Craftsman Radial Arm Saw Fix: DIY Guide

The Craftsman radial arm saw, a fixture in many workshops, represents a versatile but sometimes temperamental tool. Often, issues arise from worn components like the motor brushes, requiring replacement to maintain optimal performance. Proper maintenance, guided by resources such as Sears PartsDirect, is critical for extending the lifespan of these machines, particularly models like the Craftsman 113 series. This guide provides a DIY approach to common repairs, empowering users to troubleshoot and fix their Craftsman radial arm saw and avoid costly repairs from qualified professionals such as tool repair specialists.

Deconstructing Your Craftsman Radial Arm Saw Fix: A DIY Guide Structure

A successful "Craftsman Radial Arm Saw Fix: DIY Guide" article requires a structure that is logical, easy to follow, and caters to the reader’s need for practical, actionable information. Your primary objective is to provide a step-by-step walkthrough enabling users to confidently address common issues with their Craftsman radial arm saw. Here’s a breakdown of an effective structure:

1. Introduction: Setting the Stage

• Begin with a concise overview of the Craftsman radial arm saw, acknowledging its popularity and potential longevity. Highlight its importance in a workshop setting.
• Clearly state the purpose of the guide: to empower users to diagnose and fix common problems themselves, saving time and money on professional repairs.
• Emphasize safety. A Craftsman radial arm saw is a powerful tool, and emphasizing safety precautions from the outset is paramount. Mention the importance of unplugging the saw before any troubleshooting or repair.

2. Safety First: Essential Precautions

This section is critical. Make it prominent and easily accessible.

• Unplugging the Saw: Repeat this as a key safety step.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  • Eye protection (safety glasses or face shield).
  • Hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs).
  • Gloves (for grip and protection).
• Clear Workspace: Ensure a clean and uncluttered workspace.
• Understanding the Manual: Stress the importance of consulting the original Craftsman radial arm saw manual for specific safety guidelines related to their model.
• Emergency Procedures: Briefly mention knowing where the nearest first aid kit is and how to respond to an injury.

3. Troubleshooting: Diagnosing the Problem

This is the detective work. Help readers pinpoint the issue.

• Common Problems: Create a table that lists common issues and their potential causes.

  Problem	Possible Causes
  Saw won’t start	Power cord issue, faulty switch, tripped circuit breaker, motor problem.
  Motor runs, but blade doesn’t spin	Loose belt, damaged belt, seized arbor.
  Blade wobbles or vibrates excessively	Bent blade, loose arbor nut, worn arbor bearings, misaligned track.
  Cuts are not square or accurate	Fence misalignment, table misalignment, blade not square to the fence, excessive play in the arm.
  Saw arm is difficult to move or binds	Lack of lubrication, rust or corrosion on the track, damaged bearings, debris in the track.
  Excessive sparking from the motor brush area	Worn motor brushes, commutator issues.

• Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedures: For each common problem, offer a structured approach to diagnosis. For example:
  • Saw won’t start:
    1. Check the power cord for damage.
    2. Test the outlet with another device.
    3. Inspect the on/off switch.
    4. Check the circuit breaker.
    5. If all else fails, the motor may need professional attention.

4. DIY Repair Guides: Step-by-Step Instructions

This is the heart of your guide. Choose a few of the most common and easily repairable issues. For example:

• Replacing a Worn Drive Belt:
  1. Tools Required: Screwdriver, wrench (size specific to the saw).
  2. Parts Needed: Replacement drive belt (ensure it’s the correct size and type for your Craftsman radial arm saw model).
  3. Steps:
     a. Unplug the saw.
     b. Remove the belt guard.
     c. Loosen the motor mounting bolts to relieve tension on the old belt.
     d. Remove the old belt.
     e. Install the new belt, ensuring it’s properly seated on the pulleys.
     f. Tighten the motor mounting bolts to restore belt tension.
     g. Reinstall the belt guard.
     h. Test the saw (after re-checking all safety precautions).
• Cleaning and Lubricating the Arm Track:
  1. Tools Required: Screwdriver, wire brush, clean rags.
  2. Materials Needed: Solvent (e.g., mineral spirits), lubricant (e.g., lithium grease or dry lubricant).
  3. Steps:
     a. Unplug the saw.
     b. Remove any debris or rust from the track using the wire brush.
     c. Clean the track with the solvent and a rag.
     d. Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the track.
     e. Move the arm back and forth to distribute the lubricant evenly.
• Replacing Motor Brushes:
  1. Tools Required: Screwdriver, needle-nose pliers.
  2. Parts Needed: Correct replacement motor brushes for your Craftsman radial arm saw model.
  3. Steps:
     a. Unplug the saw.
     b. Locate the brush holders on the motor housing (usually on opposite sides).
     c. Remove the brush holder caps.
     d. Carefully extract the old brushes.
     e. Insert the new brushes, ensuring they are oriented correctly.
     f. Replace the brush holder caps.
     g. Run the saw briefly (with no material) to seat the brushes.

For each repair guide, use clear, concise language. Include photographs or diagrams to illustrate each step. Number the steps for clarity.

5. Advanced Repairs and When to Seek Professional Help

• Acknowledge that some repairs are beyond the scope of a typical DIYer.
• Examples of situations requiring professional assistance:
  • Motor repairs (rewinding, bearing replacement).
  • Arbor repairs (bearing replacement, arbor straightening).
  • Major structural damage.
  • Electrical problems beyond simple switch replacement.
• Provide guidance on finding a qualified repair technician. Suggest looking for specialists in vintage power tools, as they are more likely to have experience with older Craftsman radial arm saws.

So, there you have it! Hopefully, this guide has given you the confidence to tackle those common issues with your Craftsman radial arm saw. Remember to always prioritize safety and take your time. Happy woodworking!