Shopmaster start/stop button died

[sexton]

The start/stop buttons on my 2003 Bridgemill have both fallen apart.

I use the lathe on a production job that requires me to use the start/stop button alot. I wore out the lathe button, switched it out with the mill button
and have now worn it out. Wondering if anyone has "upgraded" to another type of start/stop switch?

David.

[sharpshooter90]

On the machine our unit had, we did a lot of milling, and found that the contact points on the forward side got pitted- we switched them out with the points for the reverse side which were seldom used. We used the hi-low spindle brake on the lathe, so the switch was only used a few times per day. You could always change them out for a drum type switch, but that might be costly and require some knowledge of wiring. Otherwise just buy a couple new ones from shoptask and figure to get another 5 years use.

[digitalmdj]

Grainger sells drum switches at a good price.

[smallblock]

My original shoptask was equipped with rotary style switches, which began to get loose after about 6-7 years. I considered upgrading to the push buttons, but it required cutting 2 rectangular holes in the sheet metal. Eventually I found a couple of 3 pole double throw toggle switches at the surplus center for 5.00 each and they fit in the original switch holes.

[sexton]

Thanks for the suggestions.

David

[dahui]

i have two sets of start/stop/reverse buttons sitting around. They are about 98% new. I switched them out for allen bradleys and contactors when I did my VFD upgrade.

I'll part with them for 15 bucks for one and 25 for two. I'll pay USPS shipping.

Normally I would give them away but I've been hitting the credit card pretty hard lately.