[rdemler]

2 days ago I started my craftsman tablesaw and it hummed and the blade tried to turn.I shut it off within 2-3 seconds.I tried it again and it blew a breaker.Reset the breaker and now when I try it the blade turns real slow and backwards.Last night I started my router which is attached to a small table.It was not turning at a high rpm like it should.I tried it several times and finally it did nothing.I tried both tools on a different circuit and it made no difference.Also tried other tools on the circuits the tablesaw was on and they ran fine.Any ideas what the problem might be.Before 2 days ago I had zero problems with any shop tools.Thanks for your time.R.J.D.

 

[yaxley]

Are you using any extension cords?

 

[Rad]

The running backwards sounds like a polarity shift, the running slow sounds like a voltage drop --- you need an electricians input!
If it had been just a slow table saw I would have thought it was binding up somewhere.

 

[yaxley]

I've got an engineering degree and might be able to help after a few questions. You are talking AC and I doubt there is a polarity shift?

 

[rdemler]

Dang,I posted a reply after yaxleys first post and it's not there.I do not use cords in my shop at all.Hard to figure out because everything worked great last week.Nothing causing binding anywhere.I went over all equipment with an air hose to make sure there was'nt a dust problem.I find it hard to believe they'd both go within 2 days from the same thing.

 

[yaxley]

Do you have a volt meter or can you plug just a light bulb into the outlet?

 

[rdemler]

I don't have a volt meter,but I did run another router from one of the same outlets.The 2 tools that went bad were plugged in different outlets.

 

[yaxley]

Very difficult to analyze without data, but it seems there was/is low voltage. That could be caused by some high resistance in the electrical box...but just guessing. Do you smell anything "hot" or unusual?

 

[rdemler]

I clean skulls in my shop there's a million unusual odors in there. LOL I don't smell anything hot or plastic like.I am running a different router on the same outlet and it runs fine.I'm going to try to get in the table saw motor with more air tomorrow and see if maybe there's something damp crossing wires in the switch or something.

 

[rdemler]

OK Just went out to the shop to see what's changed since this morning.Hit the switch on the table saw,and it fired right up at full speed.Starts and stops like it never had an issue before.Went and got the router that would'nt go and it also fired right up with zero hesitation and no drag.Go figure!!

 

[yaxley]

My concern is that there might be a high resistance in the electrical box and that is how fires can start. Large current draws, like a table saw, will be affected a lot more than a non motor or smaller draw. Sometimes the outlet will generate an odor or feel hot. Just keep your eyes and nose open for a while.

 

[rdemler]

I will thanks for the input.When I built the shop I put in 4 circuits and a lot of outlets on walls and ceiling so never need a cord.I think if anything there may be a problem with the lights as they are old fluorescent lights.Will have to check and clean everything.

 

[yaxley]

Since you put in outlets and did the electrical, you are familiar with the details. Make sure wire nuts are tight and you might want to actually look at the wires going into the outlets and see if you see any burned or scorched places. Good luck.

 

[LilysDad]

Have you noticed any unusual lights in the night sky?!!