Harbor Freight Chop Saw

[Deere Dude]

I know I should probably trash the grinder but I am kind of attached to it...

I had this 14" HF chopsaw for 12 years. I put new brushes in it 3 years ago, and yesterday I was sort of horsing it through a piece of 5/16 x 5.5 flatstock and I melted the switch.

HF doesn't sell those switches anymore, and I found I can run the saw by bypassing the switch.

I have a heavier duty chop saw but wanted to keep this one around for an emergency if the better saw takes a crap. What would you suggest for a switching operation. I wouldn't really want to just plug it into in the wall to operate it.

Safety suggests I just junk it, but...

 

[franklin2]

You need two hands to run this saw. Usually one to hold the material, and the other to operate/turn on the saw. So the only options I see for a switch that is not in the handle, are a foot operated switch, or a knee operated switch mounted to the bench.

 

[pmsmechanic]

I have a cheap reciprocating saw that I bought from Princess Auto. The trigger switch quit working shortly after I bought it. Ya I know Princess Auto has a lifetime warrenty but I wanted to see if I could fix it. So I went to an electrical rebuild place and asked if they knew of a switch that could be modified to fit within the existing handle. I ended up with a switch that was very close. All I had to do was remove the part that locks the switch for continuous running. So for $17 I had what I needed to fix a $23 saw.

Before you give up or make something I would do the same. Go to an electrical repair place and If you get a knowledgeable person like I did you might come home with something that works.

 

[SSdoxie]

I had same thing happen to my HF chop saw. Not having any luck finding a switch to fit or modify slightly, I put in a push button starter switch purchased at auto parts store. Drilled hole in front of the handle to mount the switch and now I grip handle with fingers and squeeze with palm of my hand. Works pretty good and has been this way 4 years now.

 

[ace10]

$15

Foot Switch - Save on this Momentary Power Foot Switch

 

[Travelover]

$15

Foot Switch - Save on this Momentary Power Foot Switch

I use this switch with my drill press - works great.

 

[ace10]

It doesn't even have to be hard wired in line. There cannot possibly be an easier solution.

 

[Threepoint]

I had same thing happen to my HF chop saw. Not having any luck finding a switch to fit or modify slightly, I put in a push button starter switch purchased at auto parts store. Drilled hole in front of the handle to mount the switch and now I grip handle with fingers and squeeze with palm of my hand. Works pretty good and has been this way 4 years now.
View attachment 385842

Boy, is this a clever solution.:thumbsup:

 

[caver]

+2 on the foot switch. rig it up on a plug and outlet so you can move it to other tools if needed like a drill press.

 

[Deere Dude]

I have the foot switch in the cart at HF. I am going on a trip for a couple weeks, then I'll do one of these great ideas.