20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

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everettdavis
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20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

Post by everettdavis »

I have read a number of posts about the Shopsmith Safety Switch used in the C Headstocks, and only recently had to replace one.

I walked into our local service center that repairs my DeWalt, Milwaukee and many other corded and cordless power tools and asked for a switch like the one in my hand. I didn’t even tell them what it was on.

They popped into the back and brought me a 20A, EATON Safety Switch in a few seconds. It was less than $14.00. They even provided me 4 insulated ¼” terminals to crimp on to the ends of wires that I would likely have to salvage from the existing bad switch, if mine weren’t long enough, as many weren’t for older switches with the imbedded pigtails.

Only then did they ask me what it came off of. I told them Shopsmith Mark V made since the early 1990’s, and they said we will add them to our list of machines these fit. This switch is what we use for a bunch of Delta, several Porter Cable, and Black & Decker products, even some Sears items they said.

So I was curious… not so much anymore after researching it as I believe there must be over a hundred models of various tools that use this exact replacement switch. To find it stocked locally in my town, was refreshing. They indicated one should be able to find one just about anywhere with a repair center servicing tools.

So if you ever need one, you may be in luck, if you don’t tell them it’s for a Shopsmith first. They won’t have it then, unless you show them the switch itself.

And… since a picture is worth a thousand words ….

Delta 12 inch Portable Planer.jpg
Delta 12 inch Portable Planer.jpg (14.03 KiB) Viewed 7468 times
Delta 36-600 Type 2 Table Saw.jpg
Delta 36-600 Type 2 Table Saw.jpg (40.44 KiB) Viewed 7468 times
Delta GR275 6 inch variable speed grinder.jpg
Delta GR275 6 inch variable speed grinder.jpg (28.91 KiB) Viewed 7468 times
Porter Cable PC305TP.jpg
Porter Cable PC305TP.jpg (38.89 KiB) Viewed 7468 times
And there are dozens more out there. I also know that folks sometimes choose to replace this with a 20A Rocker Switch that is not a Safety Lock-Out Switch, when kids safety is not a concern.

I just thought you might be in a pinch someday as I was, and need a compatible part that you might find locally.

Everett
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wa2crk
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Re: 20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

Post by wa2crk »

Everett
You may want to try here in the future.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Toggle- ... itch/D4163
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dusty
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Re: 20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

Post by dusty »

Quality may be an issue with less expensive switches. I'll given up some $$$ to feel like I got a quality switch.

Do you by chance know the part number for the Eaton switch (either the Eaton PN or the DeWalt Part Number).
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BuckeyeDennis
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Re: 20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

Post by BuckeyeDennis »

dusty wrote:Quality may be an issue with less expensive switches. I'll given up some $$$ to feel like I got a quality switch.

Do you by chance know the part number for the Eaton switch (either the Eaton PN or the DeWalt Part Number).
I've attached a catalog cut for the Eaton switch. I believe the equivalent part number is 8166K21 (2PST with palm guard). There's more info in this post, including details on the different terminal size.
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Safety Switch.pdf
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charlese
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Re: 20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

Post by charlese »

BuckeyeDennis wrote: I've attached a catalog cut for the Eaton switch. I believe the equivalent part number is 8166K21 (2PST with palm guard). There's more info in this post, including details on the different terminal size.
Thanks Buckeye! The PDF my come in handy If I have another switch go bad. Think I'll probably order one and keep it with my extra belts.
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everettdavis
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Re: 20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

Post by everettdavis »

dusty wrote:Quality may be an issue with less expensive switches. I'll given up some $$$ to feel like I got a quality switch.

Do you by chance know the part number for the Eaton switch (either the Eaton PN or the DeWalt Part Number).
Sorry for the delay Dusty. I had to wait to call them this morning.
They said these were two of the numbers they replace with this switch.

Delta 489105-00
RIDGID 46023

Switch is an Eaton 2 pole single throw 8166K21, as others have noted.

The fellow I spoke with said he didn't know the specific DeWalt numbers, but there were several vintages of DeWalt switches through the years.

They just look at the switch now and grab one of these. I know they can be ordered, but finding one locally available is a time saver.


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everettdavis
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Re: 20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

Post by everettdavis »

Dusty,

The fellow at the service center called me and was unable to find a single DeWalt that crossed over to this switch, and I went back to look at the original post I made originally just after leaving their shop.

I wrote in my post that I went to the "local service center that repairs my DeWalt, Milwaukee and many other corded and cordless power tools and asked for a switch like the one in my hand."

I didn't actually say there were DeWalt models using this safety switch specifically. Delta, Porter Cable, Black & Decker products, and Sears were the only ones I mentioned having just heard those names in the store.

This place just services my DeWalt and Milwaukee stuff under warranty etc. I am sorry if that gave the wrong impression.

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dusty
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Re: 20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

Post by dusty »

You have nothing to apologize for. I appreciate the information that I was able to glean from this thread.
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wa2crk
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Re: 20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

Post by wa2crk »

If you look at the specs for these switches I believe that they will state the size of the hole that they fit. You still have to consider the electrical specs for a suitable replacement.
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dusty
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Re: 20 Amp Safety Switch for C Series Headstocks

Post by dusty »

The specs do detail the cutout requirements and they provide the electrical characteristics.

But what do I need to look at in the electrical requirements other than the amperage rating? It is a 20 amp breaker. Need I know more?
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