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I've been using my new circular saw for about a week. Today while making a plunge cut it just locked. It didn't get stuck on anything inside the board and it consistently locked every time I tried to cut something with it afterwards. Is there anything I can do about that other than invoke the warranty?

Update
Problem solved. The nut holding the blade down was coming loose. I'm new to power saws and didn't even think to check that. :/
Next problem. I tightened the nut as tight as it goes. Is it normal to have to do this after every single cut?

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  • It's locking as you're making the cut? Not locking up when it spins freely?
    – The Evil Greebo
    Commented Jul 5, 2012 at 15:01
  • Try wearing gloves. It could be a safety lock that's designed to prevent you from slicing a finger. If the wood is damp, it could be transmitting the electrical charges that are detected by the saw.
    – BMitch
    Commented Jul 5, 2012 at 15:09
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    Yea, the SawStop has an interesting history. Since the SawStop destroys the blade and saw itself, I'm guessing this isn't what's happening in this case. Sounds like a broken saw and/or it is binding on the substrate.
    – DA01
    Commented Jul 5, 2012 at 16:27
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    The SawStop system uses a replaceable cartridge that gets destroyed along with the blade, not the whole saw. sawstop.com/wp-content/uploads/sawstop_whitepaper.pdf
    – Mike Powell
    Commented Jul 5, 2012 at 17:49
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    The Saw Stop is an amazing and great invention. Alas, it's being sold in a market where we tend to prioritize things via short term economics. ;) As for the follow up question, are you tightening the nut while the blade is locked? There's usually a way (such as a push-button) to lock the axle manually so you can tighten the nut properly.
    – DA01
    Commented Jul 6, 2012 at 0:17

1 Answer 1

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It is unusual to need to retighten the nut. If one side of the nut is concave, ensure that side is against the blade.

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