Replies

1. 
   BillHartmann | Nov 21, 2002 07:34pm | #1

   What kind of "dual voltage" switch dooes it have.

   Do you just mean that it is a dual pole switch. You could just bypass built in switch and install a separate one someplace else on the saw.

   Here are a couple of resources for old WW machines.

   http://groups.yahoo.com/group/oldwwmachines/

   http://www.oldwwmachines.com/

1. 
   framerboy | Nov 22, 2002 05:41am | #4

   Thanks for your reply, Bill. It is a dual voltage 3 position switch with a center off. A little on the unusual side. The WW sites didn't have anything for me, but it was worth a try.

1. 
   BillHartmann | Nov 22, 2002 08:08am | #7

   "It is a dual voltage 3 position switch with a center off."

   Are you saying that you throw the switch one is setup to run from 240 and if you through it the other way it is setup to run on 480.

   (I am guessing 240/480 based on the size of the blade, I don't have any idea what size of motor that it has).

   If that is the case I don't like the concept. I would rather have a separate switch or junction box where you set the voltage.

1. 
   framerboy | Nov 23, 2002 04:01am | #8

   The saw has 3 horsepower motor. It will run on 120 volts or 240 volts depending on the switch position. We have found an old repair shop that thinks it has an OEM switch for it. The owner told me it has been sitting on a shelf for a few decades, and I can have it for free if it works. Such a deal. 

2. 
   Scooter1 | Nov 21, 2002 08:12pm | #2

   Try:

   http://www.cometradialarmsaw.com/index.htm

   They sell and service these old wonderful saws. They were made in the 40's and 50's in Southern California for the valley tract homes, and remember working on them in the 60's using these powerfull versital machines. You have a real treasure there, Framerboy. Take care of this great machine.

   Regards,

   Boris

   "Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1927

1. 
   framerboy | Nov 22, 2002 05:45am | #5

   Boris, that website is undergoing an overhaul. It looks like what I need though and as soon as they are up and running, I will check it out. A previous repair guy, long since retired, told me that my saw was manufactured in 1948. Makes the service life of new tools look sick don't you think? Thank you for the information.

2. 
   framerboy | Dec 02, 2002 08:24am | #9

   Hey Boris, here is an update. Got with the boys at Comet, they are actually building the saw again. Standard blade is 18'' and it is all set up to meet those always crucial OSHA standards. $8,000 mounted on a trailer. They did offer to rebuild mine to those same standards for about $5,000. Damn Gina. Two of my electrical contractor pals have taken pity on me and are installing a soft start contactor switch and a coiled cord. The verbal abuse is real bad, but somewhat under $5,000. Thanks again for that website, it was educational to say the least.

3. 
   booch | Nov 22, 2002 01:54am | #3

   Consider a drum switch. There are many wiring schemes. Possibly one could be rigged to make this work. Square D has em possibly others too. Maybe 80 to 100 bucks plus your labor.

   http://www.squared.com/us/products/nema.nsf/07a0210021262d45862564b5006e4f84/928d19dba98b9f3d852565d90051a566/$FILE/1515g.pdf

   This is a catalog from their website. Commonly the drum switch is used for reversing 3 or single phase motors. Look in the schematics and use your imagination.

1. 
   framerboy | Nov 22, 2002 05:49am | #6

   Thanks for the information, Booch. I want to try and get an OEM switch if I can. I have a thing about old stuff that still works, you should see my truck, but if all else fails I will look into that drum switch.