Okay cool, thank you all for the quick responses. I understand I'd be able to use switches like these then:
http://www.wiringproducts.com/50amp-toggle-switches or possibly a light switch , but they are awfully expensive for the application, would it be possible to use something like a cherry switch:
http://cherryswitches.com/us/product/rocker-yr-series/ , they do not have a DC rating listed but the AC rating is 120 at 20A, is that good enough or no?
Also with the drill trigger, is that simply a variable resistor (potentiometer) and could I implement something like that on the board? Would I need some crazy expensive potentiometer that can handle high amperage?