DeWalt DW705 won't start

[Sam]

Hey all,
I inherited a DeWalt DW 705 compound miter saw. It doesn't work. Go figure. I replaced the switch in the handle, still not working. I jumped the wires effectively bypassing the switch, which I should have done first, no sparks, no life, nothing. Aren't these things bulletproof? It doesn't look like it was worked that hard, although it has been sitting for a couple of years. Upon further inspection, it seems there is a small bit of oil where the motor and blade housing meet. Even if it seized up, wouldn't there at least be a motor humm? Is it junk? What should I be looking for? Any thoughts/suggestions?. Thanks for the help.
Sam

[cmoorejack]

Hey Sam,
The best thing to do is to use a test meter and make sure you have current or continuity in the cord..since you have already replaced the switch..we know that it is good..
If everything checks out ok from the cord and thu the switch..you will want to start trouble shooting from the motor end..With the meter..check to see if you have continuity from the brush's and the field to isolate the problem..sometimes the brush's will wear down enough to lose contact or a connection has come loose or broken off..
As far as the oil leaking out a little bit from the gear housing..sometimes that is just a typical result of the tool sitting for a long time..[the grease is breaking down and the oil is separating from the grease] It will mix back up once you get the saw running again or you can remove the cover and 'stir' it up..
hope this helps..
cmoorejack

[Sam]

Yeah, dude! Thanks for the advice. I traced the problem to a broken wire inside the motor housing. The thing works just fine. Now I'm off to measuring once and cutting twice. Thanks!