January 10, 2024

Band Saw: Why won't my band saw start?

A bad power supply, broken power cord, failed on/off switch or bad drive motor can prevent the band saw from starting. Check the power supply first. Plug a shop light or other electrical tool into the electrical outlet that you're using for the band saw to make sure the outlet works. If the electrical outlet is dead, reset the house circuit breaker for the outlet. If the outlet still doesn't work, try using a different outlet to power the band saw.

If the electrical outlet is okay, unplug the band saw and check the power cord for damage. Replace the cord if it's damaged. If the power cord is okay, use a multimeter to check for continuity through the on/off switch with the switch turned on (with the band saw still unplugged). The meter should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through the switch. If the meter measures infinite resistance, replace the switch because it's preventing the drive motor from getting power.

If the on/off switch is okay, check the wire harness connections between the switch and the drive motor. Reconnect any loose wires and repair any broken wires. If the wiring connections are okay, then you'll likely need to replace the drive motor because it doesn't run even though it should be getting electrical current through the power cord, on/off switch and wires.

band saw

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR BAND SAW PROBLEM

JC-BSAW-Replace-the-band-saw-on-off-switch

Replace the band saw On/Off switch

The On/Off switch includes a safety key. The safety key must be in place to turn on the band saw. If the switch won't activate the band saw with the safety key inserted, replace the On/Off switch.

Band saw on/off switch

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RG-BSAW-Replace-Band-Saw-On-Off-Switch-Intro-Image
April 01, 2015

How to replace a band saw on-off switch

If your band saw won't turn on or off when you flip the switch, the on/off switch might be broken. This repair guide and video show how to replace a band saw on/off switch in 4 quick steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
JC-BSAW-Replace-the-band-saw-drive-motor

Replace the band saw drive motor

The band saw motor rotates the lower wheel to spin the band saw blade. A weak motor may stop spinning when you start cutting. Replace the motor if it's weak or doesn't spin when activated.

Band saw drive motor

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JC-BSAW-Replace-the-band-saw-power-cord

Replace the band saw power cord

The power cord attaches to the start switch to provide power to the band saw. Examine the power cord regularly for damage. Broken wires in the power cord prevent the band saw from getting power. Replace the power cord if it's damaged or broken.

Band saw power cord

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Symptoms for band saws

Choose a symptom to see related band saw repairs.

Main causes: damaged rubber tire, worn wheel bearings, loose blade tension, dull saw blade…

Main causes: dull blade, improper feeding, loose blade tension, not using a work piece guide…

Main causes: dull blade, using the wrong type of blade, feeding work piece to quickly, loose blade tension…

Main causes: broken saw blade, bad drive belt, damaged rubber tire…

Main causes: angle indicator needs adjustment, dull blade…

Main causes: dull blade, using the wrong type of blade, weak drive motor…

Main causes: lack of electrical power, broken power cord, bad on/off switch, faulty drive motor…

Repair guides for band saws

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your band saw.

How to replace a band saw on-off switch

How to replace a band saw on-off switch

If the switch won't turn the band saw on or off, it could be defective. Replace the switch, using these steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a band saw blade

How to replace a band saw blade

If the saw blade is dull or damaged and isn't cutting cleanly, replace the blade following these steps.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a band saw drive belt

How to replace a band saw drive belt

If the motor runs but the blade doesn't move, it could be that the drive belt is broken. Here's how to replace it.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less

Articles and videos for band saws

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your band saw.

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

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How to tell if a fuse is blown

Learn how to tell whether a fuse is blown…

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

Learn how to use a multimeter to check for wiring problems in an appliance that's not working…