Sparking Shopcraft saw safe?

September 3, 2017 8:10 AM

Not very knowledgable tool person here... I bought a heavy Shopcraft saw at a yard sale, and while testing it, I am seeing a bright motor spark and click whenever I let go of the trigger. Is this normal, and is it safe to use? See this video. Thanks!
posted by Mikey51 to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

Given how quickly the blade stops, I suspected an electric brake was involved. A search of woodworking forums suggests arcing in normal when an electric brake engages.
posted by jon1270 at 8:43 AM on September 3, 2017 [1 favorite]

I agree, it's normal (and though I didn't know what it was before, now I know it's a brake--thanks, jon1270!). Same behavior on my power drill.
posted by egregious theorem at 10:42 AM on September 3, 2017

I would check the brushes as they wear down and the electrical contact gets poor. It should be relatively straightforward just make certain its unplugged
posted by zenon at 4:48 PM on September 3, 2017