Harbor Freight Foot Switch Review
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- I recently bought a foot switch for my scroll saw, but I also tried it out on other tools around the shop. Let's check out the Harbor Freight item # 96619 Momentary Foot Switch.
Read my article for more info and pictures:
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"Switch It Up"
I use mine mounted to a small board so I can hang or remove it on several tools. Also I mount it on the front or side of stand where I can turn it off or on with my knee instead of the floor and can unplug the tool right there if need to disable the switch without reaching to the floor.
Hi Steve, nice video. Now it has been almost 4 years since I first saw this video and I did buy that foot switch and it is still working great. I now have one on my table saw and drill press and they work like they are supposed to. I also bought one and modified it to key my amateur radio hf transceiver with a boom mic. It allows me to use my computer as I talk. Best part was the cost compared to a lot of the made-for-purpose foot switches on the market that cost 10 times as much.
Thanks for a great video!
John in MA
After seeing your video, I went into my samll home shop and improvised a better one: It is very slim, so you don't get tired when stepping one leg higher than the other. Second: it has a flat cord that is easier to keep flat on the floor, so much less chance to trip over it. Third, I made it with aluminum, os it will be much more durable; Fourth: it has two positions: Momentary and Sustained contact. Fifth: it was entirely D.I.Y., started copying it, then changed the design and made it. Anyway, thanks for the video, it helped by giving me the first idea. BTW: I use my foot switch TOGETHER with a nearby interrumpt one, so if something bad happens when I'm using the pedal in the sustained mode, I can quickly shut down the machine. And I will be redesigning it soon to add a starting capability for my Dust Collection vacuum...
Wow, cool, lots of good info here Alfredo! Thanks for sharing what you did.
I bought the exact same model from HF. I use it exclusively on my scroll saw. I found it tended to slip around on the concrete floor so I mounted it to a scrap piece of plywood with a scrap piece of anti-skid material ($ Tree) shelf liner on the back. I love it!
I use this for my stained glass Inland Wizard grinder. It works great! Much cheaper than other options.
i grew up with a foot switch. Dad always had a home made momentary foot switch on the drill press. I built one when I got my drill press. I have now switched to a manufactured one. It is also a safety item as when things go wrong you just back away and everything shuts down. I have added another momentary one for use with a Beall Pen Wizard - not for safety, but convenience.
I use one for each of my tools like the scroll saw, chop station and band saw I also add a double plug and turn on my vac when I use the chop station that way it is cleaner as well. The longest Mine has lasted is about 12 years I figured it paid for itself so I keep buying them!
¨Perhaps you could add a power-off timer, to let run the vac some short time to allow finishing to pick up dust and chips after ending the cutting...
I have been looking for the step on and then step to turn off for my dust collection system. This will be a very useful tool for my shop.
Thanks for the video and the info.
I know this is an old video but it is the best explanation of this product. 👍👍
Thanks, glad you found it helpful!
Great review Steve. I bought one of these a few years ago for my meat grinder to use while stuffing sausages. I stuffed sausage once and it sat in the cabinet until last October when I started using my scroll saw for Christmas presents. It's a great item for scroll saws, and I'm surprised they don't come with one from the factory.
One of these days I'll stuff some more sausages.
I have the other switch attached to my scroll saw table for a quick on/off. The factory switch is hard to reach so it works great for me.
Most amazing tool chest ever. Long live EVH!
I use the exact same switch on my router table that is in the wing of my table saw. I also use the paddle safety switch to kill power altogether. I like it, and it works well for me! I've not tried it on any other tools.
I've got the power maintain version. 1. do not stomp. just use your foot to turn it on and off. 2. has been working great for me on a bandsaw with an inconvient switch location, and a shop vacuum when connected to sanders and routers. nice to have it close by when your hands are full.
Diction apologize for my writing, I do not even speak English, I write the following message by google translator.
Some time ago I'm thinking of buying or making a switch like these demonstrate, to place on my machines, I find them very comfortable and with any problem the machine you're using stops without having to worry about disconnecting from the mains. Very good your idea.
I use the other one, step on, step off for my scroll saw, light and shop vac. I put a cube tap on the outlet so I can hook up all three things to it. Step on it and everything comes on, step on it again and everything goes off. It works wonderfully! Before getting my Sawstop, I used to use one like yours for my old table saw as well. I liked it that way.
