Broken(?) Circular Saw

[Mr-H]

Just wondered if anyone might be able to advise .... My son borrowed my circular saw and has rung tonight saying that it's not working. He says that the motor is working well, but the blade is not turning, then it will for a very short time, then it stops again etc. Says he has checked the centre bolt which holds the blade in place and that it is tight. Sounds to me like it might be a clutch-type of problem? Does it sound repairable from my description, any ideas where/how it might be repaired? I believe it is actually an own-label item from the now defunct Focus is that info is of any use.

[jomifl]

Most DIY circular saws are direct drive so no clutch is involved. Is it possible that the blade has been replaced incorrectly?

[jno]

maybe the blade's just got blunt and can't cut through things any more?

[Mr-H]

I've told him (sonny boy!!) to let me look at it tomorrow, and I'll certainly check out your suggestions. I just assumed 'gearbox/clutch'. Also, I would have thought that it would be difficult to 'blunt' some of the ripblades which are used in these saws! However still worth checking - if the blade turns when not under pressure but stops when you ask it to cut it sounds to me something other than simple bluntness of blade though.

[jomifl]

It sounds as if the flats either on the blade centre or the drive shaft or both have been damaged.

[ELVIS68]

What type of blade is it?

[jomifl]

When tightning the centre bolt it is essential to ensure that the blade is first properly engaged with the flats on the drive shaft .

[ELVIS68]

Golden Rule.... Never lend your tools out to your kids

Got that from my old man after I borrowed his chop saw lol

[wildwood]

Please be very careful. The symptoms you describe indicate a lose blade. Under normal working operation the blade spins against the thread on the bold but if it keeps spinning when the trigger is released, the bolt that fastens the blade could unscrew.

I suspect the blade has the wrong arbor or it has not been seated properly.

[Clanad]

Sounds like a good time (and excuse) to invest in a cordless battery powered circular saw. I finally bought one a few months ago and wouldn't be without it!

[rikilee]

Sounds like you need new brushes fittd mr.

[Mr-H]

I'm advised that it's the gearing that's breaking up, and, given that it was only £30 or so from Focus DIY (shows how long I've had it!!), it will probably cost more to repair than it's worth, so maybe it is time to invest in a replacement. For CLANAD - which one did you buy, and is it nay good?