Troubleshooting a Portable Dewalt Portaband Bandsaw

Motor Won’t Start

• If the motor of the portable Dewalt Porta-Band band saw fails to start when you squeeze the saw’s trigger switch, a connection issue could be to blame. As a solution, fully insert the plug on the saw’s cord into an outlet so that the plug’s metal prongs are able to make sufficient contact. If the motor still cannot start, the issue could be that you need to replace a blown fuse or repair an open circuit breaker in your home’s electrical system.

Motor Won’t Stop

• When you release the trigger switch on the Dewalt Porta-Band band saw, the saw’s motor should come to a stop. If this does not happen, the problem could be that you have inadvertently engaged the saw’s lock button. The purpose of the lock button is to allow the saw’s motor to run -- and its blade to cut -- without you having to continuously depress the trigger switch. To disengage the lock button and get the motor to stop, squeeze the trigger switch as far as possible, which will allow the lock button to come free. You can then release the trigger switch.

Failure to Make Cuts

• According to Dewalt, the Porta-Band band saw is designed to cut materials that have a maximum diameter of 4.75 inches or that have maximum rectangular shapes of 4.5 inches by 4.75 inches. If the saw is unable to make a desired cut, despite the fact that the motor is running, the issue could be that you are attempting to a cut a material that is too large. Alternatively, the saw’s failure to cut could be the result of using an improperly sized saw blade. For the model 7724 Dewalt Porta-Band band saw, use only blades that are 44.875 inches long, 0.5 inches wide and 0.020 inches thick. Never use a stationary band saw blade on a portable band saw.

Binding Blade

• If the teeth of the Dewalt Porta-Band band saw’s blade are continuously binding -- or getting stuck in the material you are cutting -- you may need to sharpen or replace the blade. Alternatively, the issue could be that you are using the wrong type of blade for the material you are cutting. The softer or thicker the material is, the coarser the saw’s blade teeth should be. Oppositely, the harder or thinner the material is, the finer the teeth should be.