output load switching capacity. It is a small cube less than 2" x 2" x 0.5" so it should fit nicely inside the motor housing of the SS. The cost for a single item runs around $22 but there is a 6-week lead time for delivery. I may just go ahead and place an order for their 40A SSR in case I get nowhere with SS management. The nice thing about this particular model of SSR is that it will activate with anywhere from 90 to 240vac on the input. The output is optically isolated and will switch power loads such as motors, etc from 100 to 240vac and depending on which model, 25 or 40Amps AC. They are designed to withstand start-up currents associated with high power circuits such as motors.

A link to the Optek SSR data sheet I am referring to is as follows:
http://www.optekinc.com/datasheets/OSSRA0010A.pdf

Will pass on any further info I get from SS.

Just in case you need a source for switches, I found this one. There are quit a few that would do the job. I was specifically looking for a DPST rocker raed at 125vac, 20a and found several.

I linked to the spec sheet for that one specifically.
http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/1378012-switch-rocker-pwr-dpst-20a-sld-prcda1-20l-br000.html

If you need quick connect lugs, you'll want to order this
http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/137801 ... br000.html

I was unable to ascertain that they would accept small quantity orders but I filled out an order for 1ea and it appeared that they would process it. They gave me shipping charges and sales tax. Shipping was $7.64 on a $6.42 item.

OKAY, I give up. There must not be anyone making a rocker switch like the one used in the Mark V. I have spent the better part of an afternoon trying to locate one. I find a lot of switches that would (might) work without any major modifications but I can not find a supplier of the switch with a removable safety key.

Knowing that it exists, one should be able to find it online but I can not.

If anyone has one that has a part number on it, I sure would appreciate it. The part number and the manufacturer would be great. I really don't want to pull one out of my machines. The last time I did that I broke the retaining clips off and the switch is in place now thanks to a generous supply of silicone sealer.

dusty wrote:Just in case you need a source for switches, I found this one. There are quit a few that would do the job. I was specifically looking for a DPST rocker raed at 125vac, 20a and found several.

I linked to the spec sheet for that one specifically.
http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/1378012-switch-rocker-pwr-dpst-20a-sld-prcda1-20l-br000.html

I was unable to ascertain that they would accept small quantity orders but I filled out an order for 1ea and it appeared that they would process it. They gave me shipping charges and sales tax. Shipping was $7.64 on a $6.42 item.

I do not know the mounting dimensions nor if this will fit, but make sure you get one with .25 tabs(NOT solder lugs).

Try Sears parts. Look for the switch with removable key for some of their large stationary tools. I bought one around 1980 for a bandsaw I built. It may not be perfect, but it might be close.