I have a Craftsman electronic radial arm saw which I bought in the late 80's. The motor hasn't worked for the last several years! I just get a buzzing sound and the blade doesn't turn!

I had a Sears technician in last week to look at it and he took the cover off the motor and told me that it was the centrifical switch that needed to be replaced. He said that I could pick it up a Sears parts department and that I could easily repair it myself!

So I called Sears and asked about the part. I subsequently found out that because it was inside the motor casing they consider the part to not be serviceable and as such I needed to replace the motor!

I couldn't even get any details on the motor itself (mfg or model number) from Sears and there don't seem to be any markings on the motor!

The saw is model # 113.278550C if that helps...

Any thoughts on next steps... Just as an aside, the unit is pretty big with a cabinet and all, so taking it to someone is not an easy task!

Thanks

Hi,
How about dismounting the motor and taking it to a shop that specailizes in rebuilding electric motors? I show this as being made for Sears by Emerson Electric Co. which now is owned by Home Depot and makes the Ridgid line of Wet-Dry vacs for them.
Peace,
Clarke

First, your model number doesn't come up as valid at Sears, Parts Direct.

However, I have a Craftsman radial arm saw from the same time frame, different model number. What's more I still have the owners manual with the parts break down.
Parts break down shows motor but no break down of motor parts. It does have a note that that any attempt to repair the motor could result in misalignment and could create a hazard unless done by a qualified technician. The note also states not to loosen the three bolts holding the motor to the motor mount. States that these parts are factory aligned.

If the motor hums but does not turn, you might try spinning the blade and then turn the switch on while the blade is still turning. If motor runs then the fault would be the start capacitor, if it has one. The only centrifugal switch that I can think of that would be in the motor would be the start winding kick out switch. If it is defective then cleaning and oiling should correct.
I would attempt to make any repairs by removing motor cover without removing the motor from the mount if that is possible.

The arm, with the motor attached, can be removed from the column to be taken to repair shop. Doesn't sound like anyone but Sears can do any repairs.

The popularity of these saws declined such that it is probably not worth repairing. One can pick up used ones for almost nothing on Craig's List. I haven't used mine in over ten years. Just holding on to it because it was a gift from the wife years ago.