Does your Miter Saw Keeps Spinning? 6 Problems Fixed easily

Are you wrestling with your miter saw, growing increasingly exasperated as your miter saw keeps spinning even after you’ve let go of the trigger? I completely understand how aggravating this can be – a stubbornly spinning blade isn’t just inconvenient, it’s potentially dangerous.

Oftentimes, this issue points to a malfunctioning electrical brake. So let’s roll up our sleeves and get down to brass tacks! This blog post is dedicated to identifying the root causes for such behavior from your trusty tool and providing easy-to-implement solutions to ensure your miter saw stops when told! Excited for some DIY-savvy advice? Let’s plunge in.

Key Takeaways

• Miter saw blades continuing to spin after releasing the trigger can be caused by a faulty switch, carbon buildup, loose arbor screw, failing armature, worn motor brushes, or broken brake assembly.
• Troubleshooting steps include giving it a moment before turning off, running the saw for some time, inspecting the wiring and replacing damaged wires or fuse if necessary.
• Specific issues like carbon buildup can be resolved by cleaning the saw blade and brake assembly. Problems with the centrifugal switch may require repair or replacement.
• If troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, it’s best to seek professional help to diagnose and fix the problem safely.

Issue	Possible Causes	Troubleshooting Steps
Faulty Switch	Broken switch	Check and replace the switch if damaged
Carbon Buildup	Dust and debris buildup on blade and brake	Clean saw blade and brake assembly
Loose Arbor Screw	Loose arbor screw	Tighten arbor screw
Failing Armature	Worn or damaged armature	Seek professional assistance
Worn Motor Brushes	Worn motor brushes	Replace motor brushes
Broken Brake Assembly	Damaged brake assembly	Replace the brake assembly

Disclosure: At zero cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. I earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon associate. Products featured are selected based on quality, performance, and reputation, regardless of affiliate relationships.

Common Reasons Why a Miter Saw Keeps Spinning

There are several common reasons why a miter saw keeps spinning, including a faulty switch, carbon buildup, loose arbor screw, failing armature, worn motor brushes, and a broken brake assembly. That is why it is so important to have a blade guard on your woodworking tool. In case the miter saw blade keeps spinning, you are protected against cuts. 

Faulty switch

A faulty switch can make your miter saw keep spinning. The switch controls power to the saw. If it’s broken, the saw won’t stop when the switch is released. It may also not start at all! Check this part first if your saw keeps running after making a cut.

To do so, unplug your saw and take out the switch carefully. Look for signs of damage or wear on it. You might need a new one if it looks worn out or cracked.

Carbon buildup

Carbon can build up on your miter saw blade and brake assembly. This buildup happens over time as you cut different types of wood. The dust from the wood sticks to the blade. It then becomes hard and turns into carbon.

Too much carbon is bad for your miter saw. It makes the blade spin even after you let go of the trigger button. To fix this, clean your saw parts well. Get rid of all the dirt and dust that has become hard on them.

Use a good cleaner that won’t hurt your tools.

Loose arbor screw

A loose arbor screw can make your miter saw blade spin non-stop. That’s a part of the saw that holds the blade in place. If it gets loose, things can go wrong. The blade won’t stop spinning after you let go of the trigger.

It’s not safe at all to use a saw like this! So, how do we fix it? First, unplug your saw for safety. Next, grab a wrench and look for the arbor screw on your saw. Tighten up that screw until it’s secure again.

Now check if your problem is fixed by switching on your miter saw again.

Failing armature

A failing armature housing from the saw could be another reason why your miter saw keeps spinning. The armature is an important component of the motor that helps to control the movement of the blade. If it is worn out or damaged, it may not be able to stop the blade from spinning when you release the trigger.

This can be a more complex issue to fix and may require professional assistance. It’s important to get your miter saw checked by a professional if you suspect a failing armature as the cause of the problem.

Worn motor brushes

If your miter saw keeps spinning even after you release the trigger, worn motor brushes could be the culprit. Motor brushes are small parts that conduct electricity to power the motor.

Over time, these carbon brushes can wear out and lose their effectiveness. When they become worn, they may not make proper contact with the motor, causing it to continue spinning even when you let go of the trigger.

To fix the motor spins, you will need to replace the worn motor brushes with new ones. It’s a relatively simple task that can be done with basic tools and a little bit of know-how.

Broken brake assembly

If you have a miter saw and the blade keeps spinning even after you release the trigger, one possible reason could be a broken brake assembly. The brake assembly is responsible for stopping the blade when you let go of the trigger.

