How would you fix this?

[KMinAF]

I hate throwing tools away so when my old miter saw broke again (the epoxy lasted over two years with regular use) I thought I might ask the GJ for suggestions. I bought the saw two years ago for dirt cheap, it was very dirty and I didn't notice at the time that it had been repaired with epoxy. I figured what the heck, nothing to loose, so I made it my "chop saw" and used it for cutting everything from 1/2" square to 1 1/2" round tubing without a problem until yesterday. Should I re-epoxy with a patch anchored with bolts, can it be welded, what would you do?

 

[E.Marquez]

It looks like that is cast aluminum? If so.. it can be TIG'ed, and then I'd add some reinforcement. Inside and out.

 

[Kracin]

^

if its cast aluminum it can be tig welded together with braces.

or you could just get some flat stock, or angle iron and make a brace to go on the inside, drill holes for bolts, and bolt it together. you could even check for fit, and before tightening the bolts use a good metal to metal adhesive like used in automotive bodywork. guaranteed if you do it like that, it wont come apart there again.

 

[Ratchet.]

if i had access to a TIG machine I would weld it that way assuming it is cast aluminum if you dont or its not alloy, but 'pot metal' or similar something like this should work.

http://www.frost.co.uk/automotive-welding-tools/hts-2000-alloy-repair.html (that's a UK site but I'm sure there are similar products available in the US, no doubt cheaper too)

not had any experience with using that type of kit but i hear they work pretty well

That said you could re-epoxy/bolt it, should last indefinitly if its done right

 

[Steinmetz]

Must've been a tough piece of lumber.

 

[Davefr]

Toss it. There's no way I'd want that blade to come after me if the repair fails.

Std. miter saws are fairly inexpensive.

 

[Kracin]

Toss it. There's no way I'd want that blade to come after me if the repair fails.

Std. miter saws are fairly inexpensive.

you know, davefr has a good point... if its broken twice, it may just be a sign. sometimes its best to quit while you're ahead, while you still got the best of the saw, i'd hate to see what happens if you are cutting something and a different weak point breaks and sends a spinning saw towards your stomach or knee (if on the ground)

 

[zkling]

Toss it. There's no way I'd want that blade to come after me if the repair fails.

Std. miter saws are fairly inexpensive.

Best advice.

1.) Getting it lined up properly so it cuts true after welding is going to be a PITA.

2.) Welding it can be risky, with that thin of a cross section.

I have a great aluminum tig machine, and many hours experience welding cast aluminum. Even I wouldn't try to fix it.

 

[crf731]

Toss it. There's no way I'd want that blade to come after me if the repair fails.

Std. miter saws are fairly inexpensive.

What he said.

Toss it and buy a new one, that thing will be an accident looking for a place to happen.

 

[Rookie2]

your copay for the ER visit will cover a new saw.

 

[Outlawmws]

You have to ask yourself if the level of the saw is worth the cost of fixing as well. That does not look to be a high end or even very large saw... I'm all for fixing things but sometimes it's worth it to cut your losses.

 

[sberry]

Put it on Craigslist. It will show up back here in a couple weeks under a new thread ,,,, great Craigs list score, just one minor problem.

 

[Brad54]

Contact the manufacturer and buy a replacement piece...

-Brad

 

[t4runner]

Toss it why risk an injury and then theres a chance of electrocution with any hand power tool that old with metal case.

 

[TDLMOMOWERS]

See if you can find a replacement part from Rockwell. I hate to scrap anything that I can fix.

 

[picshooter]

I had one of those.Nothing out of the ordinary.No blade brake, Not worth an accident. Pitch it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'm in for fixing things when I can, but Dave is right, broke twice, third time is a charm. Where would your hand have been on the 2x4 while cutting ?


If it was mine, time for the scrap pile.

 

[Rsanchez91]

In my line of work I've seen enough miter saws gone wrong calls to where I know it's not worth your health and safety to repair it. Even if you were to go out and buy a new dewalt of comparable brand compound miter for $500. It's cheaper that getting injured, medical bills, insurance premiums raised... Out of work... And maybe even the loss of an arm.

Do your self and family a favor, buy a new one when funds allow.