Dead Bandsaw

[Mike Wingate]

I turned on my Startrite bandsaw, and it just went clunk. No movement of the motor or blade. I have checked the fuse and plug. both ok. The cable is fine from the plug to the connector within the bandsaw. How do I determine where the problem is. It could be the motor, starter capacitor or the on/off switch. I have common sense and a multimeter. I can strip down the switch unit, but how do you check for a burnt out motor or starter capacitor?

[bsrlee]

Basic stuff, as you said.

a) give the motor & main switch a good blow out with compressed air in case it is just sawdust - if not already done. Check if it runs - if no then unplug the machine (& put the plug in your pocket so no-one will plug it in while you aren't looking), open the on/off switch & check if it makes connections when switched - this is the cheapest part to replace. Do the same check on the cable between the motor & the switch. If all is OK, then:

b) remove the blade from the bandsaw, check if it runs (I actually had this happen to my Delta bandsaw - the angled bearing block caught one of the teeth on the blade & stalled the whole machine - then the motor bounced up & the rubber drive belt started smoking - in the Delta the motor & drive belt are loose & gravity provides enough tension). If still no go:

c) 1) remove the drive belt from the motor. 2) switch on - does motor start? - if 'no' then 3) give the shaft a quick spin. If the motor now runs, its likely to be either the capacitor or the tiny internal switch that switches the capacitor current has gone. You can probably open the motor casing & replace the capacitor with one of the same value if you feel confident. If its the internal switch or some other problem with the motor, then its off to the motor rebuilder

[Mike Wingate]

It is the coil in the Danfoss switch unit that has gone. Another is on it's way, but may have to be fitted on the exterior as it is a different size.. I may do away with the bent metal isolators and fit microswitches on the doors.

[Mike Wingate]

After a series of adventures. The saw is now working. Switch 1 had the wrong contacter. Switch 1 with correct contacter did not fit into the new box
Switch 1 was triple phase, switch 2 and contactor 2 did not work it just hummed. The overload switch was wound up and it now works. I have kept the foot brake, and fitted 2 micro switches, one on each door.