How worried should I be about the 21829 power switch failing?

[jonmnelson]

I just bought a Craftsman 21829 and like it so far, especially the sliding miter table. Reading some online comments, however, I see that there's a continuing problem with the power switch failing. It seems like it can be fixed, but I'm not crazy about having this happen to a new power tool and don't want to waste down-time waiting for delivery of a new switch that might have the same problem.

How common is the problem, and should I be worried about this? I'm still within Sears' 90-day return period and would think about sending it back if it's a common problem.

Thanks for any input.

[final_t]

It seemed to be a common issue about 2 years ago or so - a lot us (myself included!) had the switch fail locked into the "on" condition at around the same time. Since then, I have not seen a single post about it happening again.
Ryobi seemed to be pretty good about getting them replaced, even out of warrenty.
I wouldn't be worried about it. If it does happen, just shut everything down and get on the phone to Sears and get it replaced. It's an easy thing to take out. Some folks have gone whole-hog and replace it with a bigger and better switch.
I was able to take mine apart while waiting the week to get the replacement and cleaned it all up and it worked fine. I keep it around as a talisman to prevent the replacement from failing

[sparkeyjames]

I just bought a Craftsman 21829 and like it so far, especially the sliding miter table. Reading some online comments, however, I see that there's a continuing problem with the power switch failing. It seems like it can be fixed, but I'm not crazy about having this happen to a new power tool and don't want to waste down-time waiting for delivery of a new switch that might have the same problem.

How common is the problem, and should I be worried about this? I'm still within Sears' 90-day return period and would think about sending it back if it's a common problem.

Thanks for any input.

First off... Welcome to the BT3X00 world. I'm sure you will enjoy using your Sears 21829 as much as I have enjoyed using mine. I have not had any switch problems as of yet and have had mine a bit under a year. There have been reports here of switch failure but most of those were older than mine. I think you should be just fine.

[jonmnelson]

Thanks for the reassurance. It really does seem like a nice saw, and the portability is great. Now, if only I could find a throat plate for a dado blade ...

[ragswl4]

I had the exact same problem with my BT3100 after about a year. Its pretty common. I took my switch apart several times and cleaned the contacts and it would work for a while. The problem is that the contacts arc and then they get semi-welded together and you can't turn the saw off. Scary the first time it happens.

I don't know if there is a real fix for this problem but if you just replace the switch (which I did eventually) the problem just reoccurs down the road. So if and when it happens to you I would say to get a better switch and be done with it.

[eezlock]

21829 power switch failing?

I wouldn't worry too much about that happening any time soon. If it does...check out the Busy Bee tools site, they have a nice switch for regular price of $17.99 reduced till 1/12/2008 for $11.99. That is what I would replace it with for sure. It is a large paddle switch that would be easier to
turn off/ on from anywhere you mounted it. That type of repair/ replacement
is a fairly easy thing to do. eezlock

[Andrew Benedetto]

http://busybeetools.ca/cgi-bin/pictu...7&NTITEM=B2561

Good price,like the switch on my 22124. Sears has the replacement with cover/wiring/plug for $25-30. My BT3K is 5 y.o. and has no switch issues yet, but I run only the saw with it. I think the new switch is different. Some plug in a shopvac too which is not a good idea for the motor or the switch.

[kwc]

My switch failed

FYI, I have the 21829 (bought Jan 1, 2007) and just had the power switch fail yesterday--had to unplug the saw to turn it off.

So it appears the "newer" ones are still prone to failure.

Regards,
kwc

[cabinetman]

Hey...switch happens! Check out this large bail switch.
.

[LCHIEN]

I had the exact same problem with my BT3100 after about a year. Its pretty common. I took my switch apart several times and cleaned the contacts and it would work for a while. The problem is that the contacts arc and then they get semi-welded together and you can't turn the saw off. Scary the first time it happens.

I don't know if there is a real fix for this problem but if you just replace the switch (which I did eventually) the problem just reoccurs down the road. So if and when it happens to you I would say to get a better switch and be done with it.

See this thread:
http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...tronics+switch

there were two bad switches in the history of the BT3,
the first used the first year of the BT3000 (about 1992-1993) recalled
and the second on the BT3100-1 used until July 2005.
Both will be replaced for free with a good switch, call Wayne Hill at Ryobi/techtronics at the number listed in the thread above.

The 21829 has no Chronic switch problems noted to date.

[jonmnelson]

FYI, I have the 21829 (bought Jan 1, 2007) and just had the power switch fail yesterday--had to unplug the saw to turn it off.

So it appears the "newer" ones are still prone to failure.

Regards,
kwc

Great, just when I was feeling confident that the switch failure problem didn't affect the 21829.

[ofna89]

When I had my 21829 the switch failed about 6 months after I bought it. Sears did order me a new one . I have since got rid of that saw and not because of the switch and bought a Delta hybrid. Do contact Wayne Hill, he was great about calling me back a dozen or so times but I never had the time to return his call. Good luck

[LCHIEN]

When I had my 21829 the switch failed about 6 months after I bought it. Sears did order me a new one . I have since got rid of that saw and not because of the switch and bought a Delta hybrid. Do contact Wayne Hill, he was great about calling me back a dozen or so times but I never had the time to return his call. Good luck

I imagine Ryobi will have 21829 owners call Sears.