April 19, 2023

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.

April 01, 2015

By Lyle Weischwill

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.

April 01, 2015

By Lyle Weischwill

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.