Shopsmith Forums

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2012 5:47 pm**

Does anyone know if you can get a switch at Radio Shack to replace the switch on the 500 SS. Also can you solder the leads to the switch?

Jim

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2012 5:49 pm**

You can get a new switch thru Bill Mayo of this forum.

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2012 5:58 pm**

beeg wrote:You can get a new switch thru Bill Mayo of this forum.

I was hoping I could get this SS going by this weekend. One of the tabs broke off.

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:05 pm**

Wherever you source the switch, don't solder the wires directly to it; you'll only find yourself cursing the silly ****** that did it when you need to take it out again in a few years! ... And then you'll remember

Much better to crimp on a new tab

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:14 pm**

[quote="danscot"]Wherever you source the switch, don't solder the wires directly to it]

Part of the tab where it is broke is sticking up. I would say about 1/6". I really don't mind soldering as it would just be that one white wire. Other than a pain do you see any problem in soldering or does anyone?

Jim

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:20 pm**

jimjulien wrote:Part of the tab where it is broke is sticking up. I would say about 1/6". I really don't mind soldering as it would just be that one white wire. Other than a pain do you see any problem in soldering or does anyone?

Jim

If it is a white wire that is broken off - you don't need to use the switch at all for that wire. Just connect the broken off white wire to the other white wire.

This should leave you with a black wire from the power cord and a blue wire from the motor connected to the switch.

[ATTACH]17755[/ATTACH]

This is not an image of the switch used in the older Mark 5s but electrically it is accurate.

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2012 6:30 pm**

dusty wrote:If it is a white wire that is broken off - you don't need to use the switch at all for that wire. Just connect the broken off white wire to the other white wire.

This should leave you with a black wire from the power cord and a blue wire from the motor connected to the switch.

[ATTACH]17755[/ATTACH]

This is not an image of the switch used in the older Mark 5s but electrically it is accurate.

Yes that is the one. Is there any danger there. I'm assuming they are breaking both wires for polarity safety.

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:30 pm**

jimjulien wrote:Yes that is the one. Is there any danger there. I'm assuming they are breaking both wires for polarity safety.

I do not not believe that there is any danger involved with switching only the "hot" wire. Do not switch "only the neutral (white) wire".

In the case of later model Mark Vs, I understand they came out of the factory with only the hot wire being switched. My Mark Vs are both wired with only the hot wire being switched and have been that way for a long time (years).

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:35 pm**

Can't the wires on the switch be swapped from one side to the other?

Rather than soldering the wire to the switch, how about a short length of wire. With one end bare to solder to the switch and a spade terminal to the other end.

Posted: **Thu Jun 21, 2012 7:42 pm**

dusty wrote:I do not not believe that there is any danger involved with switching only the "hot" wire. Do not switch "only the neutral (white) wire".

In the case of later model Mark Vs, I understand they came out of the factory with only the hot wire being switched. My Mark Vs are both wired with only the hot wire being switched and have been that way for a long time (years).

I concur with Dusty. It is a safe temporary fix until you can get a new switch.

There be no reason to hurry with a 'permanent' fix!;)

Make sure to secure and insulate the 'splice'. If each terminal is still on both white wires, a short 1/4" conductive strip will connect them.

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500 Switch

500 Switch