Thread: Table saw motor hums but won’t run

If there is no capacitor maybe there should be one and it's missing.

Hi Bohdan
Saw was working fine up until a couple of years ago. I’ve had it for close to 20 years I suppose. Gradually got worse over time to the point it won’t start at all now.

Disregard the previous post. The motor is fitted with a centrifical starting switch. Either the switch is not closing when the motor is stationary or the starter winding is shot.

The switch may be simply not closing because of dirt buildup on the contacts (most likely) so you need to open the housing to see if there is any obstruction to the operation of the switch. The switch should be located on the motor on the end away from the pulley.

A possible repair may be to give the motor some very solid wacks to try and dislodge the dirt and loosen the switch mechanism.

Originally Posted by Bohdan

Disregard the previous post. The motor is fitted with a centrifical starting switch. Either the switch is not closing when the motor is stationary or the starter winding is shot.

The switch may be simply not closing because of dirt buildup on the contacts (most likely) so you need to open the housing to see if there is any obstruction to the operation of the switch. The switch should be located on the motor on the end away from the pulley.

A possible repair may be to give the motor some very solid wacks to try and dislodge the dirt and loosen the switch mechanism.

Thanks Bohdan
Tried to take the housing off to get a better look but didn’t want to use to much force. Gave it a decent blow out with compressed air to no avail. If I give it a spray with wd40 will it cause any problems?

The housing usually needs to be knocked off. It is a tight fit as it holds the bearing. The WD40 won't do any real harm but it also probably won't do any good. You need to get the cover off to see what's causing the problem as the switch may have started to disintegrate.

PS Make sure that you are unplugged while working on the motor.

PPS If you get it apart check the bearings while your at it. If not sure just replace them.

Cheers thanks for your help.
Will update once housings off, probably next weekend as we’re just about to do a camp oven roast and that requires the drinking of red wine

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