A miter saw is one of the commonly used power tools by renowned carpenters and woodwork experts globally. A miter saw relies on some of its essential components to perform optimally and without failing. A 1-inch armature is one of the parts that ensure your miter saw works correctly to give you precise and accurate bevel crosscuts.

It is important to have knowledge on how it functions and the guidelines to follow when replacing it in case it fails. Luckily, the 1-inch size is standard. Thus, you may not encounter many difficulties when buying one for replacement.

The 1-inch armature in a mitre saw is primarily used to connect DC and Universal (AC and DC) motors with the brushes and commutator. The purpose of the miter saw 1-inch armature is to create a continuous magnetic field.

This magnetic field that emerges from the stator windings enables the armature to turn. The armature plays a significant role in ensuring the swift and continuous rotation of the saw blades. The motor of your miter saw may function without the help of a 1-inch armature.

Every power tool, miter saw included, requires an armature in order to undertake the various woodworking projects will less hassle and time. The 1-inch armature in the miter saw is used as an electric motor. The armature is used to create coordination between the two magnetic fluxes.

As a result of the relative motion between the magnetic fluxes, the blades’ movement is initiated and maintained. However, regular maintenance is required to ensure that the armature performs as it should without breaking down.

This piece will give you the much-needed insight on 1-inch armature on a miter saw.

Let’s get to details.

Components of a 1 Inch Armature on a Miter Saw

Here’s a quick video with a n overview of what makes up a miter saw armature:

The 1-inch armature used on a miter saw is made of different vital components that make it functional, as discussed before:

• Armature Core

The core of a miter saw armature is made up of a thin laminated metal plate as opposed to a single piece. The thickness of the lamination determines the supply frequency. The thickness of the core is approximately 0.5 mm. The laminated silicon steel is used in the miter saw armature to reduce the hysteresis and eddy current loss. Generally, the miter saw armature core is a cylindrical hollow shape, and the shaft is inserted in the armature core.

The armature core consists of various slots. On the outer side of the armature core, the armature winding is placed. The holes in the miter saw’s armature core are skewed at a precise angle to eliminate magnetic locking to ensure smooth rotation of the miter blades for a clean and tidy work.

• Armature Winding

Onto the armature core slots, the armature winding is inserted. To eliminate direct contact between the core and the coil, the armature winding is insulated. Mostly, the armature winding of the miter saw is made of copper. However, in some instances, it is made of aluminum as it is less costly. Depending on the design and the armature winding model, it can wave wound or lap wound.

In an arrangement of lap winding, the number of brushes and poles is the same as the current paths. In this kind of winding, the starting end, which is adjacent to the coil and the commutator segment, is connected to the finishing end in one of the coil at the same pole as the commutator segment.

When the lap’s arrangement is wave winding, the total number of the current paths is two. In this winding arrangement, each end of the coil is linked to the segment of the commutator with the exact distance between each pole. This helps to increase the voltage and the winding between brushes.

• Miter Saw Armature Shaft

The shaft of the armature in the miter saw is used in the transmission of mechanical energy. It is a firm rod that is placed between two bearings. The length, the bearing points, and speed are determined to reduce the harmonic distortions. The shaft thickness chosen should be enough to transmit the torque that is needed by the miter saw. It should be firm enough to regulate any balance forces that may be out.

• Commutator

The commutators are built using copper bars. With the help of insulating materials such as plastic or mica, the commutator copper rods are separated from each other. The shaft is accurately aligned to the slot of the armature in the miter saw. The commutator bar must be placed at the exact displacement angle as the armature for the commutator bar’s effective working.

What Makes the 1 Inch Armature in a Miter Saw Rotate?

The 1-inch armature plays a significant role in ensuring that a miter saw’s blades are rotating. The armature inside the motor of a miter saw works by converting electrical energy to mechanical energy—basically, the armature aids in the saw blade’s spinning.

The armature uses Fleming’s left-hand rule in its functionality. In this case, the conductor carrying current experiences force when exposed to the magnetic field. When the supply is set to the stator, the rotating magnetic field is induced in the motor of the miter saw. The rotating magnetic field is responsible for the rotation of the rotor.

How to determine if your Miter Saw Armature is Damaged

If the armature of your miter saw is spoilt, the motor will fail to run. When this happens, it is vital to test whether the armature is functioning optimally.

First, you need to check the armature winding and to determine whether it is short-circuited or open-circuited. In this test, the resistance of the dual commutator bars is measured; this is done using an ohmmeter. The size of the miter determines the reading on the ohmmeter saw motor size.

After the first ohmmeter reading, it is essential that you rotate the armature and confirm the resistance of each bar of the commutator. If the reading is the same, then it is a clear indication that your miter saw the armature winding is good. If there is an incline in the reading, it indicates that it has been short-circuited.

