Miter saw is getting harder to rotate!

Submitted by kristen on Sat, 02/12/2011 - 12:11

Help!  I've noticed lately that the base of our miter saw is getting harder to rotate.  I looked in the manual and it doesn't address this problem.  I tried to clean out the track, but that doesn't seem to have helped.  It is now getting pretty bad--I can barely move it.

 

What do I do? There doesn't seem to be much info out in cyberland about this problem.  It is a Craftsman 12" compound miter saw, if that matters with the solution (that I hope exists).  Thank you so much if you can help me!

Dan K

Sat, 02/12/2011 - 19:25

My first thought was that sawdust is built up under the fence or between the base and the turntable.  I would hit it with compressed air from every angle imaginable.  Second thought would be to check the locking mechanism to make sure it isn't binding up.  Don't take this personally, but are you releasing the lock fully before you move it?  Third possibility is that it needs to be greased to slide smoothly.  Usually that requires removing the fence portion so the turntable pivot can be accessed.

kristen

Sun, 02/13/2011 - 09:36

Thanks Dan--I'll try the compressed air today.  I just did the break-in procedure for my air compressor yesterday, so I can fire it up and try that out.  I always turn the handle on the lock mechanism until it is really loose before I rotate, but maybe I'm not unlocking it all the way??  Anything is a possibility.  I hope it isn't anything I'm doing wrong, but since it does not address this in the manual, I'm thinking it isn't ordinarily an issue.  Which makes me think I'm doing something wrong...

 

I think that perhaps some lubricant would be in order, but the little on the internet dealing with this problem warned that the wrong kind can mix up with dirt/sawdust, etc. to gunk everthing up.  Problem is, I don't know what I can use that WON'T cause that to happen.

Dan K

Sun, 02/13/2011 - 13:03

I'd recommend a dry graphite lube, it won't gum up with sawdust.  It's used to lubricate locks.

mlm247

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 01:04

Hi,

Besides lubrication and a good compressed area cleaning regularly;  Not sure what your exact setup is, but I know alot of how easily my mitersaw adjusts is based on what surface I am putting it on and if/how I have it secured to that surface.  Currently I use a nice smooth masonite door as my table surface, propped on 2 sawhores, a few simple screws into the door, but not super tight.

 

Mike

claydowling

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 08:52

I have a similar problem. I find that there is grit that gets trapped between the frame and the rotating table. I have to tear mine apart to get the grit out, then sand down the rough edges that have been raised by the grit. My grit is coming from the roof of my garage, and short of suddenly getting an indoor workspace (not happening), there's no fix for it.

I've mostly converted to hand tools though, because they simplify a lot of tasks, and I don't care for the noise of the power tools. The capacity of my saws is no longer a limiting factor, and accurate cuts at any angle are easy to make. Cutting through 12 inch wide stock is no more of a challenge than cutting through 2 inch wide stock.

kristen

Mon, 02/21/2011 - 18:33

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.  I tried to use the compressor to get rid of anything that might be clogging it up.  First hit seemed to make it easier, but then it seemed to lock up again.  The way that it  happened makes me think that maybe it is the locking mechanism rather than sawdust/grit.  But I'm not positive.  My husband doesn't want me to put any lubricant on it, but he might take it apart to see if that helps.  Luckily it is stuck at the zero mark, so I can still use it for my straight cuts Smile.

 

Just wanted to say thanks for the suggestions.  I'll try to remember to update this after he messes with it in case whatever I find out can help someone else witha similar problem.

 

Clay--I'll keep my fingers crossed that someday you get an indoor spot!

kristen

Mon, 02/21/2011 - 18:38

Forgot to add:

MLM247--unfortunately I have to work on the garage floor with the saw for now, after I haul it out of a cabinet.  Even when I brace the saw with my foot and try to rotate it toward me, it won't budge.  Hopefully someday it will have a dedicated spot up off the floor where the only setup involved is plugging it in!

claydowling

Thu, 03/03/2011 - 04:28

I'm actually getting an indoor spot in a few weeks.  New house with a workshop space in the basement.