Ridgid Circular Saw R3205 Troubleshooting

The saw sounds like it is working, but the saw blade doesn’t spin.

After repeated use of the saw the insulation surrounding the brush motor starts to fail. This allows voltage surges which ultimately can burn out the motor. Regular use of the saw will speed up this process. The brushes for the motor could be replaced, but if the entire motor assembly looks worn out it would be worth replacing. The entire assembly can be removed by taking apart the upper blade guard.

A broken output shaft would result in possible grinding noises coming from the saw. The output shaft can be replaced if the lower blade guard support is removed.

A worn out output gear could result in odd sounds such as grinding or thumping. The blade could also seem to bind up constantly which would be due to the slipping in the gear. Unfortunately the only fix for this is to replace the gear which is located behind the output shaft.

When using the saw sparks start coming out of the motor and the saw has lost some speed and power.

A carbon brush is a very common component to many handheld tools and get replaced very often. This is due to the fact that over time and regular use the brushes get worn down. If they are completely worn out they can cause sparks in the motor. The only solution to worn out Carbon brushes is to replace them with new carbon brushes.

A burnt commutator can be caused by running the blade through a rough material or by trying to cut a material with a dull blade. This produces a burn or a black indentation on commutator that creates sparks in the motor when in use. One potential fix to a burnt commutator would be to use 1000 grit sandpaper and try to get rid of the burn by sanding it off. If the sandpaper doesn't get rid of the burn then you have to replace the commutator.

The blade has a noticeable wobble when it is coming to a stop and cuts are not as precise as normal.

Over an extended period of time, saw blades can deform due to mishandling, overuse, or heat created by friction between the blade and the material being cut. This can cause the blade to wobble, making cuts inaccurate, or excessive binding. The blade can replaced by removing the blade attachment and inserting a new one. See guide for blade replacement.

If the blade is not deformed, the most likely cause for the wobble are worn bearings for the support shaft. Worn bearings can create an audible grinding when the saw is turned off or coming to a stop, as well as inaccurate cuts and binding. You can replace the bearing by removing the blade guards and blade assembly apparatus. See guide for bearing replacement.

A faulty armature or blade spindle will have very similar results as blade deformation or worn bearings. If the armature is damaged, it is recommended that a new saw be purchased.

When you press the switch button, the saw doesn’t move and the motor makes no noise.

This switch turns the motor on and off. The switch should be replaced if it does not activate the motor when when the safety key is inserted. You can also test your old switch using a multimeter. If you hear the tone on the multimeter, your switch is not broken. If you do not hear the tone, you should replace your old switch with a new switch.

Look at the power supply cord for disconnected wires or damage. If there are any loose power cord wires, reconnect them.If it is damaged, replace the power cord. If it is necessary to replace the power supply cord, this must be done by the manufacturer in order to avoid safety hazard.

The blade lock does not stay secure when it’s engaged.

After some time due to excess of use, the lock might lose its grip. The lock can also be damaged if it was engaged while the blade was still on . To prevent damage to the spindle or spindle lock, always allow motor to come to a complete stop before engaging spindle lock.

An unfit blade will not enable a lock to fit and grip it as it should. There are many different models of rigid circular saws.  For example the model R3205. The only fit blade is 7 ¼ in. You have to make sure you know which model you have and get the right blade fit.