However, if the reading is increasing, then your armature winding is open-circuited or broken. Thus it would be best to repair or replace the 1-inch armature with a new one.

The 1-inch armature plays a significant role in running your miter saw motor; thus, when it’s broken, you should get it fixed. The size is standard; hence you would not experience difficulties when buying one for replacement.

A miter saw is a vital tool found in most workshops as it helps carpenters and woodwork experts in the easy and swift cutting of wood. They are craftily engineered to be robust and to give the desired level of service to the users.

However, it can be disturbing and uncomfortable when a miter saw starts making grinding noise. As a novice, it may be challenging to troubleshoot and get to the bottom of the issue. Although it is normal for miter saws to make noise while in use, grinding noise may indicate an issue with your armature, brushes, or both.

Due to the continuous use of your miter saw over time, the worn-out brushes are prone to chipping, and the chip may become wedged, thus causing the grinding noise. Regular maintenance and replacement of worn-out components of the miter saw is essential in ensuring that your power tool is in good shape and increases its lifespan.

When your miter saw starts making grinding noise, you should get it repaired in order to resume your regular woodworking duties. To address this issue, replacement of the brushes is recommended. Although the brushes are designed to last long, they may get worn out regularly due to rigid woodwork undertakings.

This piece will enlighten you on the reason behind the grinding noise made by a miter saw and on how to address the issue.

Let’s get to details.

What Causes a Grinding Noise in a Mitre Saw?

Like any other heavy-use equipment, miter saws fall victim to tear and wear, electrical issues, and malfunctions. Even when the best power tool maintenance is adhered to, miter saws can fail to work optimally and require immediate scrutiny and possible repair. When your miter saw makes a squealing and grinding noise, then you should know that the carbon brushes, the bearings, and the armature of your miter saw have malfunctioned. Thus you shouldn’t take the issue lightly, and you should seek the means to fix it.

The grinding noise made by your miter saw is a red flag; thus, a diagnosis should be conducted to determine the problem and the next course of action. Malfunction in the following parts of the miter saw would be the reason behind the uncomfortable noise:

• Miter Saw Bearings

When the bearings of your miter saw become worn out, they can make the grinding or squealing noise. In some scenarios, it can also cause vibration. When a bearing that is seized spins in its housing, it ends up causing the grinding noise. To fix this issue, you should replace the bearings of your miter saw. You should first start by separating the case into two by removing the screws. On some other miter saw models, you may be required first to remove the front gear housing to access the bearings.

You will then be required to remove the carbon brush holders swiftly by pulling them up by a wire. Remove the spindle assembly and the chuck. The motor is then lifted, and the armature is placed out of the field. Depending on the model of your miter saw, to raise the motor, you will need to unplug the electrical connectors.

To determine if the bearing is in good shape or not, spin it and listen for roughness. Using a bearing puller, remove the damaged bearing. You are then required to install a bearing separator and put the separator on a bench vice on the bearing. The bench vice should be opened enough to the exact point where the bearing separator makes contact. You can then use a hammer and a punch to remove the bearing.

After removing the damaged bearing, install the new one on the shaft through the use of a socket that makes contact with your miter saw bearing race to ensure it does not damage. Using a hammer, tap it firmly in place. After completing the repair, you should put the armature back in its field and reinstall the chuck assembly and spindle back in the case. If your miter saw the brush holders are in good shape, reinstall it using a small screwdriver to grip the brush down. Replacing the malfunctioned bearing will get your miter back in good condition and won’t produce the grinding noise.

• Miter Saw Carbon Brushes

If one of the brushes of your miter saw breaks off and becomes wedged between the housing and the commutator or any part of your miter saw, it produces the squealing and the grinding noise. Once you have made the diagnosis and determined that the brushes are the cause of the malfunction, it would be best if you separated the case into two using a screwdriver. By pulling them by a wire, gently remove the brush holders.  Scrutinize the brushes to determine if there is any breakage. If there is a piece of the brush missing, you should replace it with a new one to restore your miter saw back to normal functioning. 

• Miter Saw Armature

An armature plays a critical role in the running, and the spinning of the blades of your miter saw. It helps in the normal functioning of the motor. When your miter saw starts producing the grinding noise, you should open your miter saw and examine if the armature is in good shape. If you are a novice, you could use the help of an expert to solve this issue. Replacing the armature will get your power tool back in shape.

Although it is normal for the miter saw to produce noise while undertaking the various woodwork duties, grinding noise is a clear indication that some part of your miter saw has malfunctioned. You should examine the bearings, the brushes, and the armature to determine if they are in good shape. If any of the parts have spoilt, it is recommended that you immediately replace them.