Knife Switch

Sometimes the project is destroyed by the choice of switch.

A simple slide switch has none of the ominous effect of a Knife Switch. An evil switch for an evil project...

The switch needs to be labeled with laser etchings for maximum effect. I could not bring myself to deface it with a simple pen

Step 1: Materials required

I chose to use copper from old plumbing pipes and made a base from pine slats.

The screws used are brass 10-24 3/4 inch in length

Comments

[Adambowker98]

Wait, so is the copper tube sliced down the middle and then flattened out? Also, how do you cut the tube?

[Random_Canadian]

I cut the tube into 3 sections with a 24 tooth hack saw then flattened them as shown. I hope that this helps.

[Xixfas]

isnt this a double-pole double-throw switch?

[electfire]

Well done! I love knife switches, but sadly all that I have found are made of plastic...which doesn't look good in any steampunk/mad scientist type project.
Thanks to you posting this little how-to I might just make a few myself ... though I would only use them for low voltage, if need be triggering a relay to control higher voltage...

[Random_Canadian]

Thanks. I agree on the plastic bit. They do look terrible. I have added a smaller single knife switch to another project. Check out the Newton's cradle that I made.