Craftsman wandering blues

[Dick Brown]

Buddy of mine has an older Craftsman direct drive 10" saw that the arbor appears to drift in and out about 3/16" as it is running. When it is stopped and you try to move it by the edge of the blade, it seems tight and no in/out movement. Haven't dug into it at all at this point but wondered if any of you had run into this and could give me a hint of what to look for other than the nearest metal recycle bin.
Thanks

[John McClanahan]

Sounds like the spring steel wavy thrust washer in the motor is broken or worn out. Often, small motors have one of these to remove end play in the motor shaft. Doesn't surprise me.

John

[Lee Schierer]

Those direct drive saws were a really bad idea. In order to get much cutting capacity they had to use a small motor. The motors were pretty cheap and the problem you are seeing means that the saw is at the end of its life. Most likely the bearings are failing. Time to replace it with something better.

[Bill White]

Dump it. You could be chasing a ghost for repair.
Bill