I have had this saw for about 6 years and love it.
I recently started having problems with it. The automatic brake stopped working. When I let up on the trigger the blade keeps spinning for quite a while. I also see lots of sparks from where the brushes are housed. Does anybody know what the problem might be and how I can fix it. Also where is a good place in Seattle to get it fixed.
Thanks if advance Paul
Probably time for new brushes.
Would bad brushes make the brake stop working. When I look at the motor when it is running I see a lot of arching.
Yes, worn brushes would cause the electric brake to stop working (or to take longer to stop), but that isn't the only reason. Your C10FC has externally accessible brushes (ie. two round plugs on the side of the motor about the size of a quarter). Why not remove and inspect them? If you do need new brushes, have a look here:
Yes, for the electric brake to work the brushes have to be in full contact with the commutator plates on the armature, if you continue to use the saw while needing the brushes replaced the arcing will pit & score the armature so that even brush replacement will not reactivate the brush & worse still you could burn out or shorten the life of the armature dramatically, for a $3.50 set of brushes that can be inspected & replaced yourself don't hesitate, remove the external caps & have a look.....if you have trouble locating a new set let me know we have dozens of pairs in stock..Part #
999-043. But there should be an Hitachi dealer near you. A new brush is just over 5/8" (17mm) long if yours is less than 1/4" (6mm) or chipped or burnt on one edge replace them at once. The brush spring should pop out easily towards you, if you have to pry it out then you know for sure your problem is either a very worn brush or the brush may be compacted in the brush holder with sawdust....either way the electric brake will not activate properly.Thanks for replying.
The brushes don't seem to be worn down to much. When I run the saw it sounds different and I can see an arch going almost all the way around the armature contacts. I will try some new brushes.
Sounds like you have a bigger problem than the electric brake to worry about...possibly a new armature &/or field, at least with Hitachi the price will be reasonable & worth doing.
Regards & best of luck
Does anybody know how much a new armature would cost. Is there an online store that sells parts for this saw?
Thanks, Paul
Toolpartsdirect.com has it. $120. Not worth it.
stock..Part #
Is it possible to file or sand smooth the contacts on the armature?
I've never tried but the copper contacts are usually very thin so there isn't much to file or sand. If I were you, I would either spend $10 for new brushes and see if it solves the problem, or call 800-546-1666 for a local service center.
I will try getting new brushes first. I will also try cleaning the armature with a solvant.
Thanks
By cleaning.....it does not mean with a solvent..... use a very very extra fine sandpaper, emery or preferably crocus cloth.
A quick way to do it without taking the saw apart is to fold a strip of sandpaper to the same size as a brush firmly insert in the brush holder till it sits evenly against the armature then rotate the blade with one hand while applying light pressure to the sandpaper with the other.
It may help & you have nothing to loose if it needs a new armature anyway. Change the piece of sandpapers contact point often for a better result. The finer grit the better at the last.
replying to paul, Bruce wrote: Had the same problem. I pulled the brushes, and brush cap. Blew it out thoroughly. Replaced the brushes and trigger. The trigger is the brake. Now, I blow compressed air through the cooling vents on the brush cap every day.
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