If you’re looking to work with saws, you may have purchased the Ridgid miter saw. The efficiency and applications of the saw are good, that’s why it caught your attention.
Nevertheless, the Ridgid saw does come with some problems regarding the guard. That’s why I have decided to lend a hand today!
So, you might be thinking; what are the ridgid miter saw guard problems?
Firstly, when the saw guard is dirty, its movement becomes restricted and the guard does not work. Secondly, if the guard is assembled incorrectly, it fails to function. Lastly, a loose/worn-out belt can cause the guard to make noises. On top of that, it indicates that the guard needs some repair.
Now that you know the fundamentals, you must be eager to learn more. I’ve talked about the issues and how to solve them below.
Ready to figure out the reasons? Read along!
Ridgid Miter Saw And The Problems with The Guard
Ridgid miter saws are very famous and worth your bucks. They are useful for a variety of tasks.
The guard problem can arise for different reasons such as corrosion, damage, wrong assembly, etc. And the miter saw guard can show different symptoms.
Although, you’ll have to check 3 things before getting to ridgid miter saw troubleshooting. Let’s have a look.
Things to Check
Check if the battery of the saw is functional. If they aren’t, you can replace them with a new one.
To help you, I have mentioned miter saws for you:
Using and storing the batteries properly will enhance the performance and longevity of your saw.
Check if the power source is providing enough power. Voltage problems, and insufficient power causes some of the components of the saw to not work.
Check if anything is already queued to cut in the saw. Ensure your safety by keeping the queue of the saw empty.
Now, let’s look at the probable reasons behind the guard problems.
3 Major Ridgid Miter Saw Guard Problems & Solutions
You can have problems with the ridgid miter saw blade guard for many reasons.
In most cases, the lack of cleaning the guard creates problems. Corrosion and grease/gunk buildup on metal ruins its mechanism. For example, the husqvarna 562xp has problems with corroded/greasy metal too.
You can observe the guard not working when it’s not moving automatically. The guard not working is pretty risky.
Also, the guard might be making noise. The squeaking of the guard may get you worried.
There are some other reasons which I will be taking a look at here. Read along to find out the problems!
Problem 1: Movement Restriction
The saw guard sometimes shows cramped motion and is stuck. You can observe the Ridgid miter saw guard not moving when it happens.
Make sure you don’t have a dirty guard. Dirt is the biggest enemy of machines.
Reason 1: Dirty Saw Guard
Dirty guards can create movement problems. It is a reason for the universal miter saw blade guards. It’s not just only for ridgid miter saw guards.
The guard sometimes gets dirty and there is gunk building upon it. Gunk ceases the free movement of the guard.
The buildup of sawdust can also be a reason. The saw guard won’t retract enough to allow the cutting of any material.
Let’s see how to solve this problem.
Solution
The solution is very simple; just clean the saw guard thoroughly! Except for a brush and a cloth, you need more utensils.
Since there is gunk buildup, you will need some acidic cleaning agent. You can make it at home by using vinegar and lemon. Apply it to the surface of the guard. Wait for 3-4 minutes then clean it off with a dry cloth.
There are also many other ways to clean metal that might be useful for you.
Nevertheless, if there’s no gunk you can simply just clean it with a brush. Do remember to keep it dry after cleaning. Because a wet surface can build corrosion on the guard.
This can prevent the Ridgid miter saw blade guard sticking on the surface.
Problem 2: Function Failure
In some cases, the guard fails to work. The function of the guard is not executed. It does not do its job, making the miter saw very dangerous to work with.
Make sure the orientation of the guards is firm and correct.
Reason 2: Incorrect Assembly
Incorrectly assembling the ridgid miter saw can make the guard not work. The question of reassembling the saw comes when you install something. For instance, installing a new blade.
Not assembling properly displaces the guard; causing it not to function. It messes with the guard adjustment.
Let’s look at some fixes for this issue.
Solution
For this solution, you will have to take the components of the saw apart. Then follow the manual of the Ridgid saw and assemble it again.
If you’re unsure about the ridgid miter saw guard assembly, contact a professional. It can be very complicated for you alone.
Assembling correctly will eliminate the problem of the guard not working.
Problem 3: Noise Problem
On startup, the guard makes a squeaking noise. It seems like while the guard is functioning, the guard is rubbing itself against something. On top of that, the noise stays there till the end.
Reason 3: A Loose/Worn out Belt
There might be something wrong with the belt. A loose or worn-out belt may be the reason the guard makes noise.
A loose belt does not fit well and proceeds to make noises. A repair/replacement of the belt is needed.
If that is your case, don’t worry. I have listed some solutions to this problem below.
Solution
To solve this, first, you will need to remove the cover plate. Then, spray some automotive belt dressing. The dressing should stop the squeaking.
However, if that does not fix the belt, consider a miter saw blade guard replacement. Replacing the guard will stop the sound.
Additionally, it is risky to use a defected saw guard. A fresh replacement is a solution in this case.
You can find your suitable reason and its solution from above. Hopefully, you can easily solve any ridgid compound miter saw guard problems!
FAQs
Why is my miter saw burning the wood?
Most of the time, a dull blade is a reason for the burn you see in the wood. Dull blades make cutting swiftly difficult. The slower the feed rate of the saw, the more friction it will create. The more friction, the greater risk of burn marks. Also, pushing the stock too slowly may cause a burn.
Do you push or pull a sliding miter saw?
You have to push to work with a sliding miter saw. You can do a climb cut by simply pulling the miter through the wood. It might cause the wood to rise from the table. It is very dangerous. Using a blade with teeth that slant forward between 0 and 5 degrees is also important.
What blade is best for cutting trim?
For cutting trim, select a blade that has an 80-100 tooth count. Thin blades are better in this case. This blade will precisely cut with minimal tear-out. For best results, look for a blade with a narrow kerf when picking a blade for trim work. Narrow blades have a very thin area for cutting.
Endnote
Now, you know about the ridgid miter saw guard problems! If you’ve got one, this guide will definitely come in handy.
In case none of our solutions work for you, do seek help from a professional.
Good luck fixing the problems of the saw guard!