I was wondering if that one would be easier so you don't have to hold it down. I was thinking I might turn it on, move my foot, then have to hunt for it with my foot or look down to turn it off.
@@SteveCarmichael Set up an additional switch for stopping the machine with your hand, placed up at a convenient place to quickly stop the machine if anything goes wrong... Mine is shaped like a flat plate, than can be very rapidly hit with a hand to immediately stop the current, is is large enough to be hit even without having to look at it!
I use one of the click on/click off types for my router table & it works great. I like the fact that I can use my feet to control the power but I can also move with the work without accidentally turning off the router.
Steve, next video remake the foot switch box out of wood or steel and reuse the guts to rewire it. Just a thought..
And perhaps ADD: two position capability: Momentary and Sustained mode, and parallel feed to power up the Dust Colllector or localized lighting... And possibly add provision for a nearly flat pedal (to be able to keep both legs balanced instead of the high inclined pedal, and a second adjustable inclined one, to be used when seated!... Design possibilities are abundant!!!
I use mine on the meat grinder. My hands are usually messy so it is just very convenient to use my foot to turn it on and off. I have had it for 2 years now. No complaints.
Thanks for the review. It's always nice to see things that you have contemplated buying be tested out.
I used one with my work, it is very difficult to use while standing though. I like the idea of one tap with the foot to start a machine if you have to stand. Thanks Steve!
Hi Steve,
Nice review! i have a foot switch like yours, but mine is metal, but the principle is the same. I really don't think I'd use it for any other machine except the scroll saw,. If you have a Bozo moment with your SC, you really can't hurt yourself too much, but on a table saw there's too much that could go wrong. I would suggest that you build a little folding platform on your SC table so you can fold the switch up when not in use. Stay safe!
i got one a few years ago to use with table saw when cutting full sheets down. works great for it.
We use a linemaster foot switch at work to operate our heat gun. Before we had the foot switch someone left the heat gun on and caught some bags on fire.
Using the HF maintain power switch for my rotary tool which is hanging up off to the side . Don’t have to reach up to turn the power on and off all the time.
Good review! I have a couple of them that come in very handy for certain applications. I recently used one for the electric blower on my coal forge which works out great! I wasn't aware that they had another version. I can see the value in that one as well. Thanks for sharing.
I use the power maintain switch to turn my dust collector on & off and it works great.
I had a much more expensive remote for the D/C and when it went out, I turned to this and haven't thought about changing it.
I think the momentary switch for the tools you said you like it on is a good idea.
Love your videos Steve.
Keep them coming
Eric
central Florida
I have two of the harbor freight switches......I use one on my scroll saw and one on my drill press only........I have tried them on other tools but it wasn't very comfortable. thanks
Hey Steve , I have the other switch you mentioned. The one that stays on with a "stomp". It's hooked up with my shop vac. Back when I was primarily turning pens (segmented), I got tired of alway bending over to turn on/off the shop vac for each step of the process. Much easier to grab the hose and step on the switch. Now that I have my dust collector, it doesn't see quite the use s before, but I've had it for a couple of years now. It's a decent product.
I have used mine for a few months and love it if have the continuous power version . keep up the great videos
Thanks for the tip.
It is noted that you love your job, always with a smile.
I agree with the other comments that say don't use on the table saw. Setting up the saw and you (or anyone else) stand on it and it's bye bye fingers.
I've been thinking of getting one for my DeWalt scroll saw. Thanks for sharing
Wished I had seen your review before I bought one for $25 from Peachtree for my Lichtenberg burner. It is plastic also.
At least your $ supported the local store instead of China. :)
If you put on a plug to extend the single plug with a three or two switch then you can add a shop vac and they will come on at the same time. Have been using mine for about 20 years now and yes they still work great I just plugged them in and forget about it. I have a little shop vac for each of my tools and a switch for each of them.
Great review. We use ours for our scroll saw. Never thought about using it on anything else. We bought ours on Amazon and not Harbor Freight. Same thing though.
I like this switch but would not put a foot switch on all the tools you demonstrated. I'd never put a footswitch on a table saw where I need good balance to operate it. But thanks for the review.
Yeah, like I said, I wouldn't use it on the band saw, table saw, or lathe because it felt awkward and I didn't like having the pedal and cord under my feet as it could trip me up. It was really cool for the other tools and I'd buy some for those if I ever do production line type work.
I agree with your conclusions on the pedal. Great review dude!!
