Maybe not the best place to ask. But people on here use drum sanders more than most. I have old Ryobi Wds 1600 I need to replace the switch on. I'm just looking to see if anyone has experience with this. Not really looking forward to having to take the whole machine apart to get to the wires.

Google it. Bet you can find a wiring diagram. Or even a owners manual online.

I've got a Jet performax 16/32 that the motor switch went out on, and they wanted a ridiculous amount for the new switch. So I simply bypassed it and ran a wire to a simple light switch that I  mounted right next to the sander. It's been running like that for years now.

Have you used a tester and determined it is just the switch and not the motor?

If it's the variable speed conveyor belt switch, I wouldn't recommend any creative wiring solution. The amperage is too high to use a light reistat. Unfortunately those switches are expensive too.

Good luck.... Kirk

Yeah stic I haven't turned up anything terribly helpful besides a parts schematic.

Kirk, I'm pretty sure it's the switch. When I plug the motor in direct it runs the drum. And yes variable speed motor, I was able to get the proper switch. I guess I worded my question poorly. What I'm looking for is if anyone has any experience getting in underneath the switch housing.

I've got no experience with that particular machine, but... they didn't make these damn things easy to work on. That's for sure..

So .... Does the variable speed conveyor belt switch still work? And the conveyor?

Idk know about the conveyor or speed selector. It all worked fine last time i used it. The motor for the drum has a standard 110 plug on it that plugs into the machine. When i plug that into the outlet it still works. But the separate motor for the feed table is wired direct so I can't really test it.

Got her fixed. Took a few a couple hours and some curse words but just a cheap switch was allnit needed!

I have some Grizzly stuff and the switches used to be a downfall. I just get a light switch from Menards that matches the amps needed and good to go.

Quote from: Susquehannariverarcher on February 04, 2025, 05:00:48 PM
Idk know about the conveyor or speed selector. It all worked fine last time i used it. The motor for the drum has a standard 110 plug on it that plugs into the machine. When i plug that into the outlet it still works. But the separate motor for the feed table is wired direct so I can't really test it.

Glad to hear it!

  If that conveyor motor itself ever goes out, those are expensive little motors to replace. i had to replace mine a couple years ago... ouch!

    Kirk