Craftsman 8" Radial Arm Saw

[kdealkev]

Hey all, I recently picked this thing up for about 5 bucks. They guy I bought it from said it needed brushes. Problem is the originals are missing. Anyone have any idea on where I should start here?? I tried Searspartsdirect and found some information but nothing helpful as far as brushes part number or specs. I just dont know carbon brushes, they were before my time as far as replacing. And so I am pretty lost.

 

[zkling]

I'd start by checking the armature for shorts. Usualy when people say "it just needs brushes" it really has an armature problem. To source brushes, some good dimensions of brush holder holes and a talk to a local motor shop should get you some serviceable brushes.

 

[Stuart in MN]

My local Ace hardware store has a drawer of assorted electric motor brushes. If you have a similar store nearby, bring the motor down there and see if you can find something that fits the brush holders.

 

[gungatim]

ditto to above. Find and old Ace or the oldest hardware store you can, find an old codger, show him the motor and he'll get some brushes in there that will fit.

Alternatively, you can grind pretty much any brush to fit if needed. Have even heard you can pull the carbon out of a Dcell battery and make a brush out of that, but when I tried, it was harder than it sounded and didn't really work so well...

 

[sasquatch12]

A friend of mine has made brushes from battery carbons That worked just fine.

 

[FrankLee]

Check this out first.

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/2001...Radial-Arm-Saws-Sold-by-Sears-Roebuck-and-Co/

 

[kdealkev]

Thanks guys, I will make the trek out to one of the older Ace's or True Value's. Shame is a lot of those places are starting to close up.... Yeah if it was recalled that must mean it works good and actually involves some skill to operate it...lol. The Fed only bans things if they work...

 

[kdealkev]

Of course that is an easy 100 bucks considering I bought it for 5...

 

[kdealkev]

Awesome, Thanks Franklee, was able to find correct model number and manual online from the info you posted. Also talked to the local Ace and they said they do carry brushes. So now what do I do? Send it in for the $100 Govt recall, or fix it and use it lol??

 

[kdealkev]

Zkling, when I say it needs brushes I mean it literally needs them. It has none. Just two gaping holes, the caps are gone as well.

 

[Erampu]

Thanks, FrankLee! I just happen to have one of those recalled saws in the basement. I haven't used it in 20 years and all it does is collect dust and provide a surface to hold my chop saw. I just ordered a box to send the "offending" part back to the manufacturer and get 100 bucks! I couldn't have sold it for anything near that amount.

Kdealkev, they'll send you a kit to fix the saw, but I'm sure it doesn't include brushes. If you really want to use yours, maybe the brushes from mine will fit.

 

[kdealkev]

Erampu is your saw the 113.29220? I ordered my box as well, might as well get the rebate. I think you are right, no brushes, the fix kit is just to have the blade guard fixed.