Switch for metal cutting bandsaw

I picked up a large metal cutting bandsaw at an auction last year. This is a large saw, about an 80" blade maybe larger. I bought a blade for it and it was working fine till last week. Now the switch doesn't work any more. It's one of those saws where the frame lifts up you clamp the metal in the vise, pull the switch on and lower the blace onto the piece you want cut and after the piece is cut thru, the frame comes down and touches the switch and pushes it off. The switch that's on it now looks just like a tractor head lite switch. I'd like to find a switch the could handle the amps better. Any Ideas
 
My old metal band saw has a 120 x 1 inch blade. It has the switch you are describing. No idea where you will find one. I would try making one using a micro switch out of a microwave. It has an arm that the saw could come in contact with. Micro switch would control a motor contactor.

I'm thinking my saw is about 50 to 60 years old. Good luck finding one.

geo.
 
I just replaced the same switch on my band saw a while back. Just got a standard electrical toggle switch. The package will tell you the amp and volt rating. I think I got mine at one of the big box stores. Look for one that is rated for 120 volt and higher than the motor amp draw.
 
Look at the old switch. There is usually an UL number on it. Just search that number and you will find switches.
 
It's all about amps. Look at the motor and see what is needed. A lot of household switches will work on machinery. If the amperage is high though you would need a motor starter. I've had two bandsaws and a radial arm saw running on these switches for years. The one bandsaw has had the same switch for 36 years now but it only has a 3/4 hp motor. If you have employees though it will have to have a magnetic switch.
 
Try looking in McMaster Carr. They have most everything. And are wonderful to do business with. And the part comes in the next day or the day after. I love them.
 

On a similar note, the on-off rocker type switch on my bench grinder started giving trouble. Got tired of fighting with it, so I removed it entirely, mounted an electrical box where the switch had been, installed a common ordinary light switch, and no more trouble.
 

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