Need info on covering on/off and variable switch to keep out dust

[harrisg]

I know I've seen this info before but I can't find it. Since the Dewalt switches are sensitive to dust, I think I remember people saying that they cover the switches with a latex glove. Am I remembering correctly? Exactly how?

Harris

[William Young (SE BC)]

You are right. A piece of latex glove material taped over it does the trick.
If you connect a foot switch to your saw you can leave the switch on the saw in the always on position and that makes for much more convenient scrollsawing.
W.Y.

[CanadianScroller]

That is also an issue on my friends brand new Excaliber.
Great saw but the switch has already failed.
I like the footswitch idea, but like my friend says. "Why spend all that money if the switch doesnt work"?
He is returning the saw for repairs.

[William Young (SE BC)]

Hi Carl;
Did I misunderstand something here? He is returning the saw because of a bad switch? Surely there are more issues with that saw than just the switch to warrant returning it.
If I am not mistaken , I believe that is the same switch as used on the DeWalt's. Usually blowing out with compressed air and then spraying in some contact cleaner (from Radio Shack) and then rocking it back and forth quicky several times gets those switche's working like new.
Then cover it with latex glove material .

Yep . . even some switches need a dust mask.
W.Y