Brake on miter saw going out--replace brushes?

[Darl Bundren]

I have a Dewalt 705 miter saw, and recently the blade brake has failed to engage. At present it happens infrequently--are worn brushes the likely culprit? If so, can I source them locally at a big box store, or should I order online?

Thanks as always!

[Larry Komroff]

Darl, Most likely it is the switch contacts that become pitted. If I remember correctly, the switch that was in my 705 had a second set of contacts. I swapped the wires and it works fine. I am not sure if replacement switches are available.

Larry

[Martin Wasner]

Yep it's usually the switch. If you slowly release the switch, it probably doesn't engage the brake. But, if you let the switch slip off of your finger so it slams back into the open position the brake will probably work.