i bought the dewalt dw735 thicknesser in november 2008, used it for 3 hours, it worked flawlessly. no snipe and beautiful finish.

blew the dust off it 2 weeks ago, run 1.8x250x35 pine through it for several bookcases, it started to slow down after 3 hours work.
i changed the blades thinking this was the culprit.
fed another length of pine through it, got half way through , motor starts to lose revs, i could hear the difference with my earmuffs on.
at the same time, smoke starts coming out of the motor housing, i hit the stop button fast, remove timber and bring back to the shop i purchased from.

that was 2 weeks ago, i am still waiting for it, i have rang the shop i bought it from, they contacted dewalt and told me the new parts had just arrived.
dewalt said the brushes were completely worn down, that i should have checked them.

i have used this machine for a maximum of 6 hours work, i did not realise i have to check the brushes twice a day when i am working onsite or at my workshop.

my question is, has anyone had similar experience with this particular model or any other brand of thicknesser?
my thicknesser is still under warranty, but i am uncertain if i am covered or not.