If it’s broken or damaged, it may not be able to do its job properly. This can be caused by wear and tear over time or from an impact or accident. To fix this issue, you will need to replace the damaged brake assembly with a new one.

It’s important to make sure you get the correct replacement part for your specific miter saw model.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Miter Saw Brake

To fix a miter saw brake that keeps spinning, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take. First, try giving it a moment before turning off the saw to see if it will stop on its own.

If that doesn’t work, run the saw for a little while longer to see if it eventually stops. Next, inspect the wiring and replace any damaged or frayed wires. You should also check the fuse and replace it if necessary.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it may be time to seek professional help from a qualified technician who can diagnose and repair the problem.

Give it a moment before turning off

When your miter saw keeps spinning even after you release the trigger, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try. One simple thing to do is to give it a moment before turning off the saw.

Sometimes, the blade might take a few extra seconds to stop completely. You can wait for about 10 seconds after releasing the trigger to see if the blade comes to a complete stop on its own.

If it continues spinning beyond that, then there may be other issues at play that need further investigation.

Run the saw for some time

When troubleshooting a miter saw that keeps spinning, running the saw for some time can help identify any underlying issues. By observing how long the blade continues to spin after releasing the trigger, you can gather information about potential problems with the brake or motor.

If the blade spins for an unusually long time, it could indicate a faulty brake mechanism or worn-out motor brushes. Most of the time, brushes can be found in the motor housing at the side of the motor. Simply remove the cover, remove the brushes and install new brushes. However, if the blade stops promptly as it should after releasing the trigger, other factors may be contributing to the issue.

Running your saw and paying attention to its behavior is a crucial step in diagnosing and resolving miter saw spinning problems.

Inspect the wiring

I carefully inspected the wiring of my compound miter saw to find out why it kept spinning. It’s important to make sure there are no loose or damaged wires that could be causing the issue. I also looked for any signs of fraying or exposed wires, as this could be a safety hazard.

If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s best to have a professional take a look.

Replace the fuse

To fix a miter saw that keeps spinning, one troubleshooting step you can take is to replace the fuse. If your miter saw’s blade continues to spin even after releasing the trigger, it could be due to a faulty fuse.

Simply remove the fuse and install the new one might resolve the issue and get your saw back in working order. Make sure to use the correct type of fuse recommended by the manufacturer for optimal safety and performance.

By following this simple step, you can potentially solve the problem without needing professional assistance or costly repairs.

Get it checked by a professional

If you’ve tried troubleshooting steps and the miter saw blade still keeps spinning, it’s best to get it checked by a professional. They can examine the saw more closely and diagnose any hidden issues that might be causing the problem.

A professional will have the expertise to identify any faulty parts or components that need repair or replacement. Don’t hesitate to seek their assistance for a thorough inspection and proper fix so you can safely use your miter saw again.

How to Repair Your Miter Saw Issues

To fix the issue of carbon buildup, simply clean the saw blade and brake assembly with a brush or compressed air. If the problem lies with a faulty centrifugal switch, it may need to be repaired or replaced by a professional.

Carbon buildup: Clean the saw blade and brake assembly

If your miter saw keeps spinning even after you release the trigger, it could be due to carbon buildup. Over time, sawdust and debris can accumulate on the blade and brake assembly, causing them to stick and not function properly.

To fix this issue, you need to clean the saw blade and brake assembly regularly. Use a brush or compressed air to remove any dust or debris from both parts. This will promote smooth movement and ensure that the brake engages correctly when you release the trigger.

By keeping these components clean, you can prevent carbon buildup and maintain your miter saw’s performance.

Centrifugal switch: Repair or replace the switch

If your miter saw blade keeps spinning even after you release the trigger, it could be due to a faulty centrifugal switch. This switch is responsible for turning off the motor when you release the trigger.

To fix this issue, you can try repairing or replacing the switch with a new switch. A professional might be able to help you diagnose and repair the problem accurately if you’re unsure how to proceed.

Remember that safety is always important when working with power tools, so make sure to follow proper procedures and precautions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you’re experiencing the problem of your miter saw blade continuing to spin even after releasing the trigger, there are a few common reasons and troubleshooting steps to consider.

It could be a faulty switch, carbon buildup, loose arbor screw, failing armature, worn motor brushes, or broken brake assembly. You can try troubleshooting by giving it a moment before turning off, running the saw for some time, inspecting the wiring, replacing the fuse, or getting it checked by a professional.

Additionally, specific issues like carbon buildup or problems with the centrifugal switch may require cleaning or repair/replacement. Remember to prioritize safety when dealing with power tools and consult manufacturer instructions as needed.