The motor on your table is responsible for generating the power that spins the blade and cuts the material. If the motor on your table saw is bad or not working, the best way to check is to dismantle it and identify the malfunctioning component.
The components that affect a table saw’s motor working are motor brushes, starting switch, capacitor, or windings. However, it is preferable that you take the easy route and look for warning signs indicating something is wrong with your motor.
How do I Know if my Table Saw Motor is bad?
Here we will elaborate on all the warning signs that indicate your table saw motor is not working in the right way.
Table Saw Motor Starting Slow
If you notice that your saw’s speed at starting has decreased or is decreasing day by day, be mindful of a dying motor. This doesn’t mean that you need to replace the motor. There are carbon brushes on your motor that get old over time. The mechanical wear and tear on the moving parts is the biggest reason behind worn-out motor brushes.
You can replace the brushes and see if it solves the problem. This is true for older models. The latest models come with brushless motors that don’t use carbon brushes to run the armature.
Motor Getting Overheated
Another symptom indicating that your table saw motor is facing problems is overheating. The latest models have brushless motors. You can’t inspect brushes on these models to see if the motor has gone bad. You will need to check the overheating on your saw and see if there is any potential problem.
If the motor gets overheated during runtime or after 5-10 minutes of activity, the likelihood that the motor has gone bad is huge. However, you need to ensure that the blade is sharp and you are using the appropriate blade for the material being cut. Moreover, the vents on your motor must not be blocked by sawdust, as blocked vents are the main reason behind overheating, which ultimately leads to the motor going bad
Extension Problems
Another reason for the gradual malfunctioning of your motor is a wrong extension problem. A too-long or underpowered extension cord can under-power the motor on your saw. The biggest symptom of a dying motor is the blade not rotating at the specified RPM.
Lower Blade RPM
If you have checked the voltage, extension cord, and power switch, but the blade is still moving slowly, it can indicate a dying motor.
Debris Accumulation
This factor is directly related to your usage pattern and habits. If you don’t follow a periodic maintenance routine, your table saw isn’t going to last as long as you would like. There is no way around it. You have to clean the vents on your motor to ensure proper functioning.
Ruling out the Probability of a Dying Motor
Before you decide to repair or replace the motor on your table saw, it is advisable to see why your motor is not working in the right way.
- Check all electrical connections and incoming voltage.
- Make sure that you are using the right type of fuse to run your saw.
- Use an extension cord recommended by the manufacturer and ensure that it is no longer than 25 feet.
- Always use a properly sharpened blade that is not damaged, broken, or dull.
How to Troubleshoot a Table Saw Motor
You can either call a technician to check the motor or do it yourself. We only recommend dismantling the motor yourself if you already have some knowledge and experience. The video below explains how you can test the table saw motor.
General Cleanup
If you have recently bought a table saw and are experiencing overheating problems, it is likely happening due to dust accumulation. You need to remove the motor housing but make sure that you remove the plug before doing any maintenance task.
A vacuum cleaner with a dust brush attachment will work great in removing the stuck sawdust from the motor housing. Make sure you remove all the sawdust from your table saw (tool and working area). You may need some WD-40 to loosen the gunk. Make sure you don’t use compressed air while cleaning your saw’s motor, as it will push the debris further inside the motor.
Checking the Switches
Table saw motors have centrifugal switches that provide an extra push during the startup. These switches are prone to corrosion and can go bad over time. If the switches are burnt, you will have to replace the motor.
Checking the Capacitor and Windings
The next things to check are the capacitor and the windings. Overheating usually damages the windings and causes the motor to go bad.
Once you have checked the switches and motor winding, you need to check the capacitor. The most common symptom of a damaged capacitor is a slow-starting motor or a humming noise when the motor is running.
Types of Table Saw Motors
Knowing the type of motor you have in your table saw makes it easier to understand why it is going bad and how to troubleshoot it. There are two types of motors used in a table saw. Let’s read about them briefly.
Direct Drive
A direct drive motor use magnets to drive the load. They don’t have a belt and a traditional gearbox to control the speed of the blade. This makes them lightweight and perfect for portable and jobsite saws. There are fewer moving parts in the motor, making them durable and less vibrating.
Belt Drive
As the name indicates, a belt drive motor uses a belt and bearings to drive the load. These motors are heavy and more powerful than direct drive motors. You will mostly find them in stationary table saws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you repair a table saw motor?
The answer to this question depends on the extent of damage to the motor. You can get the motor repaired with a faulty switch, damaged brushes, or tripped breaker. On the contrary, a motor with burned-out windings or damage beyond repair won’t be repaired. Instead, you can buy a new motor but make sure you first deal with the reasons that led the motor to this state.
Is a table saw motor AC or DC powered?
Most table saws in the US are AC-powered. They feature 110-220-volt single-phase AC motors. The horsepower of the motor changes from one machine to another depending on its usage.
Final Words
The motor on your saw is responsible for generating the power required to cut through the materials. If it isn’t operating optimally, you won’t get the desired results. Hence, it is important to keep the motor in mint condition and do periodic maintenance from time to time.