"Close Cover", but it's not open!?

[patriotismlive]

The display reads "Close Cover". Electrical test on switch OK, bypassing switch didn't change anything. Obviously, the machine won't run if it thinks that the cover is open. Any suggestions?

[cnsranch]

Likely that the switch is too far back, and the cover isn't tripping the micro. Firmly tap on the cover directly over the switch with your fingers, and see if that clears your problem. You can loosen the two screws that hold the switch, and make sure it's as far forward as possible - that should take care of your problem.

[Digitalwoodshop]

Using Options and Sensor Data monitor the open cover. Use something sharp and thin to manually push the switch in and see if the status changes.

Blow Air in the switch to dislodge dust.

Make sure the plug is pushed in the whole way and white wire toward the cut motor.

Does the Z encoder data read OK? A pinched board detector can cause the Z to not move, board data to read 0 and a open cover error.

Good Luck,

AL

[joshmlawson]

I have the same problem. It happened yesterday. First my board sensor went out and I had to replace it and now this little switch. Needless to say I'm a little frustrated but I look at this as ironing out the wrinkles.

I took the switch out and manually pressed it in my my fingers while monitoring the sensor display. I think the switch is busted. Even doing that it was barely flickering back and forth between open/close. I'm going to see if Radio Shack has a comparable replacement. I may have to mount a flip switch on top or something.

[Jeff_Birt]

The switches usually go bad by being contaminated with sawdust. When you clean up your machine it is important to vacuum out as much sawdust as possible before any cleaning with LOW PRESSURE air. If you try to blow out a machine full of sawdust with high pressure air you will only blow it into every nook and cranny, including the switches.

[c6craig]

The switches usually go bad by being contaminated with sawdust. When you clean up your machine it is important to vacuum out as much sawdust as possible before any cleaning with LOW PRESSURE air. If you try to blow out a machine full of sawdust with high pressure air you will only blow it into every nook and cranny, including the switches.

Good advice..not to mention the first time you try to blow out a machine full of sawdust - it will be the last time you do it. Nothing like a huge dust cloud settling over everything in the shop and in your lungs...don't ask me how I know ;)

Craig

[fwharris]

Good advice..not to mention the first time you try to blow out a machine full of sawdust - it will be the last time you do it. Nothing like a huge dust cloud settling over everything in the shop and in your lungs...don't ask me how I know ;)

Craig

LOL!!! Boy does it ever!!!

My trick to doing this (with low pressure air) is to have your dust collector running.

[bobtom]

Had the same problem
Took the switch our and wired direct
to see if the switch was faulty.
It was. Replaced with a Radio Shack switch.
Cheap and functional.
Hope this helps.

[Digitalwoodshop]

You can plug the cover switch plug in 180 out. White wire toward the cut motor.

AL

[DocWheeler]

The switches usually go bad by being contaminated with sawdust.

The wires that go to the switch come through a hole in an air-duct that has fine dust in it. The air is directed through the hole where the wires are run and directly into the area where the switch is. Very poor design, there could have been some attempt to block the air stream through the hole for the wiring or a separate chase for the wires. Maybe in the next machine!

A note for those that take the switch apart to clean it, get some smaller fingers first. Yes, the spring and contact can be reinstalled after knocking it apart - don't ask.