Shopsmith Forums

OK, I just had a look at my power switch for the heck of it (old-style toggle)- and was surprised to find that it's single-pole (i.e. two wires), not double-pole (4 wires), which is what I understood the SS switch to be. I suspect it is NOT original- it's stamped 'Made in Mexico;' moreover the wires to it are ordinary lamp cord without color codes.

Now, from my work on tube guitar amps I much prefer DP power switches which break both legs- but then that's amps. Ought I to be rewiring my headstock? And where can I find a wiring diagram? (not that it's hard to figger out).

I think this will answer your questions:

http://www.shopsmithacademy.com/SS_Arch ... Switch.htm

The details are on the blackboard - items 1,2 and 3.

Shopsmith now recommends a single pole configuration even though the switch is double pole. When I installed my replacement switch, I installed it as a double pole, single throw just as it was originally.

My new switches (I bought a spare) were made in Mexico.

Thanks, Dusty. That covers it.

My switch is definitely a replacement, though- it's single-pole as made, and has screw connectors rather than spades. Since both leads are a single length of zip cord, I imagine the prvious owner replaced the power cord, cut all the wires to the same length and ran a jack line to and from the switch, like wiring a wall switch. Oddly though he kept the original SS slotted retaining nut, which will be a royal PITA if I ever have to pull it.