Tips to find your model number
Product type
Select appliance
Model numbers typically look like this:
Table Saw: Why doesn't my table saw 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.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TABLE SAW PROBLEM
Replace the table saw On/Off switch
The On/Off switch starts and stops the motor. Replace the On/Off switch if it won't activate or deactivate the table saw's motor with the safety key inserted.
Table saw on/off switch
Find the required part specific to your product.
Replace the table saw drive motor
The table saw blade mounts directly to the drive motor arbor to spin the saw blade for cutting wood. A defective drive motor won't start or it trips the overload. Replace the drive motor if it's defective or worn out.
Table saw drive motor
Find the required part specific to your product.
How to replace a table saw drive motor
If your table saw motor won't start, the motor might be worn. This repair guide and video show how to replace a table saw drive motor.
Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
Replace the table saw motor overload
The table saw motor overload shuts off electrical power to the motor to protect the motor if it overloads or overheats. After the motor cools down, pressing the reset switch on the motor overload restores power to the motor circuit. Replace the motor overload if it won't reset or false trips.
Table saw motor overload
Find the required part specific to your product.
How to replace a table saw drive motor
If your table saw motor won't start, the motor might be worn. This repair guide and video show how to replace a table saw drive motor.
Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
Replace the table saw power cord
The power cord transfers power from the wall outlet to the On/Off switch to turn on the table saw. Examine the power cord regularly. Replace a worn, cut or damaged power cord before using the saw.
Table saw power cord
Find the required part specific to your product.
Symptoms for table saws
Choose a symptom to see related table saw repairs.
Main causes: lack of power, broken on/off switch, bad motor overload, broken power cord, bad drive motor…
Main causes: dirty saw blade, dull or damaged saw blade, blade alignment needs adjustment…
Main causes: saw dust build up, blade elevating and tilting mechanisms need lubrication…
Main causes: worn motor brushes, faulty drive motor, using an improper extension cord…
Main causes: blade alignment needs adjustment, worn blade, bevel positive stops need adjustments, bevel pointer needs ad…
Main causes: worn motor brushes, bad drive motor, faulty overload switch, using an improper extension cord, binding saw …
Repair guides for table saws
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your table saw.
How to replace a table saw drive motor
You can replace a table saw drive motor that is weak or won't run. Here’s how.…
Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
How to adjust a table saw blade
If the table saw isn’t cutting parallel to the miter gauge groove, adjust the cutting blade following the instructions i…
Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to replace a table saw motor brush set
Worn motor brushes can make the table saw motor run weak. Here’s how to replace them. …
Repair difficulty
Time required
45 minutes or less
Articles and videos for table saws
Use the advice and tips in these articles to get the most out of your table saw.
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Learn some of the basic rules for safely operating a table saw.…