Hey Steve, love the video. I have a similar one that i use with my dermal, and the harder you press, the faster it goes.
You meant "DREMEL" and not "dermal"...
At my work I use one for my pipe threader , l am sitting down when I doings my work . Nice video!!
hello does anyone know if this foot pedal is just on/off or is it variable, ive used and modified sewing machine foot pedals in the past because they were variable and at the time others werent available ,but if this is variable would be great thanks?
Hi Katie - This pedal is just on or off. There is no variable speed.
I have one that I bought from Harbor Freight maintain contact and I put a double tap on the outlet so I can plug my scroll saw and shop vac to collect dust. And they both come on and off together
Good idea Robert! Thanks for sharing it with us. I have a vac on my scroll saw stand now with the Scrollnado and this would work perfectly.
@@SteveCarmichael Better yet, Add a brief timer to it, so that it allows you to keep running the vacuum for a minute or so after shutting down the tool, so you can pick the dust collecting hose in your hand and pick up the dust that remains around the vacuum port, so you end up with a cleaner shop!
This a very good idea to change quickly the speed of certain tools but be very careful to not allow pets (cats and dogs) in the workshop as we frequently see. Thank you Steve.
I agree when you had it on the drill press and sander okay but the router and "table saw" I was like nope not me...yes metal one would be better. All in all great review...
okay but what is the cord awg? At 15 amps and 7.5', 16 would work but 14 would be better but the hf specs don't list this.
Hi John - It has 16 AWG stamped on the cable. The scroll saw's motor is only 1.3 amps.
As for using the Power Maintain switch on something like a table saw, I can just picture myself holding a piece of wood I just cut around a spinning saw blade, and trying to look under the saw for wherever I just kicked that foot switch so I can turn it off. Nope.
The one you just got, though, I agree would be perfect for a scroll saw or drill press.
Does this pedal gradually increase speed or is it just full speed as soon as you press it? Want to use it on a sewing machine.
It's not a speed control sewing machine pedal. You hold it down to turn on, then release to turn off. It's either on or off.
I don't think i'd want to use any sort of footswitch with a table saw or bandsaw, you would want to move around while feeding larger pieces into it.
Another problem is that (at least in the uk) when you disconnect power, the start/stop drops out, you also want to keep the big stop button on those machines working (don't bypass)
Thanks Steve for the review on all the tools.
Greg
Thanks for the review. Will be picking one of these up
Nice review bubba, Probaly should have added that to your title or maybe tags, I find it very interesting for router work myself. Was always cumbersome reaching under to turn mine off so I could see it fitting there. And glad to see ya back on here some bubba. (Ps, New videos coming soon ) You might be surprised what you see coming out of my shop.
That is an excellent tool chest. I'm sure you get that a lot but awesome!
My switch has a "shroud" around it to protect from accidental starts. A person has to intentionally insert foot to activate. I use it on my band saw bought used and the switch came with it.
Would this work for a dremel? I get tired of hitting the button over and over again to turn it off and on,,,,a pedal would be AWSOME!!!!!!!!
Yes, it's the same as turning the switch on and off, except you use your foot to hold down for on, release for off.
Great find Steve!! I was going to order one of these from Amazon a few weeks back. Now I'll head on down to HF and save some $$. Thanks for sharing!!
thanks for the overview steve been thinking about getting something like that for a few of my tools, anyway benn watching your videos for a while now , love em , keep up the good work!!!!!
Thanks! I appreciate it. The footswitch is still working great. I've even used it standing up with some weight on it and it's fine.
Maybe it's a good idea to avoid areas prone to flooding and make sure its connected to a circuit with a functional breaker/fuse.
Hi Steve nice review. Personally I would agree with Nick Ferry and say it would be good to use on the Scroll Saw, can't see what the difference is in using that foot switch on say the Table Saw and Sander, to just pressing the on/off button. Tracey has one of those foot switches to operate the Sewing Machine, the harder you press the faster it goes and the lighter you press the slower it goes. That's why I think it would be best to use on the Scroll Saw. Take Care my Friend and as usual Regards to the Family, Barry (from England)
That seems like it would be pretty cool for a scroll-saw. If I ever get around to building a stand like yours, I might go for one. It is kind of like a sewing machine, so it should feel right. Thanks ;)
It feels just like using a sewing machine and it frees up your hands to feed the blade. Pretty cool. I really like it on the sander too.
