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.

table saw

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR TABLE SAW PROBLEM

JC-TSAW-Replace-the-table-saw-on-off-switch

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.

JC-TSAW-Replace-the-table-saw-drive-motor

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.

RG-TSAW-Replace-Table-Saw-Drive-Motor-Intro-Image
April 01, 2015

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
JC-TSAW-Replace-the-table-saw-motor-overload

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.

RG-TSAW-Replace-Table-Saw-Drive-Motor-Intro-Image
April 01, 2015

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
JC-TSAW-Replace-the-table-saw-power-cord

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: worn motor brushes, faulty drive motor, using an improper extension cord…

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

Main causes: saw dust build up, blade elevating and tilting mechanisms need lubrication…

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 …

Main causes: dirty saw blade, dull or damaged saw blade, blade alignment needs adjustment…

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 adjust a table saw blade

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 drive motor

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 replace a table saw blade

How to replace a table saw blade

If the table saw blade is dull or damaged, use these simple steps to replace it.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 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.

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How to enjoy all the online benefits we offer on our Sears PartsDirect website

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How to use a multimeter to test electrical parts video

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