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?
Ridgid miter saws can encounter three major guard problems: movement restriction, function failure, and noise issues. When the saw guard becomes cramped or stuck, cleaning it thoroughly can often resolve the issue. If the guard fails to work properly, disassembling and correctly reassembling the saw according to the manual can solve the problem. Squeaking noises may indicate a loose or worn-out belt, which can be addressed by using automotive belt dressing or considering a guard replacement.
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
A Ridgid miter saw may experience three major guard problems. But don’t worry, we will discuss those problems with detailed solution. But before that, let’s take a look at what these problems are.
Also, some of these issues may be relevant to the husqvarna 562xp has problems.
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
| Movement Restriction | Dirty Guard | Clean the guard |
| Function Failure | Incorrect Assembly | Make the guard is firm and correct. |
| Noise Problem | A Loose/Worn-out Belt | Disassemble and reassemble |
Now, let’s go into the details.
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 getting dirty. 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. If your miter saw blade guard is sticking, there are several potential solutions you can try:
- Clean the guard: Sawdust or debris may have accumulated in the guard mechanism, causing it to stick. Use a brush or cloth to thoroughly clean the guard, removing any buildup.
- Check for loose or misaligned parts: Ensure that all screws and nuts on the guard mechanism are tightened properly. If any parts are misaligned, adjust them to ensure smooth movement.
- Lubricate the moving parts: Apply a small amount of lubricant, such as silicone spray or dry lubricant, to the moving parts of the guard mechanism. This can help reduce friction and allow for smoother operation.
- Check the spring: If your miter saw has a spring-loaded guard, make sure the spring is properly attached and functioning. If the spring is damaged or disconnected, it may cause the guard to stick.
- Inspect the blade linkage: Examine the linkage that connects the guard to the blade. If it is bent, damaged, or obstructed, it can cause the guard to stick. Adjust or replace the linkage if necessary.
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.
Also, while you are at it, a you can carry out a Ridgid miter saw blade change. So, if you didn’t know how to change blade on ridgid miter saw, here’s how-
- Disconnect the power source: Before starting any blade replacement, ensure that the miter saw is unplugged and disconnected from the power source for safety.
- Slide the blade guard out of the way: If your miter saw has a blade guard, slide it away from the blade to expose the blade and the arbor.
- Remove the blade: Use a Ridgid saw blade wrench or an adjustable wrench to turn the blade spindle bolt counterclockwise. This will loosen and remove the bolt and washer holding the blade in place.
- Install the new blade: Carefully place the new blade onto the arbor, ensuring that the teeth are facing in the correct direction. Replace the washer and tighten the blade spindle bolt clockwise using the wrench.
- Slide the blade guard back into place: Once the new blade is securely installed, slide the blade guard back into its original position to cover the blade
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!
Frequently Asked Questions (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!
