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I am looking for the switch for the fluorescent light for my 81D.  I have checked with Funtronics and Sodajerkworks with no luck. I have read on previous posts that they can be found at Ace, Lowes,Home depot etc but I have not been able to find one. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks

Kenny,
You are in Phoenix right?
Go to a specialty electrical shop. I've never actually searched for the switch, but there is a place on the NW corner Scottsdale Road and Earll Drive (just north of Thomas). I'd give them a try.
Maybe someone with personal shopping experience will chime in also.

Isn't it just a push button? any hardware, big box store, electronics store would have one I would think.

I have heard from some suppliers that this type of switch was being phased out , as it 's a 4 way switch? not sure what that means but heard they are going to be hard to find... if you find them, buy up as many as you can as I think the suppliers mightbe interested in them as well..

I've seen them at Ace Hardware.

Would you be able to get me a part number or catalog number?  I have been to 3 different Ace's in the Phoenix area with no luck.  I think if I could reference a number they would be able to order one for me.

I could try to swing by there to get the part number?  Did u check with Funtronics,  or SJW?

Yes, I did.  Both did not have any.

I will check.

Thanks.  I appreciate it!

I may have one, and am heading to scottsdale friday, if I find it I will bring it with me, and you can pick up. 

I've been checking my local Ace Hardware as well..

if you can buy them at your local Ace, make sure they are the 4 wire switch.

buy all that they have.. .they are no longer being made.. I would buy them from you or some...

John

KennyG,

have you check out Grainger's  ?
here's a link to a page of 4 way switches 

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/search.shtml?searchQuery=4+way+switch&op=search&Ntt=4+way+switch&N=0&sst=subset

Err....Not 4-way...4-Wire

If you replace the ballast with a newer electronic ballast, you shouldn't need the "four lead" switch...

      So will this make the light come on every time the machine is plugged in, or will it still need that FS-2 starter mounted somewhere on the machine?

      I ran out to my local specialty lighting store today to get a few and the guy thought he could still get them but he would have to order them and sell me a full case of 10.
John, how many do you want?          Anybody else ?

Kenny,

I will check my local Ace store ( not sure the ones I saw were "4" lead??

Glen,

What does (1) usually cost? 

I just installed a new electronic ballast this weekend.  Did not need to use the 4 wire "push and hold" switch or the f-2 starter.  Just installed a two position switch in the 120 volt power lead.  Works just like a standard light switch.  Much simpler to wire up, but not 100% true to original if you are a stickler. 

Glen,
Talk to Rod as well, as he said his supplier may be out of them... I'll look tonight to see what i have an how many I'll need for future projects...

Thanks
John

Just to clarify...

If you replace the ballast w/ an electronic one, you can utilize a single pole push on/off switch which only has two wires/leads. If your original four wire/lead switch is in good condition, this can be used as well which is what I did. You'll need to use the two "Normally Open" wire leads only and wire nut the remaining tow wire/leads. I recommend testing prior to liner installation.

Hopefully helpful...

This is good to know and would be great if someone could provide a wiring diagram on how to do this and avoid the issue of running out of vintage parts ..

Thanks
John

John:
I have the ballest and two wire switches. I am working on testing everything and doing a wiring diagram. I'll talk to you at the show more about it.

Here was a previous thread on wiring the ballasts that has some nice diagrams.  In addition to not being able to find the old 4 wire switches, are the older style 2 wire ballasts still available?  I looked for quite a while before finally just going with a rapid start ballast wired like JonnieGs second diagram in the attached thread.  For those who restore professionally, is the ballast and switch items that you feel need to retain originality or do you feel that the intent is satisfied as long as there is a switch in place for the end user and the light comes on when it is flipped.  I would be satisfied with the functionality, especially if it allowed me to use a lower cost and easily accessible basic switch and a standard ballast.  However, if a customer is paying for a full restoration do you think they expect those components to match original specs?

Gas pump resotre sites  carry  the two wire switches, $7.50 last time I ordered them

to answer the question about originallity,, I don't think the type of switch used (be it a 2 wire or 4 wire) matters in the originallity of the machine. as long as appearance is the same, I'd say it's fine replacment..