Craftsman Sliding Compound Mitre Saw – blade guard movement is dangerous

I am using a Craftsman 10″ sliding compound mitre saw. (Model 137.285980). It is approx. 12 yrs old now. After recently replacing the blade, the link that actuates the blade guard movement has changed and is no longer a smooth movement leading it to be dangerous as it sticks when lowering the blade requiring additional force to move it past the sticking point and results in a jerking motion. This leads to a dangerous situation and the blade hitting the wood instead of a gentle initial contact. I have taken it apart several times to try and solve the issue but the results are the same each time I reassemble it. I have lubricated all possible points. If I manually raise the blade guard past the sticking point, the movement is smooth for the entire cut as it was before I changed the blade. I have not seen this same link on other designs but am hoping someone has experience with this Craftsman design and can offer some possible fix-it suggestions.

 

Thanks in advance

Jeff

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Striking out on the 137.285980 model number. Are you sure that is correct?

Yes, I have the manual for it and have also confirmed on the unit itself. I am finding next to nothing on this model either. I am in Canada and am suspecting that there may be a different model for the same unit outside of Canada. I have downloaded several other model manuals but the link arm has been different in each case. I took a photo with the only image I can find of it from the manual in hope someone has this or a similar version of it.

 

Thanks

Jeff

Nothing is obvious from that info.

 

Maybe the disassembly / reassembly changed the positional relationship between the actuator parts, after having well worn into their initial positions.

 

It looks like the side cylinder on the sliding arm is pushed by the U shaped arm, to raise the guard.

 

If so, then maybe manually rotating that side cylinder will restore normal operation.

 

Also, finger feeling the top surface on the U shaped arm for smoothness / burrs and polishing away if any exist. If that cylinder should rotate for normal operation then checking / fixing, if required.

I also have one of these, with the exact same problem.  Model # on mine is: 137 212370.  Did anyone come up with a fix?