Montgomery Wards Radial Arm Saw

When I press the trigger, it gives the blade a slight kick with a popping kind of sound. After 10 or 20 of these, it might start and run till I stop it, then repeat.

Any thoughts on the problem, and if it's fixable? I'd almost be sure there's no way to get a replacement motor, and if there was, would probably be pretty expensive compared to the value of a 25 or 30 year old saw, but figured it's worth asking. Besides, never can tell - could be an easy fix.

Thanks!

Spemco's primary business is switches. They are very helpful and have managed to find some odd items for me. If it turns out your switch is bad, give them a call, send them the old switch, and hopefully they will come up with a match. The only problem I've had with them is that my small orders and odd requests sometimes have to wait until they're not swamped with more valuable customers. The link below will take you to their website. Good luck...Al English

• Spemco Switches

Thanks
Bob

I have one of those saws and the switch has gone bad twice. Maybe that's your problem too? Good luck...Al English

Where did you find a replacement - or did it happen while you could still get parts from Wards? I'm expecting to have to jury rig something, though I'm told there's a pretty good place in our town for switches, so might find something that will work. If I have to, I'll leave the switch out and use a "deadman" foot switch.

Thanks again!

I am still on the last switch I got from Wards. Before I bought that switch I had intended to do as you suggested and use a foot switch. I got a foot switch from Grainger, but it came with a warning not to use it on power equipment!(where else would one use it?) While I think it would have been fine, even superior to the hand switch, I was afraid to use it. I think Grainger was just trying to protect themselves, but if one of my guys was injured using the saw, disregarding the warning would probably put me in a bad spot.

I don't need anything right now, but do you happen to know of anyplace where parts are still available for these saws?...Al English