Grizzly Bandsaw stopped turning on

[radhak]

This is the Grizzly 15" G1148.
It was working fine yesterday, and nothing changed (I did not move anything, unplug/plug anything), but today it does not turn on.
I checked with a voltmeter, and power is reaching the switch, but not beyond.

This is the switch :

http://www.grizzly.com/products/Safety-Paddle-Switch/G8988?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com

I am hoping the switch just burnt out, so I ordered this as a replacement. But after disassembling the old one, it does not show anything that could go wrong - very basic structure. Is this something that goes bad after a while? Should I try to fix it?

Does not help that this is right in the middle of my current project where I really need the bandsaw!

[capncarl]

Have you wired around the switch to make sure it isn't something you can't see? Then check the capacitor.

[tfischer]

Switches go bad. I'm on my 3rd one on the drill press in about 12 years, although those stuck "on" not "off"

[LinuxRandal]

A real quick Google search, shown me something I was wondering about. It could be 110 or 220v.
Is it 220 and do you have power on both legs?

[radhak]

It's 110 volt. The bandsaw allows 220, but with some minor tweaks (which the manual lists).

[cwsmith]

Well, I do a quick test of the motor, by bypassing the switch, as capncarl suggested. If that doesn't turn the motor then I'd check the start capacitor(s) on the motor. (I personally have never done that, so you may have to take the motor somewhere for service.)

CWS

[tfischer]

Well, I do a quick test of the motor, by bypassing the switch, as capncarl suggested. If that doesn't turn the motor then I'd check the start capacitor(s) on the motor. (I personally have never done that, so you may have to take the motor somewhere for service.)

CWS

I've had to replace the starting cap twice on our hot tub pump. It's a matter of removing a couple of screws for the cover on the "lump" of the motor, and the cap just unplugs. You can order a new cap online or if you have a Grainger local to you they likely have it.

But... make sure it isn't the switch first.

[radhak]

I am happy to report that the new switch from Grizzly arrived today, and I promptly installed it. Voila! the bandsaw works!

I am so relieved...

Thanks for all the suggestions - I was preparing to spend the weekend troubleshooting this, looks like I get to do some woodworking instead!

[LCHIEN]

When the switch goes out in an appliance, I always order two. Partly because it costs nothing for shipping which will be as much as or more than the switch and second is the insurance it gives me that the switch will not fail again. And if you don't believe in Murphy then you can argue that the switch having failed once is a statistically high failure rate item and deserves to be kept on hand, especially since it been 8 years since you got the tool and in a another 8 years parts won't be available again..

[cwsmith]

I've had to replace the starting cap twice on our hot tub pump. It's a matter of removing a couple of screws for the cover on the "lump" of the motor, and the cap just unplugs. You can order a new cap online or if you have a Grainger local to you they likely have it.

But... make sure it isn't the switch first.

Thanks,

While I have never had to replace a starting capacitor, I do understand how to do it; but I didn't know if there was a way to check them to see if they need to be replaced.

Thanks again,

CWS

[LCHIEN]

Thanks,

While I have never had to replace a starting capacitor, I do understand how to do it; but I didn't know if there was a way to check them to see if they need to be replaced.

Thanks again,

CWS

Weak starting caps are typically indicated by hard and noisy starts. Shorted caps usually can't be found (although only the leads might be left). Open caps are indicated by the motor not starting at all or even the wrong direction - perhaps humming loudly in protest.
Testing starting caps - many but not all multimeters now have a capacitor tester that will read the capacitance value.

[cwsmith]

Thanks,

As always, your answers are prompt and well appreciated.

CWS

[tfischer]

With my spa, the symptom was the motor hummed but wouldn't start. I was able to spin the shaft while it was humming (then end of the shaft was slotted so I used a screwdriver) and then it spun right up. So I just assumed it was the cap and fortunately was right.

[LCHIEN]

With my spa, the symptom was the motor hummed but wouldn't start. I was able to spin the shaft while it was humming (then end of the shaft was slotted so I used a screwdriver) and then it spun right up. So I just assumed it was the cap and fortunately was right.

yep that is a sure sign of an open cap.