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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    843

    Default Where might I find an old school switch like this?

    Hi all, I am getting an old Waldown drill press back on its feet. It is early sixties or so and one of the many things it does not have is an on/off switch.

    Any clues where I might get a replacement switch mechanism that is similar the one in the pic. I don't mean the red aluminium etched plate surround (I can make that), just the electrical switch. Sort of a large long throw bakelite thing? It doesn't have to be exact, but, something similar would be great.

    Electrical are not my strong point so, even some hints as to what to google for might be good. Or the right words to say at a middy's electrical store or something.


    power switch.png

    All help and advice appreciated.

    Greg.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Willowbank QLD
    Posts
    517

    Default

    As a hint, try googling Bakelite switches. Hopefully you will see a switch that looks the same style. Some I looked at looked very similar.
    It may be a starting point. It would not surprise me is the manufacturer of the day used a light switch in the machines.

    If you find one the looks right and is for sale here and hopefully one of us here can give an educated guess if it is worth taking a punt on to see if it will fit and handle the current.

    Steve

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

    Default

    Hi Greg,

    A lot of that type of switch was used on military equipment ! The British stuff was usually made by "Bulgin" and the American ones by GEC.

    I might have one kicking around. The problem with them was that the lever used to get broken off. I'll have a look through some of my junk store and see what I've got.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Willowbank QLD
    Posts
    517

    Default

    Now that you have got me looking I saw this on gumtree
    https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/o-ma...nly/1245470974

    Steve

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    melbourne australia
    Posts
    3,228

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    843

    Default

    Popular topic!! Thanks guys.

    I reckon that link from jack620 might bear some fruit. Thanks Jack. I'll do some measurements and give then a yell.

    Thanks again Steve, Baronj, Jack. Very much appreciated. I am amazed at how quickly you all jumped in!

    Greg.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Alexandra Vic
    Age
    69
    Posts
    654

    Default

    Links from Jack and Reidy contain the style of switch that you are seeking, but do you need the cast housing as well? That would be harder to find as it would be reasonably unique to the drill.

    The actual switch itself would be the same as used in light switches and also power points before the days of integrated units where the switch and outlet are combined. There was also the outlet component of a power point further down the page in Jack's link, but I didn't see a faceplate listed to cover the switch and outlet together.
    I used to be an engineer, I'm not an engineer any more, but on the really good days I can remember when I was.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

    Default

    Hi Greg, Guys,

    Plastic boxes are readily available of that style and shape ! Once painted you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. OKW make them as do many others. They are not expensive either. But you could always get one printed up

    Forgot to add: Greg, I've had a rummage through some stuff I have here, but nothing suitable. I'm going to go up to the other workshop/store and have a look in there. I'll let you know if I find anything.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    843

    Default

    Thanks all, I don't need the housing - that is part of the motor mount. I just need an appropriate switch that I can mount behind a plate.

    IMG_20200724_191232.jpg

    I didn't get to calling that crew today. Apols. The day got away. We'll see how we go next week. It doesn't have to be bakelite (thought I guess that is pretty cool) just something that will do the job, look good and not electrocute me!

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Riddells Creek, Vic.
    Posts
    831

    Default

    I think I have some of those switches at work, I will have a look next week.
    What is the centre distance of the screw holes?

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    843

    Default

    Techo1, the holes in the pic of my unit above are about 60.5mm apart. There are not too many pics of these older style plates around, so, I'm not sure if they are purely mounting holes for the plate or serve a dual purpose. Unsure. I may even be trying to fit the wrong type of switch. Again, unsure.

    In the RayG's resto, it looks like he may have fashioned one to fit. Not sure of that is original. Here: https://www.woodworkforums.com/f65/w...52#post1425252

    The plate in my initial pic also has four mounting screws which mine does not have - so it is quite possible I may be doing the wrong thing! But .. let's see how we go. Either way, a nice switch will be needed!

    Thanks for having a squizz.

    Greg.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
    Posts
    292

    Default

    Here I would be looking for Manual Starters Toggle Type or Switch. You can also get them with a heater coil for overload protection and a little light that shows it has power. Light switches are not rated for the current motors draw.

    https://www.platt.com/platt-electric...&SubCatID=4263

    Pete

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Melbourne, Australia
    Posts
    843

    Default

    Thanks Pete. "manual motor switch". Looks the business. Not cheap, but that is certainly looks the type.

    Thanks. 👍

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Riddells Creek, Vic.
    Posts
    831

    Default

    I would say that this is probably the type of switch that they used, although the ones that I have don't have the black lever.

    Switch1.JPG

    The screw holes are on the correct centre distance as well.

  15. #15
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Country West Oz
    Age
    77
    Posts
    169

    Default

    For that application the switch should be double pole.

    When I was an apprentice I had the job of cleaning out the workshop and getting rid of old gear we didn't use anymore.
    We threw out a 44 gallon drum full of those switches, brand new still wrapped in paper in their boxes.
    Regards
    Bradford

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