I've used the step to turn on/step to turn off model from Harbor freight ( $19.99 without coupon) for about three years now on my scroll saw and router and it's great because your hand doesn't need to leave the work piece to turn the machine off. Anyone who scroll saws can tell you the "safety bar" on the scroll saw keeps getting in the way, yet without it, you can crack or break your piece when trying to turn off your saw. The switch gives you so much more control.
First thing I thought was to build a nice new housing for the switch 🤓 looks useful though, I'd probably only use it for my scrollsaw though.
Good info Steve. Very good review, nice and thorough
Hey Steve, been wanting to get one for my scroll saw. Thanks for the review.
nice overview Steve - looks pretty handy for the scroll saw!
I know I am kinda randomly asking but does anybody know a good place to stream new series online ?
@Zaire Callan Flixportal :D
@Isaac Lian Thank you, I went there and it seems to work :) I appreciate it !
@Zaire Callan glad I could help xD
Great Video Mate. I have just got a foot switch for my scroll saw. I love it. Makes it a lot easier ect..Thanks for sharing mate.
Yeah, I didn't expect it to make it so much easier, but it's nice that it frees up the hands.
Hi, I've recently bought a scroll saw and wondered whether or not to go for a variable speed foot switch rather than an on/off. What are your thoughts on that ???
My Dewalt has a speed knob and I usually set it once for the best cut for the blade and wood I'm using then don't change it. Not sure why you would want to vary the speed the blade goes up and down, when you would be pushing the wood into it at the same speed. Speeding up the blade would just make it burn the wood. It's not like a sewing machine that pulls the fabric through faster.
@@SteveCarmichael Thanks for that. I'll just go with an on/off switch then.
Great review, thank you. Oh, and thanks be to the God of Knives for using that Bowie knife on the tiny piece of tape! I thought I was the only "go big or go home" hobbiest! Much respect on your blade game, kind sir! Huzzah!! 🔪
Ha ha, I forgot about using that. lol
That's cool, I could see where that would be extremely helpful.
Hiya Lil buddy. You need a bigger knife for cutting that little piece tape LOL
I have for quite awhile used the momentary type of switch for many tools especially the scroll saw and drill press it makes it so very much safer that you have hand control on your piece your cutting and drilling, but you must get used to using it and where it is underfoot so you do not have to look down every time you are in need of it. I have also used the momentary on a table saw because when I am trying to cut a bit larger piece of plywood etc. it is nice to be able to turn the saw on safely and hold your material away from face planting your lips too close while turning the saw on. But in saying that also having to have your foot on the switch while cutting a large piece can get you into an almost unbalanced position so you have to be extra careful. That would be a definite situation you should have the other switch which you can stomp on and off But those little micro switches are only rated for a certain amount of amps and they burn out very easily even through the usage of time. I need some new micro switches to rebuild some of my pedals because they had given up. We don't have Harbour frieght up here in Canada so I wouldn't be any help to critique these items for you. But I believe even thought they are plastic if you do not beat them too hard they should last. But be very careful with water and wet floor it doesn't look like you have too much protecting you from electricity. Have a wonderful wood working day.
You better hunt for a metal one that won't melt. Summer arrivces shortly and you know what that means! I want one that I can run a long cord out to the woodpile and hook it to my chainsaw and get it to cut my firewood in the winter. That's anything below 90 in HOTlanta! And for my big flat feet it'd take a really stout return spring. Good video and you be as calm as you can be. I average drinking a gallon of water a day just thinking about you down there!
I wonder if they make a variable power/ speed control foot switch
I think there is something out there like that, but only works for certain types of motors or something. I think with a scroll saw you just pick one speed for the wood you're using.
Hi Steve Excellent little video, I too agree with Steve looks really handy for the scroll saw and I would think the router would be an excellent place to use it too. BTW I just saw the "sticker board" - very nice I hope you don't mind if I borrow the idea - THANKS
Good review! Short and to the point. Good find, but not too sure how I feel about the cheap plastic. You never said it was cheap, but I have bought HF stuff before, so yeah I'm sure it is!
Great Video Steve! There are tools I think this is awesome for, probably similar to your lists, but I don't think there is a chance I would want to turn on the more "dangerous" tools by accident. In fact, I would probably keep all of the tools turned off at the tool and turn it on when I want to use the DP or lathe or scroll saw - especially with a rolling base, would want to make sure it didn't turn on while moving it. Please keep up the great videos!
Nice review, Steve. I've been thinking about one of these for my shopvac's.
