OK. I understand that a simple light switch isn't suited for larger motors. But Tim was talking about a ⅓ HP motor. According to
http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/electrical-motor-hp-amps-d_1455.html a 50% efficient motor draws ~4.3A running. Triple that for starting is ~12.9A. So according to my seat-of-the pants figures, a common 15 amp switch would appear to be sufficient. And a heavy duty Decora switch (20 amp) would very likely do the job for sure.
However, if it turns out I'm way off base, may I suggest one of these magnetic (120V 16A, $7.35) switches from Grizzly :
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Magnetic-On-Off-Switch-120V/D4530?utm_campaign=zPage
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Magnetic-On-Off-Switch-110V-6-Amps/G8992?utm_campaign=zPage
[note - the above URL says "6-amps," but the rating really is 16 Amps]
I have a couple of the black ones. As best I can tell, the only difference between the two part numbers is the color of the face plate.
There's also a very interesting "undocumented" feature - you can easily add an external E-stop button to the circuit. Here's the manual:
http://cdn0.grizzly.com/manuals/d4530_m.pdf
Look at the schematic on the second page. Note the "Important connection" between terminals 24 and A1. This supplies power to the relay coil. If you interrupt it (with an E-stop), you turn off power to the output terminals. It will
stay off until you hit the Start button again.
Of course, this is NOT a reversing switch. Tim, your original post did not mention anything about reversing. If you need that, then go with one of the toggles that others have suggested.
Hope this helps!