Electra Beckum/Metabo/Axy SCMS (KGS 300) - stcking guard

[Eric The Viking]

I've got an old EB SCMS. To those with long memories, no, I haven't done the electronic brake yet :-( and it nearly caught me out last night. Yes, I know the rules about not using powered, sharp things when you're tired, and I still have all my fingers intact, but I had a nasty scare.

I cleaned and serviced it last week after cutting pine, and noticed the guard was occasionally sticking half way when the handle was released. It wasn't closing up fully. I know the mech, so took the guard plate off and cleaned around the return spring and the actuating levers. I thought it was sticking where the tilt lock touches its roller (cleaned and wax-lubed both). When I'd finished it was running smoothly again. I tried the lever a lot, and it didn't jam once.

Last night it stuck again, half open, and I didn't notice. I suddenly realised, but not until after I'd passed my hand under the blade a couple of times. Somewhat scary and I've learned my lesson, happily without damage, but it could have been really serious!

So I need to fix it. I'll be stripping it again today, but I was wondering if anyone with the same saw had come across the same problem, and found out what the issue is (also Metabo and the Axminster version, I guess). Thoughts appreciated.

And yes, the saw brake has gone back on the agenda!

E.

PS: My EB saw is OLD. It's a good design - still accurate and clean-cutting, but it's been around the block a bit. The Axminster and more recent Metabo versions might do the same thing, but I've no evidence to think so at present. I am definitely NOT casting aspersions about them!

 

[Eric The Viking]

Well, I nearly fruit-basketed it completely a few minutes ago.

I stripped and cleaned the mech, and thought, "This really needs a dry lubricant, rather than oil to pick up sawdust." Some inner demon suggested talc (works well for OTHER things). So I put a bit on the spring - good, it now slides with little friction. Then the moment of madness: I put some on the guard's sleeve bearing (aluminium on aluminium).

For a few seconds it worked really well, then it started to jam. A few seconds later it was rigid - no movement at all, as if it was welded in place! I managed to get it off again with WD40 and some "persuasion", but the inside of the bearing is well scored and nasty. I've really damaged it!

I think there must have been some chemical reaction between the Aluminium and the talc.

Got taken for a post-prandial walk on the Mendips this afternoon, so haven't got back to it. Will have a look tomorrow when I feel I have a strong enough stomach.

Sigh.

E.