Fixing your Emerson table saw when it won't start
A failed power supply, broken on/off switch, bad motor overload, broken power cord or failed drive motor can prevent the table saw motor from starting.
First, try resetting the overload. If the table saw motor won't start after resetting the overload, then the saw may not be getting power from the electrical outlet. Check to see if the electrical outlet works by plugging another electric tool or appliance into the outlet. Reset the house circuit breaker for the electrical outlet if the outlet is dead. Plug the table saw power cord into a different outlet if resetting the house circuit breaker doesn't restore power to the electrical outlet.
If the outlet works, check the power cord for damage or disconnected wires. Reconnect any loose power cord wires. Replace the power cord if it's damaged.
A bad overload can prevent the motor from starting. Unplug the table saw and check for continuity through the overload using a multimeter. Replace the overload if the meter doesn't measure continuity through the overload.
A failed on/off switch can also prevent the motor from starting. With the table saw unplugged, check for continuity through the on/off switch with the switch turned on. Replace the on/off switch if the meter doesn't measure continuity.
Common Emerson table saw replacement parts
- Blade guard. The table saw’s blade guard is a clear plastic cover positioned over the blade. The blade guard prevents accidental hand contact with the saw blade.
- Carbon motor brushes. The spring-loaded motor brushes on the table saw mount against the rotating armature, transferring power to the armature.
- Drive motor. The drive motor rotates the arbor shaft to spin the saw blade.
- Motor overload. The table saw’s motor overload prevents motor damage by shutting off power to the motor when the blade binds up in the work piece overheating the motor. A reset switch on the overload allows you to restore power to the motor after the motor cools down and you clear the blade.