Table Saw Troubleshooting Guide

Last updated on November 18th, 2022 at 11:19 am

What would cause a table saw to stop working?

A failed power supply, broken on/off switch, bad motor overload, broken power cord, or failed drive motor can cause the table saw to stop working. When it stops working, try resetting the overload. If it persists, the saw is not getting power from the electrical outlet.

A well-used table saw motor develops problems such as hard starting or overheating due to sawdust accumulation. A regular blow-off to the saw motor with compressed air is a way to extend its life. You can fix some but not all motor malfunctions yourself. You have to take it to the manufacturer or an expert.

How do you test a switch on a table saw?

Test the on the switch and the off switch. If either of these gets dust, they can stop working. The on switch is an open style switch, and the off is a closed type. When you press the switch on, it powers up the contactor, which powers a self-latching switch. 

When you hit the off switch this breaks contact with the self-latching portion of the contactor. If the on switch has dust in it and cannot make contact, you cannot start the self-latching process.

You can test this by shorting out this switch. If it starts, then the saw switch needs cleaning or replacement. You can short out the contacts of the off switch, and try the on the switch again. If that works, clean the off switch or replace it. If neither of these work, then it is another problem. It might be the coil.

Steps

1. Hold the switch lever down and insert the yellow plastic switch key into the circular indentation in the centre of the switch.
2. Plugin the saw.
3. Lift the switch lever into the On position. Start your Craftsman table saw.

How do you reset a table saw overload?

Vacuum out the dust under the saw, look for a red reset button on the motor. If yours has the button, push it and see if that brings it back to life.

How do you reset the overload on a Dewalt table saw?

Turn off the saw and remove the power supply. Wait for a few seconds, plug the saw back in, and get back to your work. If the issue persists, check the user manual to know how to turn your DeWalt table back on. You have to buy a new one if necessary.

Does the DeWalt table saw have a reset button?

It does not have a reset button or switch on the motor. To reset, turn off the saw and remove the power supply. Wait for a few seconds, plug the saw back in, and check the user manual to know how to turn your DeWalt table back on. 

How do you reset a DeWalt table saw?

Your saw has a reset button inside the magnetic switch assembly. Pull the cover off to reset it and unplug the saw. Consult the user manual or look for a breaker in your fuse box.

How do I know if my table saw motor is bad?

If your table saw’s motor hums or makes a weak start when you turn the saw on, this shows that the starting capacitor may have failed. Within the motor, other parts fail and cause the table saw not to start.

Can a table saw motor be repaired?

Yes, you can repair some problems, but some you cannot. Figure out the fault in the table saw and work on it. If you cannot fix it alone, look for an expert or send it back to the manufacturer for fixing. Some problems result from sawdust accumulation. The regular blowing of the motor with compressed air is an effective way to extend its life.

What is a good RPM for a table saw?

Table saws run at 3,000 to 4,000 RPM, which stands for revolutions per minute. A table saw in good condition runs at 3,450 RPM. You can change the table saw blade RPM by increasing or decreasing the arbor pulley’s size.

How big should the table saw be?

A standard table saw should be around 10 inches wide. The industry assumption is that benchtop-type tables should be smaller, but you can still get a larger one. The ten-inch dimension is ideal for mobile job sites where you can move around quickly.

How to tell if the table saw blade is warped?

Put a new saw blade on the saw, and see if it still wobbles. If not, your old blade is warped, due to heat generated during heavy cutting. If the new blade wobbles, unplug the saw, remove the saw blade, and check the arbor for runout with a dial indicator.

Can you use a table saw without a riving knife?

This type of blade does not create a through cut, and a riving knife would serve no purpose. It gets in the way, blocking the completion of the cut. The riving knife should work when making standard rip cuts and crosscuts with your table saw. However, new table saw designs include a riving knife.

Can you use a table saw without a throat plate?

It is unsafe to use the table saw without a throat plate. That is in the wide-open throat insert of the top of the saw table. Use a zero-clearance insert in the throat, into which a slot is cut to accommodate the dado blade.

How to know when to replace the table saw blade?

When you have worn-down, chipped, broken, and missing teeth or chipped carbide tips, it is time to replace a circular saw blade. Check the wear line of carbide edges using a bright light and magnifying glass to determine if it is beginning to dull.

How big should the table saw sled be?

It is an inch wider than the miter slots apart, and about 12inch long.

How to tell if the table saw motor is bad?

If your table saw’s motor hums or makes a weak start when you turn the saw on, it shows that the starting capacitor may have failed. Within the motor, other parts can fail and cause the table saw not to start.

Do I need a table saw fence?

Always use the rip fence when making rip cuts. Keep material flat against the table during the cut.

How do I adjust an old Craftsman table saw?

1. Loosen, but keep a friction fit on 3 of the four bolts. 
2. Select the one bolt that could be the pivot to get the front or rear over to be parallel. 
3. Tap the trunnions and measure twice before snuggling up the remaining 3 bolts. 
4. Measure once again for good measure.
5. Pick one tooth on the blade, mark it with tape or a marker using that tooth for reference. Measure the distance to the miter slot, by rotating the blade fore and aft until you get as close to the same measurement as possible.

How do you rehab a table saw?

1. Disassemble the saw.
2. Organise hardware organised for easy cleaning and reassembly.
3. Rust removal.
4. Clean the body.
5. Paint.
6. Dissemble the electric motor.
7. Reassemble the motor.
8. Reassemble.
9. Square the blade to the table and adjust the stop on the internally threaded rods.
10. Sand the paint off the top of the table.
11. Tap a hole.
12. Wax.
13. Check the blade for running out with a dial indicator.
14. Assemble.
15. Restore the fence.
16. Finish.