Radial Arm Saw Question

[Mike G. in SOO ONT]

I have a 10" Craftsman from 1977 the last couple of days when I go to start it, it would just hum and would not run. This has happened before and I take the cover off the motor and blow it out put it all back together and it works great. My question is;is this just the saw dust making it do that or is this leading up to something else?

[E. Tonks]

It probably needs a little more cleaning and possibly lubricating. I don't know if that motor is an A/C motor, which would have no brushes but a starting switch and possibly even a capacitor. If not then it is an A/C-D/C motor with brushes.

An A/C motor could have a bad capacitor and may need replacing (if it has one), most likely the starting switch (a centrifugal weight that operates contacts to supply the starting coil) may need cleaning, the contacts also cleaned and filed, and the mechanism lubricated so that it operates smoothly.

A brush type motor probably has brushes that are binding in the holders, and possibly worn too short and need replacing.

If these things don't work, or you feel unsafe working on the motor, you can take it to a motor shop for them to check it out and repair.

[J.P.Rap Hamilton]

We had the same problem at work on a Craftsman saw(a little newer than yours).If yours is the same as ours,the start switch is in a mall clear plastic case about 1"square, located on the back end of the motor.You can get a replacement switch from sears (cheap).It's held in place with 2 small screws and is eazy to replace.We cleaned ours several times before the big cheeze would pry out his wallet and buy a new switch.We haven't had that problem since.
Hope this helps.
J.P.

[Mike G. in SOO ONT]

Thanks guys I will try both ideas next time it give me trouble. Mike

[Bob Crowder]

Hi Mike:
JP is quite right about the start switch behind the fan. I had Sears replace mine when clening the dust out of it didn't cure it anymore. I have always purchased the extended warranty for my saw. It paid off in the end, since a year after Sears replaced the switch, the probem came back, and that time they replaced the entire motor on the saw. I hope your solution is the cheap one.

Bob