Foot switches.

[louhodson]

Hi, I've been reading the posts for a while now and I thought it was time to ask a question about foot switches. There are two basic versions, press on, press off and then on while holding, then release and its off. Which is better and why. Why use a foot switch at all, safety,speed, convenience, etc.. Any help is appreciated.
Looking forward to your comments, Lou

[wood-n-things]

I use a tap on tap off type. This gives me the luxury of being able to move my feet around while working and does not make me keep my foot in one place to keep pressure on the switch. The use of the foot switch saves wear and tear on the switch on the saw, allows you to keep both hands in direct contact with your work piece at all times which I find the most beneficial.

Hope that helps....

[pmac53]

I use the foot switches that you hold on, release to turn off. I think it gives you much better control of turning the saw off when you need to quickly. Foot switches give you better control of cutting since you have both hands free at all times to hold or turn your wood. Just my opinion, you know.

[brianrickman]

I also use the type where you must keep your foot on the switch to keep the machine running. I find that using a foot switch makes doing fretwork much easier: it's quick to shut off the machine when I need to move to the next entry hole, and I always have both hands available to control the wood.

[WoodCarverOH]

I use the tap on tap off for the same reasons as Mike.

[Bill Wilson]

I didn't use a footswitch for a long time. Never thought I needed one. Then my DeWalt started exhibiting the flaky on/off switch problem it's so noted for. So I decided to get one, just to avoid that headache. It took me a little while to get used to it, but once I did there was no looking back. Now I can't imagine not having one. The biggest benefit is better control. If you've been sawing for a while and never had a fotoswitch, try one and you will quickly understand how much nicer it is.

Mine is the type requires pressure to stay on. Doing fretwork, I rarely have the saw running for more than a few minutes at a time, so my foot doesn't really get tired holding the pedal down.

[Greenfield_Bob]

I use the one you keep your foot on

Bob

[Sunlion]

I got one that you keep your foot on for my entry level machine and used it for first time today. Got to say it is great, I can lift off and push back on, and this allows my saw to slow for a second or two when I feel its drifting a little (still learning to scroll atm so my control is still developing) and I can adjust better than I could before.

[Jan]

Only one thing to say about foot switches: Get one and use it. You won't be sorry.

Jan

[ChuckD]

Mine is press to run. When the blade breaks, it stops running because I do. I also have one on my drill press. Nice thing about them also is when you press to run the Vacuum also starts. Have fun

[w.2014.h]

I do not have a foot switch but have often thought of getting one. My main reason for not getting it is that I stand while cutting. Are they still as convenient and fast then?

[brianrickman]

I stand about half the time when cutting. I find the foot switch easier to use while standing then while sitting. Mine requires a significant amount of pressure. If I were to buy another one, I'd get something that activated with less effort.

[scrollerpete]

I used one tap on tap off, it is the best for me.

[sawdustus]

I use the keep your foot on to keep it running type. I have one for each saw. I just got tired of replacing the on-off switches after 500-600 cycles. I also find that they give me much more control, especially when the blade either breaks or slips.

george

[tvman44]

My preference is the type that you have to maintain pressure to keep saw running because in an emergency foot off = saw off. Purely a matter of personal preference.