I got the 3rd SAW no broken parts &amp; look new. But is the blade supposed to be hard to turn by hand. It has a notch feel when I turn its not smooth
173812
Yes, it should be hard to turn. I believe it has some kind of brake to bring it to a stop as soon as the switch is released. For further clarification, please check on Festo owners group as well. Hope this helps.
39531
The saw has a drive belt and I bet yours is a bit stretched. Easy to replace. Check your owners manual for belt replacement - might be on page 37. That should do the trick for you.
877782
I too thought that the gearbox was broken. Turns out the gearbox speed change mechanism sometimes wouldn't engage fully whether pushing or pulling. Make the belts are aligned and the clutch knob is secure first. I found that if I spun the blade pulley slowly by hand while firmly engaging the clutch knob the internal gears would engage and viola! I now had the new speed. In time the gears should wear-in enough that speed changing will become much easier. I also make sure that power is disconnected from the saw before I grab the pulleys. Don't want to damage or lose any fingers.-Bud,
901027
MattThis a good value piece of equipment. Sufficient power. Might consider upgrading the blade to a cut a finer cut. Also I tweaked my saw following the advice in this video on you tube and it made a significant difference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqqcmC5UY5E
832663
I haven't had any problems with the slide. It's smooth for me. There is a knob that is used to lock the saw in a fixed position so I wonder if people had it set too tight causing it to stick. I've been using this saw to remodel my house and it's been a great saw!
1874618
That is somewhat of a wide open question. The saw seems well made. I've only had mine a few weeks and used it a few times. The cuts I've made were through 2 3/8 pipe and have been accurate and quite smooth. As I've used a Makita abrasive saw for years I would expect this one to hold up as well. I will continue to use the abrasive saw for less accurate straight cuts and reserve the new saw for miter cuts or where accuracy is paramount.
1570872
Danny,I assume that you have a stone to sharpen it during use. If that doesn't do the trick here is my plan. I'll be facing this problem myself on my next siding/flooring job. I plan on buying a replacement blade for 44.95 and then take the used blade to a sharpening facility. If they can't sharpen the blade once they see it, they might suggest someone else or try sharpening it myself. Again maybe 44.95 is the easiest and might be the cheapest answer. If you plan on doing the sharpening yourself I for sure recommend a replacement blade just in case (for backup). Sorry I can't be more definitive but I hope this helps.Regards,John Livingston Danny,I assume that you have a stone to sharpen it during use. If that doesn't do the trick here is my plan. I'll be facing this problem myself on my next siding/flooring job. I plan on buying a replacement blade for 44.95 and then take the used blade to a sharpening facility. If they can't sharpen the blade once they see it, they might suggest someone else or try sharpening it myself. Again maybe 44.95 is the easiest and might be the cheapest answer. If you plan on doing the sharpening yourself I for sure recommend a replacement blade just in case (for backup). Sorry I can't be... » Read More Danny,I assume that you have a stone to sharpen it during use. If that doesn't do the trick here is my plan. I'll be facing this problem myself on my next siding/flooring job. I plan on buying a replacement blade for 44.95 and then take the used blade to a sharpening facility. If they can't sharpen the blade once they see it, they might suggest someone else or try sharpening it myself. Again maybe 44.95 is the easiest and might be the cheapest answer. If you plan on doing the sharpening yourself I for sure recommend a replacement blade just in case (for backup). Sorry I can't be more definitive but I hope this helps.Regards,John Livingston « Show Less
1930318
I don't think you have it pushed in all the way- it took me a while to figure out that unless there is a little "Click", the blade is not as far in as it needs to be for safety and stability. Makes it really hard to take it out-strong fingers needed but that's how it has to be. And this applies to all the blades. They click into place and once they have clicked, you can slice like crazy without any problems. Are you loving your slicer? We have been camping in a rental for a year and just moved into our "forever" home last weekend and have really missed our slicer. It will be a while before we unpack it but that will make the reunion all the better, I think.
468763
It does feel rough when you are just sliding back and forth but not when cutting. The problem I have is the guard linkage binding up when you first start to lower the saw
466279
Kathleen, I wish that I could help you (read my review--Tom Sheffield) but since the third time fixing this jigsaw I have gone with Bosch with zero problems. I still use the Dewalt but now I no longer change the blade as I only use it with the flush cut blade, and not often. I am afraid it will break again the next time I attempt to release the blade. For what it's worth I no longer deal with Makita either--Bosch had become my go to company for power tools.
540390
Sorry, for the late answer. I don't can help you. I sold the saw. Because the saw was not what I want. The Tracks are not really good. When you need the saw for business, the saw is not good enough. I buy a different brand, and I'm happy. But off course the new saw was more than the on double price. For hobby is this a good saw for a good price, but not for more.
1681020
I'm just guessing, but you may have a problem with the guard on your particular saw. Mine has always woked very smoothly. I use my saw frequently, and am very happy with everything about it.
788140
Joseph Question when the blades are fully locked onto the shaft, the blades still rattle?? Sounds like there's a gap most likely due to the head not fully screwed onto the shaft, did you receive the blade tool with your package use it to apply the broad head. If no examine the clip make sure it is in place between the head and shaft, Mine do not slip nor raddle Keep me posted I'm interested in what is creating the bouncing blades. TY
1118941
I had the same frustration, at first, too. Out of that frustration I broke one of my cardinal rules, which is "to never force something". After putting on my toughest work gloves, I muscled it over the hub and between the plastic blade guard. It finally got seated properly. I don't know if I just got lucky or not, and am sure there are plenty out there who would call me a jerk for trying (and they are probably right). This saw is a very good tool overall. It's just too bad that the blade mounting instruction does not address this in more detail. If I had it to do again, I would try calling B&D;, first, to see if there is a better (or right) way to install the blade. I had the same frustration, at first, too. Out of that frustration I broke one of my cardinal rules, which is "to never force something". After putting on my toughest work gloves, I muscled it over the hub and between the plastic blade guard. It finally got seated properly. I don't know if I just got lucky or not, and am sure there are plenty out there who would call me a jerk for trying (and they are probably right). This saw is a very good tool overall. It's just too bad that the blade mounting instruction does not address this in more detail. If I had it to do again, I would... » Read More I had the same frustration, at first, too. Out of that frustration I broke one of my cardinal rules, which is "to never force something". After putting on my toughest work gloves, I muscled it over the hub and between the plastic blade guard. It finally got seated properly. I don't know if I just got lucky or not, and am sure there are plenty out there who would call me a jerk for trying (and they are probably right). This saw is a very good tool overall. It's just too bad that the blade mounting instruction does not address this in more detail. If I had it to do again, I would try calling B&D;, first, to see if there is a better (or right) way to install the blade. « Show Less
1768298
You are supposed to turn the blade, but it gets stuck. The whole thing does not work - don't buy it. I returned the one I got.
1722398
Slides on mine were completely smooth out of the box. I've used saws with sticky, crunchy, grabby slides, and I was concerned after reading reports of problems. Maybe I just got lucky, but mine is perfect.
925688
Make sure the guard/guide on the left hand side is removed. Look underneath the saw to make sure no left over packing material is in the way. I have had no problems with mine and I use it 3-4 times a week.