So I got a good deal on an '80s General 490 Bandsaw (15"). Only issue is a bad starter switch, which is a C10T1, which as I understand electrons, provides a thermal overload protection.
I thought most motors had their own thermal protection built in, and I'm having trouble locating the exact switch. The saw runs fine bypassing the switch. Very happy with the saw.
My options are: Use the plug as a switch (not excited about that one), Just use a regular switch, or throw down the $50 or so for an exact replacement. My feeling is I could replace the motor with a larger one with built in protection, and add a magnetic switch for not that much more money.
Gr8HUNTER, I tried a similar one (New/old stock) from eBay for $20 - it flat didn't work. returning it.
Andybb - thanks. That is the exact switch I bought for my router table - and it is a good one. Issue there is that it doesn't provide any thermal overload protection ( which I'm not even sure I need!).
The switch shown above is for a fractional HP motor, ( less than 1 HP). You at least need a motor rated switch, not a light switch, and NEVER rely on unplugging a cord for a switch. A magnetic switch is best because once it drops out, it will not restart after power is restored.. I use magnetic starters with overload protection for all my motors, and red, mushroom head pushbuttons for easy shut down. Not cheap, but neither are hands and fingers.
The switch shown above is for a fractional HP motor, ( less than 1 HP). You at least need a motor rated switch, not a light switch, and NEVER rely on unplugging a cord for a switch. A magnetic switch is best because once it drops out, it will not restart after power is restored.. I use magnetic starters with overload protection for all my motors, and red, mushroom head pushbuttons for easy shut down. Not cheap, but neither are hands and fingers.
totally agree with you. I'm just thinking that it might be cheaper to upgrade the motor (to one with thermal overload protection built in) and add a magnetic switch like andybb suggested. Safer all around.
1) does the motor have overload built into it?
Many < 1.5HP motors have small red reset button on case or end cap.
2) What is motor HP?
Any motor less than 1/2 HP doesn't even need overload. Reason being that a 15A residential circuit will handle the FLA current, and motor simply burns itself up if it shorts.
3) Why not use a motor rated switch found on power tools today? https://www.grizzly.com/products/Shop-Fox-Single-Phase-On-Off-Switch-120-230V/D4157
Sold lots of places. Powertech and others make and sells them for $10-12 on fleabay and Am-a-dud.
It's not magnetic, but it will fit inside any standard deep electrical box and become the standard power switch for fractional motors on power tools for years due lower cost than old manual motor starters.
It is what most new saws use as power switch.
+ 1 CK, I keep a couple of magnetics around for my largest motors, but when Grizzley's partner in crime up in Canada, Busy Bee Tools, came out with that switch with the added big stop paddle for 17.99, I got 6 right away, got 4 left. Their good up to 3 HP and 20A 230V. and even take 3 phase up to 10 HP.
Carlos, those switches are the bomb. Everyone goes nutz on magnetic. If I'm in the shop and something, or all of it stops. It all gets unplugged anyhow. I don't remember when I got my pile, but I have 5 hanging around, and I bought 6 of them, but I swear it wasn't from Canada, unless it was through Lee Valley? IICR it was 8 maybe 9 years ago. At the time I thought these are a steal, let me get a few extras.
CK, good points. I need to take a hard look at the motor. I just assumed if they spent the money on a thermal overload switch, that meant that the motors they bought to put in it probably did not have any. I think it is 1/2 hp, so I think I might just get a mag switch for it and call it done. I was hoping there were some General owners out there that might have had the same issue. Appreciate all the comments.
Well, What I did was what many suggested - and after reading @CaptainKlutz's post I just installed a mag switch (Powertech). Runs like a champ now.
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