Opinions Solicited

[Tony in SD]

I have safely (still have all 10) used table saws for nearly 60 years, about 50 years on my table saw. I am all business and my full concentration is on the task at hand when Im using the table saws. I personally think that while it may be handy at times, it is a bad idea to use a foot switch because cutting long boards as others have mentioned, off balance with only one foot firmly planted on the floor and what if you drop something on the pedal that unexpectedly engages the saw. Besides when I hit the off switch of my saw, I know it is positively off.

 

[Gary Reif]

I prefer to have both feet firmly on the floor when using the table saw and concentrate on the task. I've installed a paddle switch I ca hit with my knee which works very well for me so as to keep both hand in control of the work piece. Just my thoughts.

 

[john in la]

I could see a foot control if used inline with the main on off switch.
It would force you to stand to the side out of the line of kickback fire.
It would force you to use a in feed table for long boards.
And the saw would cut off if you ever got out of balance.

Sawstop turned me off a while back when they tried to get a law passed that every new saw had to have sawstop technology for safety reasons. Luckily the law didn’t pass.

 

[4wdtom]

Watched a video on shop tips this morning and one of the recommendations was running your table saw via a foot switch.

Personally, I think this is a bad idea and safety hazard. Inadvertently stepping ON the switch and starting the saw, or foot slipping OFF the switch in the middle of a rip cut.

I would NEVER do such a thing and I'm the furthest thing from a Safety Nazi.

What does the hive mind think?

Maybe a well protected foot switch on a powerful drill press but I don't think I would like one on a table saw.

 

[woodbutcher]

I donated my table saw to Habitat when we moved to town 8 years ago, but I don't think I would ever have wanted a foot controlled switch for it.

Butch

 

[MM-TX]

my 2¢ - I don't like the idea of a foot switch on a table saw. This thread reminds me I need to change my old Craftsman right side switch at my country place to a left side paddle switch like my newer Craftsman.

 

[circus]

Perhaps in a repetitive mass production setting to keep your hands free. A momentary switch wired in series with the original.

 

[Dusty MI]

Perhaps in a repetitive mass production setting to keep your hands free. A momentary switch wired in series with the original.

 

[drsportster]

I have accidentally started my honing machine by foot switch You tend to step on them

 

[Fawteen]

I have accidentally started my honing machine by foot switch You tend to step on them

I do that all the time with my porta-band if I don't remember to pick the switch up and put it on the bench. That'll get your attention!

 

[Dusty MI]

I do that all the time with my porta-band if I don't remember to pick the switch up and put it on the bench. That'll get your attention!

 

[Dusty MI]

I've handled many ports-band, and they all had their switches in their handles, like drill-motors.
Dusty.

 

[Fawteen]

I've handled many ports-band, and they all had their switches in their handles, like drill-motors.
Dusty.

True, but when my porta-band is in the stand, the switch is locked on and the power is turned on and off via a foot switch.

 

[Dusty MI]

True, but when my porta-band is in the stand, the switch is locked on and the power is turned on and off via a foot switch.

 

[Dusty MI]

Never used one in a stand. Looks great.
Dusty

 

[Russ from MN]

I think a foot switch is a bad idea, in general it's best to just leave the saw running until the job is done. Starting is the hardest thing on a electric motor. My old Craftsman has a toggle switch right on the edge of the table, very convenient, but no easy to bump and turn it on accidentally.

 

[Fawteen]

Never used one in a stand. Looks great.
Dusty

It's the cat's meow for cutting small parts. I use it pretty much every time I'm in the shop.