Fix blade brake on SCMS

[Bodgy]

I have a Spear & Jackson SCMS. No problems with it once I adjusted everything to true. Around 4 years old.

Last week the blade brake simply stopped working, consequently the blade takes over a minute to spin down. Great testament to the balance and bearings I guess but not practical.

Question: Can I fix/replace the brake mechanism myself? How does it work? Physical or electronic? Where is it located? Anyone done this?

[Wood Butcher]

Most of the time the blade brake is electronic. They work by shorting the current momentarily creating magnetic currents that stall the motor. I wouldn't like to try fix it myself and would highly recommend that you take the saw to a specialist. Just don't be too shocked at the cost of the repairs. Sometimes the cost of repair is not worth the cost of replacing the tool!

[Larry M]

Bodgy

Just a thought, because I have been caught myself. Check that the blade mounting is tight. It came loose on my Makita knock-off and I had a devil of a time working out why the blade kept running. Made me feel like a right dill when I found it.

Regards

Larry

[Bodgy]

Larry - a complete dill is an understaement. At least you didn't broadcast it to thousands of (deep voice) senior colleagues. Well, not till a bit later.

You are exactly correct. Blade was loose on the shaft. Funny thing was that it happened instantly, one day brake working, next day spun for minutes after power down.

Thanks for your help and saving me further embarassment and $$.

[Larry M]

Bodgy

No worries. Glad to be of help, though I did think twice about sharing the experience. Better judgement took over and I realised that if we, as forum members, aren't prepared to share our experiences, both good and bad (and embarassing) with fellow woodies, we should retreat to our caves again.

Regards

Larry