Cool review Steve! Here is hoping you get lots of good use from it.
I use that same one on a jointer. works just fine..
Not a fan myself. I've tried them with the scroll saw, but find I like the top switch better. Hard for me to keep my foot on the pedal. No way would I ever advocate using this on a tablesaw or router. Very dangerous. Wonder what amperage that switch is rated for? If it got dust in it and cut in and out when using a router or tablesaw it could be dangerous. Plus, should be no confusion on how to turn off a tool in an emergency. Still, a switch is a tool also, and used properly it can be beneficial to some.
What about meat grinders,would it work for that?
The switch will turn on/off anything with a regular plug. It does have a 15 amp rating so don't go over that. Also, I don't know anything about meat grinders, but you will want to make sure turning on/off the machine this way won't damage it, and also that it's safe overall to operate with a footswitch. I recommend asking the manufacturer these questions.
i may need to get one of those. when I do a deep resaw cut in my table saw. i find myself bringing my right knee up to the switch to turn off the saw quickly. its probably not to saw to use the table saw on one foot. hahaha
do u think this can be used for a sawing machine?
thanks
It's a different kind of switch. I think a sewing machine speeds up the more you push on the pedal. This one just turns it on and off.
@@SteveCarmichael Hi! That's Right. Just on full speed or off when you let go of the pedal. That's what I discovered when I bought the HDeep Foot Pedal for one of my old Sewing Machines (a geared down AlphaSew Semi-Industrial Walking Foot Portable Model) but..... if you are a fast Union Worker Downtown L.A. Industrial Sewer, this is how fast you sew anyway. At Full Speed, Baby! At 1/3rd the price of a Sewing Machine Foot Pedal-to-Motor Power Unit, this is a fair workaround, for me, until I can save up for a correct & proper Sewing Machine Foot Pedal.
Could you add a potentiometer to this in such a way that allows you to vary the power/speed of your tools?
I don't think so. This switch is just on or off. You might could use something like this, but it only works for specific types of tools and motors - www.harborfreight.com/router-speed-control-43060.html
could I use this in two tools at the same tume? Like, to power up the vacuum and the drill press?
Love the chanel
Probably, as long as you don't exceed the amps of it. The footswitch has an outlet on it and you would just need something to plug two plugs into one outlet.
thanks a lot
Interesting review, Steve, but over here in the UK most of our 240V machines are fitted with a no-volt-release switch, which would have to be overridden for a suitable foot switch to work. I guess that nvr switches are NOT fitted to your 110V machines.
I had to adjust the wiring on my dust collector to enable a remote switch to work.
you beat me to it, I was going to raise the same point. I have used older scroll saws that this would work for and I've known tools to have an emergency stop foot pedal. but overall I don't think I'd ever feel comfortable having this kind of switch on a tool.
Handy thing, especially for a jigsaw. Like!
Great video Steve!
Nice review Steve! I might be able to use something like that :)
I feel like while I would use this type of thing everyday and it would be really convenient, I also feel like for my small shop where I am using my tools but then stashing them back where they belong, I would have to build that pedal into my tool stands or else I would just get really annoyed with it. However, your video has made me want to go out and buy one to test it out for myself and see if it's worth building it into my stands, so maybe Harbor Freight should sling some dough your way. ;-)
Thanks! Yeah, I will probably put a holder for it on my scroll saw stand so it can roll around with it. Then I could just put it on the floor when I use it.
I enjoyed your video. It was very helpful. Thank you!
nice review. thanks
Great job Steve.
Nice review, demo(s) and safety coverage!
So did you go buy 4 more on Father's Day - haha?
I need a variable speed one.
I wish I watch this video first - opened the box and shorten the AC cord before plugging it in - I bought the momentary switch by mistake, Note: the box does use the word "momentary" - on the side of the box "Press to turn on, release to turn off"
I feel like the power maintain switch would work excellently for the drill press
I just tried it and it worked. Just have to be careful not to turn it on and hurt yourself, like get your clothes tangled in it.
good video hope you enjoy it
Maybe your next vid should be a nice wood case for the guts of the foot switch...
Hey Steve nice review
I like you better as the new Harbor Freight spokesman! 😜
Its a nice idea but plastic is no good. Better make one a bit stronger. (Like guitar stompboxes)
I was kinda hoping you were going to use it on a hairdryer too ;)
Still $13.99 as of Aug 3, 2020