Hi Harry
I have one of those 4 speed taiwan made BS and my switch will refuse to
work sometimes, the problem with mine is sawdust in the switch, I blow
it out and away she goes again, I have that BS for 8 years now and
still have the original switch, maybe all you have to do is cleaning
the switch.
If not than I would replace the switch with a regular light switch.
It helps to screw, tape, or glue a flexible rubber flap over the switch
(inner tube) to keep the dust out.

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Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo