"JohnF" wrote in message
...
| I am using a Dayton "drum" switch on a 3 phase application that is
| constantly being reversed. It's a 1hp motor connected to a rotary
| table through a reduction box on a semi-auto polishing machine.
| Anyway, the drum switchs are coming loose inside every so often and
| contact is lost on 1 leg of the 3phase when the operator lets go of
| the handle. The noise in the area is too great for anyone to hear the
| buzzing of the motor running on 2 legs. 2 legs is fine for most of
| what they do (it's like running with a cheepie 3 phase converter) but
| takes it's toll over a period of time. There are 2 machines, one has
| the smaller Dayton drum switch and the other has the same type switch
| but a much larger Square D, I think, but they both have the same
| basic problem.
|
| Any suggestions for a tougher switch of some kind for HEAVY duty use?
|
| JohnF

Reversing motor starter. Type that in for a search on ebay and you'll
find plenty to be had, for far less than the new price. Once you get it,
we'll tell you how to wire it up. Use of the overload is entirely up to
you, because the overload heaters are selected by the application and hp of
the motor. A manual reversing motor starter would be a good choice, too.
You could go with a heavier duty drum switch, too, which will last a whole
lot longer than one that's just big enough.