Posts: 4,814
Threads: 1
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Eugene, OR
This is puzzling. I have a Porter-Cable 325MAG circular saw with low miles on it. Very low miles. I've been crosscutting easy stuff lately, plywood and solid poplar, and it's bogging down to the point of stopping.
I checked the obvious dumb stuff -- the blade is facing the correct direction, and the depth is fine. BTW my boards are well-supported, not sagging, and using an edge guide doesn't help.
I've never had this problem before. Any ideas?
Thanks all.
Best,
Aram, always learning
"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Web:
My woodworking photo site
Posts: 24,331
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2002
Location: Elizabethtown, KY
Have you checked the lube on it? I picked up a Milwaukee worm drive and the lube was low. I had to take it apart and reverse the bushing to get it to run right.
"Truth is a highway leading to freedom" --Kris Kristofferson
Wild Turkey
We may see the writing on the wall, but all we do is criticize the handwriting.
(joined 10/1999)
Posts: 182
Threads: 17
Joined: Nov 2005
Location: Packer Land/God's Country
Dull blade ? Too long of an extension cord, brushes wearing on saw, bad bearings, saw doesn't like you ?
One time I did have an extension cord that a several of the copper strands break off the plug, but would still work, cause the tool to be starved of electricity.
Posts: 106
Threads: 0
Joined: Dec 2007
Location: Northwest Ohio
Posts: 13,412
Threads: 4
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: New Jersey
I second the power cord starving electric, and brushes.
Credo Elvem ipsum etiam vivere
Non impediti ratione cogitationis
Posts: 4,444
Threads: 0
Joined: Jan 2005
If the power cord is okay and other stuff already mentioned ,I would try another blade,a combination blade for the poplar and plywood.Try another tool in the same receptacle,that could also be the problem.Then plug into a receptacle on a different circuit and see if that helps.Vacuum dust from motor too.
mike
Posts: 4,814
Threads: 1
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Eugene, OR
08-14-2016, 06:49 PM
(This post was last modified: 08-14-2016, 06:59 PM by Aram.)
LIL Thanks everyone! The user manual says no lubrication is necessary through the life of the saw, so hopefully that's not it. Then again, they don't say how long that life is...
I was using an extension cord. That's so ridiculously simple it almost has to be the reason. I'll try some cuts without it.
Appreciate the suggestions.
Yep! Saw works fine without the extension cord. Thanks everyone!
Best,
Aram, always learning
"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.” Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Web:
My woodworking photo site
Posts: 20,381
Threads: 4
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: CinDay
Worst thing they can do is cook ya and eat ya
GW
Posts: 40,076
Threads: 0
Joined: Apr 2007
I would bet most people don't understand the need for larger gauge extension cords and of those that do not many like to spend $40+ for a cord. I only buy 12 or bigger myself. My compressor won't fire up on less than 12 and even then depending on the house wiring it won't fire up
Phydeaux said "Loving your enemy and doing good for those that hurt you does not preclude killing them if they make that necessary."
Phil Thien
women have trouble understanding Trump's MAGA theme because they had so little involvement in making America great the first time around.
Posts: 2,274
Threads: 90
Joined: Jun 2001
My first thought would be the blade. I have the same issue but I know the blade is dull.
John
Always use the right tool for the job.
We need to clean house.