Safety Issue - DW 125 Radial Arm saw
While working with my RAS [DeWalt 125 - actually a re-badged Tatry from Italy] it threw out my safety switch which cut all power in my shed.
The saw was purchased in the early 80's and has never missed a beat until now. My first prediction was that perhaps there was a problem with the switch - I was wrong. My mate the Sparkie has just been - there is a "dead short" to earth, the switch is fine but when the motor cover was removed all of the wiring connecting the actual motor to the switch was bare and the housing was littered with pieces of brittle plastic insulation. I was of the understanding that this could happen with the old rubber wiring but not the plastic insulated type.
I can't really explain how this has happened just that it has and feel that anyone with an old saw might be smart to check out their internal wiring. The actual lead to the power point is fine it is just the internal connecting wires. My motor is currently having the wires replaced, windings etc checked and hopefully will have it back next week with not too large a dent in my wallet.
As to what could have happened to me or the motor if there had not been the safety switch - well, I guess I don't really want to go there.
I would ask all to .........
Check your wiring.
Have a safety switch and ensure that it is functioning correctly.
Regards,
Bob
PS If the Mods feel that this would be better placed in the Safety forum by all means go ahead.
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DW125 Insulation Failure 2016
Hi Folks,
Although this thread has been dormant for a while I thought it worth mentioning that my DW125 failed last week in the exact same way as Bob described. The insulation on the active and neutral inside the junction box was completely brittle with visible bare copper among the scorching. I decided to follow the issue into the motor housing and the insulation deterioration was present all the way into the (damaged) windings. I've attached a photo of the windings and the damaged insulation for reference.
It has been a great saw and I'm going to cost getting it rewound (anyone have recommendation in Sydney - much appreciated if so); however, Bob's advice should be heeded for anyone purchasing one of these (and there are 3 currently on eBay) - check the internal wiring as soon as possible.
The squirrel cage motor was a fun thing to take apart, so it's not all bad :rolleyes:
Cheers,
Olly