Dead Dewalt?

[mrsn]

I am having bad luck with killing saws this year. I just got to work and found out one of my dewalts won't turn on. Do any of you have any ideas of what I could do to try to fix it?
Thanks
MrsN

[scrollgirl]

Hi, MrsN!
You can take off the black housing at the top arm and see if you can clean the switch.  Sometimes the wires just get loose a little bit too.  If after playing with it a bit nothing still happens, you will need to order a new switch.  This only costs about $10 and I can send you a schematic of the DW if you want.  Email me at sheilalandrydesigns@gmail.com if you want it.  Try the other first though, as I have had lots of success just making sure the wires are tight.

Good luck!  Sheila

[JJammo1]

When you get it going again, consider getting a foot switch and you won't need to worry about it anymore. It will just stay in the on position and powered by the footswitch. Sounds like a common problem.

[mainberg]

And cover it with packing tape to keep the dust out.
Pat B

[dunk]

It may also be as simple as replacing the fuse.  If cleaning the switch does not do the trick check the fuse.

[mrsn]

I had just a few minuets to look at it between classes this morning. I checked the fuse and it looks good. I will take the top off this afternoon. Thanks for the ideas!

[dgman]

Hey MrsN, The main culprit is dust getting between the contacts inside the switch. First, try blowing out the dust with compressed air. Turn the switch on and off a couple of times, this usually works for me. It that does not work, you can try some electrical contact spray cleaner. As a last resort you can take the switch apart and clean the contact with sand paper. Just remember how you took it apart!

[Bill P]

Don't laugh, but hit the side of your saw.  DeWalt saw motors can stop between the bushings making contact.  According to a local repairman, he gets a good number of DeWalt saws that the customer swears wasn't working, but work great when he turns them on.  He thinks just the act of putting them in their vehicle to bring them to his shop moves the motor enough to solve the issue.

The Real Bill

P.S. Although I'd bet it's the dust/switch issue.

[GrayBeard]

In other words Bill P is saying that you should try the U. A. T.!!!

U.A.T. = Universal Adjustment Tool!
Also known to most as a "rubber mallet"!

~~GrayBeard~~~

[Russ C]

OMG, If it don't work, beat on it. LOL 

[tas2181]

Bill is right. Mine does this occasionally when it is cool in the shop. (below 55?) A good rap on the motor housing with a soft piece of wood or rubber mallet gets it going again.
I have a foot switch with the saw switch covered in plastic to keep out the dust so that isn't a problem.

[dgman]

Well MrsN, did you have any luck!

[mrsn]

I thought I got back to you all on this one.

I tried the UAT but it didn't help this time. I was about to tear it apart to check out the switch when it dawned on me that the saw was bought a couple of months ago and should be under warenty. Since the kids just finished the sememster, they won't be using it for a couple of weeks. I am going to let someone else worry about this one. 

[Russ C]

If it is still under warranty I would defiantly send it to the repair center.