Table Saw not starting

[Justin Foley]

Finally got my new Shop Fox 1837 assembled and calibrated! Went to do a test run, and it's not starting. Checked all the usual stuff, but nothing is obvious. Here's hoping it's an easy fix! Got lots to do this weekend.

Edit: The minimum circuit size is 120v on 20a. The breaker is only 15a. I know nothing of electricity, but could that be the issue?

[glenn bradley]

Starting simple first, the saw is 120v or 240v capable. Did it come pre-wired for one or the other and is your outlet a match for that?

[George Bokros]

Is the breaker tripping?

[Justin Foley]

Glenn,

The saw is pre-wired for 120v and can be upgraded to 240v. The issue "could" be related to the circuit size. I have 15a installed now, but it needs 20a to run.

[Justin Foley]

George,

I don't believe so. Usually when the breaker trips, the overhead lights go out. In this case, that didn't happen. I'll take a closer look when I get home.

[Simon MacGowen]

Finally got my new Shop Fox 1837 assembled and calibrated! Went to do a test run, and it's not starting. Checked all the usual stuff, but nothing is obvious. Here's hoping it's an easy fix! Got lots to do this weekend.

Edit: The minimum circuit size is 120v on 20a. The breaker is only 15a. I know nothing of electricity, but could that be the issue?

The outlet is indeed working? Plug in a power tool there to check.

It is possible the switch is defective. It happened to me once with a dust collector. It cost me $50...I wish I had known it was a bad switch and I could've replaced the switch myself for $8!

A 15a circuit can at least start your saw, so it should not be the source of your problem. But it will trip if you push your saw hard...better add a 20a circuit to your panel, especially if you are going to use the saw with an auto switch for your dust collector or vac. Before you call an electrician (it is likely a $200 job), check your panel to see if there may be already a 20a circuit wired to your shop. Sometimes, an outlet or two in the shop (garage?) may be wired to a different circuit breaker.

Simon

[Mike Cutler]

The breaker size wouldn't stop it from starting, or attempting to start.
Are sure that the saw is configured for 120vac in the motor connection box?
Is there an external thermal trip on the motor that needs to be reset?
You really need to find out of you're getting power through the switch and to the motor. If you have a DMM it be a big help.
It is a new saw though, so don't go to far before you call wherever you bought it and send it back.

[Simon MacGowen]

The breaker size wouldn't stop it from starting, or attempting to start.
Are sure that the saw is configured for 120vac in the motor connection box?
Is there an external thermal trip on the motor that needs to be reset?
You really need to find out of you're getting power through the switch and to the motor. If you have a DMM it be a big help.
It is a new saw though, so don't go to far before you call wherever you bought it and send it back.

Good points on two fronts:
- the reset on the motor: try it! It has helped me on more than one occasion.
- if after some "user-level" attempts and you still have a lemon, call the vendor for help. They may have some diagnostic advice/ready fix. It is not your job to fix a defective machine when bought new.

Simon

[Bill Dufour]

Does it make any noise at all when the on button is pushed or flipped? Is it a simple toggle switch or a contactor.
Bill D

[Lee Schierer]

Since you indicate other tools work in the outlet, there is power available to the saw. You mentioned that the lights are on the same circuit so they are using some of the available amperage. The saw is rated at 2 HP and requires a 20 Amp circuit. It should start on a 15 amp circuit but will likely trip the breaker when it starts leaving you in the dark. You need a dedicated circuit with 12 gauge wire and a 20 amp breaker to prevent shut downs.

You don't seem to have much electrical experience so you need to find someone who does to help you trouble shoot the problem. The place you purchased it may have someone who can help or when the electrician you should hire to provide proper power to your saw may be able to help you. The electrician can also check where teh problem is on your saw. Since the saw is new, the warranty should cover any broken parts.

[Bill Bukovec]

Where do you live? A fellow creeker ( with a volmeter) my be near and willing to help.

[Bill Dufour]

If you need to upgrade to 20 amp anyway run at least #10 wire so you can upgrade to 30 amps later if you get a cabinet saw.
Bil lD.

[Justin Foley]

Lee, to say I don't have much electrical experience is an understatement. I can put in an outlet, but that's the about the extent of it! I'm having an electrician install some additional outlets in the garage and will speak with him about a dedicated circuit for the saw.

Thanks for the help, guys!

[Von Bickley]

Check to be sure that the outlet has power. If this outlet is in a garage, it may be on a ground fault outlet.

[Simon MacGowen]

If you need to upgrade to 20 amp anyway run at least #10 wire so you can upgrade to 30 amps later if you get a cabinet saw.
Bil lD.

Darn. Should have done that when I ran my 20a circuit for a MIG last summer.

Simon

[Bill Dufour]

Welders are weird by NEC. A 50 amp stick welder only needs 40 amp wire on a 50 amp breaker and outlet. But mig and tig require full size wire. When I put in my welder outlet I used full size 50 amp wire because it was only like three feet and I got a remnant cheaper then the new 40 amp size would have cost.
Bill D

[Ben Zara]

It does not sound like the breaker is the problem. The motor is not even attempting to fire up.

Check the wire connections on the saw and the switch.

[Justin Foley]

I spoke with tech support. The problem was the magnet or something on the START button wasn't fully engaging the wiring (or something like that). Either way, it purrs like a kitten and cuts like a knife through butter.

[Lee Schierer]

Congratulations on getting your problem resolved. Thanks for letting us know.

Now that you have it working, be sure to perform a precision alignment of the blade and fence to the miter slot so you get the best performance out of you new saw. New saws are not always well aligned. You should get no burn marks when ripping or cross cutting.

[Rollie Meyers]

Welders are weird by NEC. A 50 amp stick welder only needs 40 amp wire on a 50 amp breaker and outlet. But mig and tig require full size wire. When I put in my welder outlet I used full size 50 amp wire because it was only like three feet and I got a remnant cheaper then the new 40 amp size would have cost.
Bill D

It all has to do with duty cycles, welders can use wire & breaker/fuse combinations that are not allowed for normal branch circuits, and that means smaller wire on a 50A then the example shown above, but for a home shop I prefer to use normal branch circuit requirements since things could change. Motors & HVAC has similar exceptions.


To the OP, does the saw have a magnetic starter? If it does, reset the overload relay on the starter, check if there is a overload reset on the motor also, if those do not apply then more involved troubleshooting will be involved. Photos will help.