Table Saw Motor Hums Won’t Turn – 4 Reasons You Haven’t Thought of

A non-spinning table saw motor is nothing but a burden. But if it still hums but doesn’t spin, it can be fixed easily. 

So, what to do when the table saw motor hums won’t turn?

The most common issue is problems with the capacitor. The capacitor is what makes the current from DC to AC. So replace it and it will work just fine. But if the motor is running on DC power, you might need to replace the brushes. The brushes burn out when the motor takes high pressure.

There can be more issues with your motor. I discussed a few common problems and gave their solutions. So don’t miss out!

What are the Possible Reasons?  

It’s not just you, anyone with a saw can face these issues. Even craftsman table saw motor problems are really common. 

And these motors face some common problems every now and then. But, they do have some easy fixes. I have listed a few of the problems and their solutions down below. 

Reason 1: Capacitor Went Bad

The most common problem with these motors turns out to be with the capacitors. Capacitors are an important part of a motor. It is the part that makes the difference between AC and DC motors. 

If your electric motor hums but won’t turn, the problem is with the capacitor. It’s not like a table saw blade won’t turn without a capacitor. If you give it a push, it will start spinning.

This problem can be seen in other saws as well. You might see, the bandsaw motor just hums. In this case, changing the capacitor will fix this issue.  

Solution

The only and the easiest solution to this is to change the capacitors. You can see the capacitor being attached with the motor on top of it. Usually, they are screwed down to the body of the motor. 

Unscrew the capacitors and detach the wires from them. This leaves you with broken capacitors. Do remember to check what voltage they operate in. Purchase the exact type of capacitors for your motor.

There can be different types of capacitors even in one motor. Usually, there is a starter capacitor and a runner capacitor. Though, the motor can also have a single capacitor. You need to get a table saw capacitor.

Using a capacitor that has higher resistance is better than using which has less. A capacitor that has lower resistance might not withstand the power of the motor. 

Let’s say your motor operates at 120V. Then if you attach a 240V capacitor, the motor will work just fine. But if you use a 120V capacitor on a 240V motor, the motor can catch on fire. 

It’s kinda like using a completely different size of propane line for generators. You’ll see the propane is dripping everywhere.  

Reason 2: Start Switch Or the Governor Went Bad

Sometimes the problems are not that difficult. The motor needs to have contact with the start switch otherwise, it won’t start. 

Also, the governor in the motor has to work properly. Or the motor might hurt you. The governor in the motor measures the speed. So you need to make sure the governor is connected properly. 

If the governor is not regulating the speed, your motor will go out of control. 

Solution

The solution to this problem is really simple as well. You need a good screwdriver and some muscle strength to open the motor. 

After you open the motor. You can see the connection of the switch. See if the wires are connected properly. Usually, wires can come to lose over some time because of the vibration of the motors. 

Moreover, if the governor is not functioning properly, you can loosen it up. This will make sure the speed is in control again. So, loosen the screws from the bottom to let the governor free. 

Reason 3: The Motor Brushes Might Have Burnt out

Motor brushes are one of the most important parts of a DC motor. This type of motor is really simple. 

It consists of only 3 parts. The body, the magnetic coils, and the brushes. The brushes make the motor spin.

If your motor has run for a really long time, the brushes can burn out. In that case, changing the brushes is the only thing to do. 

Solution

To change the brushes the only tool you will be needing is a screwdriver. The brushes are located at the back of the motor. Usually, the wires are connected to the back of the motor where the brushes are. 

Installing a good motor brush is important. That way your motor can take more pressure.

You’ll be able to see two big screws at the back of the motor. That is where the brushes sit. 

Unscrew those screws and you will be able to pull the brushes out. Figure out the type of brushes the motor used before you get the new one. 

You see, not all brushes are the same for all types of motors. When you get the new one, just push them inside and you are good to go. 

Reason 4: Bearing Failure 

The bearing is the part that makes the coil of the motor spin separately from the body. If the bearing is not spinning freely, the motor will struggle to spin. 

You might find a table saw motor runs but blade does not move. In this case, the problem might be with the bearing. A good bearing will ensure you more safety.

However, having a saw guard is important. A guard can save your hands one day. Though the guard might face problems as well. The saw guard problem of Rigid miter is really frequent. 

So how to fix this bearing problem?

Solution 

If your motor is facing a bearing problem, you have to change it or lubricate it. To change or to lubricate a bearing, you need a bearing remover. For this, I use the Orion Motor Tech Kit.

But first, you need to disassemble the motor. As we said before, there are 3 parts in a motor. The brushes, the magnetic coil, and the magnetic body. 

The bearing sits on the coil of the motor. There should be 2 of them on each side of the coil. The bearing looks like a circular disk. 

If you don’t how to take apart a table saw then watch the following video:

Afterward, if the bearing can spin, you should lubricate it with bearing grease. You can either use the Marine grease or the Allstar bearing grease. It’ll save the bearings from washout and corrosion. 

But if the bearing is not spinning smoothly, replacing it is the best option.

First, attach the bearing remover to the bearing and pull the bearing out. Afterward, attach the same model of the bearing to the coil. Using the same model or type is important. Otherwise, the bearing might not fit.

These are all the common problems that your table saw motor can face. So, make sure you check what is the problem, and solve it accordingly. 

What to Check Other Than the Motor?

Other than the motor, there can be different types of problems. Such as problems in the circuit breaker or switches or the plug port. 

Checking these other things will make you save time. I have given the common problems and their fixes below. 

The Circuit Breaker

Circuit breakers are the safety switches of your house. If there were any power surge in your area, the breaker must have turned the switch off. 

Go can check if the breaker has all the switches upwards. If you see one down, push it up to turn it on. Come back and check if the motor is working. 

Switches

Problems with the switches are very common as well. Check if the main switch to the motor is turned on. If it still doesn’t work, there might be problems with the switch. 

Open the switchboard and check if all the connections are ok. Check if other switches are working. If the connections are loose, then tighten it up and see if the motor works. 

Plug Ports

If your motor gets its power from a plug, see if it is connected. Wires which sit tangled usually break from inside. 

So, check if the wires are under any stress or the plug is connected properly. 

At last, if none of the above-mentioned techniques works for you then it’s time to get a new table saw. But this time buy a very durable one with a warranty. So that you don’t face any such problem in hear future.

FAQs

Endnote

That’s everything you need to know if your table saw motor hums won’t turn.

You need to be careful around table saws. So have a safe motor in your table saw. 

Happy woodcutting!