SawStop electrical help

[Walk On Wood]

I just purchased a used Industrial SawStop. I got it to my shop, set it up, wired it, and..... Nothing. No blinking lights, no spinning blade, absolutely nothing. I know my power source is good and my connection at the back of the saw is good. I'm leaning toward it being a problem with the disconnect switch, but can't figure out how to take it off or access the internals. Anybody have experience with this or any ideas of how to proceed?

 

[Birdhunter]

I suggest you call Sawstop customer support.  They are excellent.

The manual for the saw can be downloaded. Look at page 25. It describes the disconnect switch. That isn't help.

 

[jbasen]

As [member=15289]Birdhunter[/member] suggests, call Sawstop support.  They are absolutely first rate.  I had an issue with my professional cabinet saw and they bent over backwards to get the problem resolved.

Good luck with the saw!  Once you get the issue resolved I think you will love it.

 

[Walk On Wood]

Thanks guys, I will try calling them tmrw.

 

[Scorpion]

Simple answer is, if the saw is plugged in (has power) and is functioning correctly, you will get lights when you turn it on.  Blinking lights for a few seconds then a solid if everything is ok.  If something is not (in regards to the safety's or otherwise) the lights will blink.  Manual tells you what the blinking means.  No matter how you have the saw set up (with the module in or out, blade in or out, etc), you have lights at the switch.

No lights at all means to me no power but please share when you find out.  I'd like to know on the chance it happens to me some day.

Good luck.

 

[teocaf]

what a fascinating way to go about getting equipment to work:
1. post the problem on a different manufacturer's tool forum
2. check the forum frequently in case someone with the exact equipment may have had the same situation, happens to see the thread and is inclined to reply.
3. take whatever advice is thrown out there, regardless of whether it complies with what the mfg. own recommendations

as opposed to:
1. read the setup manual for the machine
2. call the manufacturer directly with a prepared list of questions

i'm also vouching for the sawstop customer service from personal experience:  very helpful and quick to provide additional info that was not in the manual.
since you're dealing with sawstop and not just any other tablesaw, i would highly recommend that you read the manual and learn how the safety system works, what might set it off, how to temporarily turn off the safety feature in case you want to cut something 'wet' or metallic, etc.-- much cheaper to do that than to set it off accidentally and be out the cost of a cartridge and blade.

 

[Birdhunter]

Please post the resolution to the problem.

 

[Walk On Wood]

I called SawStop yesterday morning and they finally got back to me in the evening. Troubleshooting showed two probable issues: a bad start capacitor and a bad main switch. It was past the time that their parts department closed so I should have them on the way on Monday. $140 in parts, not too bad. If this fixes the saw, I will be just over 1/2 price for a one year old saw.

@ teocaf: I had already read through the manual, and because it was after 5pm where I lived, I (erroneously) assumed that any tech support would be closed. I posted here on the off chance that a fellow woodworker may have experienced a similar problem and that there was a simple solution that I was overlooking. I have 20+ years experience in hardwood flooring and I can troubleshoot many problems relating to installation, sanding, finishing, and tool repair. I attempt to be helpful when members here post with those types of issues even tho this is a Festool forum.

 

[Birdhunter]

Your experience with Sawstop support is consistent with mine.

They are excellent.

I'm sure you will like the saw. It is an amazing machine.

You will find a 5 cent coin is a critical set up tool.

 

[Walk On Wood]

Update: after my I itial conversation with SawStop, they sent out a new switch box, as well as a new start capacitor and centrifugal switch for the motor. The new switch box allowed the saw to "light up" and turn on, but the motor started very slowly and had extremely low power. I took the motor off and had a motor tech check it out. He replaced the run capacitor and declared that the motor was fine based on his no load test. Back it not the saw it went, same issue: no power. Another conversation w/ Sawstop and after eliminating all other variables, they sent out a new motor. My saw is now running great.

SawStop customer service is the best I have ever dealt with. They were knowledgable and professional.

All in all, after paying for the saw, shipping, and 2 rounds of new parts, I ended up saving about $1500 on the price of a new 5hp ICS. I also learned quite a bit about the electrical components of the saw. Thanks to all who helped out initially with my query.

 

[jbasen]

Glad you are up and running. Sawstop makes a great saw and I hope you will be happy with it