1hp Craftsman Motor tripping the switch-help!

[Model A Fan]

So last week I went to use my table saw like I had so many times. However, for some reason, it spit flames out of the cord when I plugged it into the extension cord.

I replaced the switch (that was never wired in the first place) and a new grounded cord. Now, when I plugged it in it tried to turn on, but it just trips the switch and cuts the electricity to the motor.

I need to get it running, so does anyone have any advice for the motor? Should I bypass the switch like someone else did and just wire it to run when plugged in?

 

[Model A Fan]

Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?

 

[crguy]

Look for a shorted wire.

 

[Cruzan80]

Pictures of the exact motor and wiring would probably help. Is it one of the older chrome-center ones, a black GP motor, direct drive?

 

[w1im]

Without further information it sounds like the original fault was not fixed by what you did, or you created a new one.

When you repaired it, did you find the problem that caused the sparks?

 

[Model A Fan]

Pictures of the exact motor and wiring would probably help. Is it one of the older chrome-center ones, a black GP motor, direct drive?

Turned aluminum center with blue-gray paint. I did not tear into the motor, just accessed the wiring under the mounting plate.

This is the type that comes with the 10" table saw.

 

[7th Kahuna]

Turned aluminum center with blue-gray paint. I did not tear into the motor, just accessed the wiring under the mounting plate.

This is the type that comes with the 10" table saw.

Sears has sold a variety of ten inch saws over the years. I'm guessing you are referring to a model 101.xxxxx or 103.xxxxx saw.

I'm assuming you can still spin both the motor and the saw's arbor manually (and freely).

It sounds like your problem may have started out as a short in the cord but I suppose that short could have destroyed the start capacitor. Pull the motor, remove the plate, double check your connections, check the insulation on the leads coming out of the motor for cracks and evidence of a short, carefully slip the cardboard sleeve off the capacitor and inspect it for damage / burns. Use your nose. Any wire insulation older than 30 years is suspect in my book.

If I am picturing the right motor, I have read on this board that those 'flat' capacitors are no longer available. You would need to create a housing for a new cylindrical capacitor mounted outside the base, or find yourself a replacement motor.

Something else, I hate to hear table saw and extension cord in the same sentence. I understand it is often a necessary evil but make sure you have a proper gauge extension cord for the motor and that the cord is no longer than absolutely necessary. Home Depot sells a 'heavy duty' 16 gauge 100 foot cord. The only thing heavy duty about a 16 ga, 110 volt cord is possibly the outer orange cover. I have an 18 gauge, 100 foot extension cord that I got from my grandfather. He used to use it for his 1 horse power 1970's Craftsman electric mower. I'm amazed both the mower and the cord survived. (It was a small lawn.)

If you can post pictures, I'm sure folks will be willing to help.

 

[Cruzan80]

Don't have the 1hp, but I do have a similar 1/2hp I can take a picture of if that helps. My 1hp of the same vintage died after the overload reset switch jammed and I lost parts when disassembling (didn't have the knowledge I do now).