Buffalo Grinder switch

I have an older 8" Buffalo Grinder. the Model is: B-8CB. The switch was a push pull switch and it broke. Everywhere I looked on the internet, I found all sorts of folks with the same problem.... older grinders from Buffalo and others with the same broken switch and no replacement available. there must be 30 posts out there on every site from Tractor, welding, and home repair forums where people have the exact same issue. The old switch broke and they cant find a suitable 4-connection replacement switch that will fit the grinder body.
The good news is that after months of searching I found a company that sells an identical spec switch!

That entire older Buffalo line of grinders: N-10CB, B-8CB, B-6CB, bgbr-6cb all use the same push pull switch. Most of those grinders were dual-voltage with a starter capacitor and there are 6 wires connected to a 4-screw switch. The "Jet BGS8-076" grinder switch that is used by the older Buffalo's, Galaxy, Duracraft and TestRite grinders is no longer available. The good news is that there is a replacement switch from another manufacturer: "3030-9001 push pull switch for RDX grinders" from Wholesale Tool in Warren, MI is a direct replacement. It has the same 4-screw contacts on the back and the same push-pull diamond pattern front plate.

I wired mine across the switch and added a handy box to the pedestal and then added a common toggle switch and steel switch plate. Low cost with stuff I had

NOTHING "magical" about that switch for a 120 Volt tool, just a goofy foreign unnecessary way of doing things, disconnecting BOTH the hot and neutral.

Simply fabricate a metal cover to fit over the hole and attach with the two screws and drill a hole in it and install a simple "bat handle" SPST toggle switch with an adequate Amp rating, and splice the two neutral wires together.

I have two similar grinders rescued from the scrap pile of others 'cause of a failed switch, and they've seen just fine for YEARS with the simple toggle switches.

For safety, make sure the ground wire from the third plug prong is intact all the way to the metal frame of the unit.


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I mounted a metal box with a common light switch right on the grinder.

I love buying bench grinders from a local auction place for a buck or two. I replace the switch with whatever switch I have laying around that will work and will fit without much grinding or metal work. I have yet to find one that was not repairable in under an hour. Starting circuits, power cords and some shimming and lubrication are all part of the activities. The local resale shop has computer power cords that I now find perfect for the activity.

These then are put up for sale at the local resale shop where they make a couple bucks or I give them to folk who could use one around their garage.

As for the switch, get one that can handle the current, fits the hole and has the right connections. If you need to adapt the wiring, that can happen.