The ground wire does not go on the coil screw, neutral only.
1 Like
Does that motor have a start/run capacitor on it? Try replacing that.
My old lathe had a similar issue with starting up. it’d draw a ton of current and then would barely stay running when put under load. Come to find out, the start/run capacitor had popped. I replaced that and it starts and maintains torque much better.
1 Like
Would you mind marking up one of the pics so I know what exactly you mean? That’d be super helpful
The caps were next on my list to troubleshoot, but thankfully my issue was misaligned pulleys so there was a lot of extra friction for the motor to fight through
1 Like
Caps could still by why you’re popping the GFCI.
I’d say (and I didn’t see it before on my phone screen), like @WD4NYT, that having the green ground wire tied to the contactor coil will 1000% cause the GFCI to trip, since the coil is wired to ground instead of neutral from what I can see from the picture. I’m hesitant to mark up any pictures though, as I can’t really clearly see where everything else is wired to to be confident that there isn’t anything else wrong with the wiring.
Bad capacitor(s) would, as @niget2002 said, cause the slow starts you’re seeing and (not remedy) the lagging power factor that would also cause GFCI trips.
I appreciate all the help! I’m pretty sure it’s all been sorted out? The inrush of 60+ amps to start the motor is the cause of the GFCI tripping (called “nuisance tripping” according to my research). The slow start was because the pulleys were not aligned by over an inch + some tilt. Saw runs great on a non-GFCI 20 amp outlet, it only bogged down when it hit a nasty knot with a 60 tooth finish blade. It is only 3/4 HP as well.
If someone can mark up a pic and show me where something is wrong, I’ll gladly check it out though! Again, grateful for the help 
On the mag starter, the left terminal screw on the coil has a green wire attached to it. From what I see it is the ground wire from the power cord. A no no. It should be the white neutral wire. That is probably why the gfi is tripping. This looks suspicious. Without being able to trace the entire circuit, don’t act on my limited observation. If you live close to Gainesville Florida, I can look at it for you. I’m an electrician.
2 Likes
Thanks a lot for your help!! I was able to confirm what you are saying. I studied the mag starter and mapped everything out into the following diagram, hopefully it will help communicate what I should do? For example: “Remove green wire from #9 and attach it to #X. Remove white wire from #10 and attach it to #Y”.
Sorry for not numbering them clockwise, but one of the terminals(?) is physically labeled #1 in the picture, so I felt it was less confusing if physical #1 was also digital #1 lol.
Update: Found the model number info stamped on the side of the mag starter, it’s a Bulletin 700 Type B400.
I found this site, which had the following wiring diagram for the mag starter: https://support.rockwellautomation.com/cc/okcsFattachCustom/get/1055395_4
Will continue digging!
Important note: The saw is unplugged and will be unused until it’s 100% up to code. I am using this as a learning opportunity to understand how electrical things like this work (so again, thanks for any and all help)
1 Like
It’s been many years since I have wired a mag starter. Do you have a two button power switch?
Green for on, red for off.
On the mag starter term 1 is normally closed. It should energize the coil when the green button is pushed, then be self sustaining when the started is energized. Can you get the power switch opened and get a picture of the wiring?
I suspect terminal 1 should be attached to the coil terminal with the green wire from the power cord. The green wire should be attached to a ground terminal. Each wire should be verified by examining both ends. Homeowners don’t generally follow standard wiring color codes. That green wire should be on the grounding pin in the wall plug.
Do you live anywhere close to Palatka Florida? I could get you fixed up quickly if you do. If you get some pictures of the switch wiring, that will help.
2 Likes
I REALLY appreciate your help!! I’m up in Toledo OH so a bit of a drive to meet you, unfortunately, but again very kind of you to offer. I’ll get the power switch opened up and some pics of it tomorrow, it is a two button green/red switch.
I was able to get some pics of the switch, let me know if I can get any other info for you. Thanks again for the help!
Ok, thanks. I’ll study this and try to figure it out. The green wire from the power cord is a ground wire, connect it to the box. I’ll draw a diagram tomorrow.
1 Like
I’ve been following this and can only offer some comments.
- I’m sure you are aware that is one classic mid-1960’s table saw made back when Sears produced incredible products. Being a Chicago boy I remember going to the store on Homan Ave. Anyway know that saw well and you have a classic.
- It may be tuned up already but be sure to study up on table saw tuning and verify she’s in perfect tune. Only have to do once.
- Baldour made incredible electric motors in the day, I am not sure if they still do but I am sure not made in Indiana.
- What an incredible Forum this V1 group is! So many helpful folks willing to reach out and lend assistance. And never any sarcastic trolls.
Anyway enjoy!!
3 Likes
Love your post!! And yes this one is not only nice in general, but the bronze color was only available for one year in 1977 for the 50th anniversary of Craftsman! I was already set to buy the saw and found a YouTuber that restores them for fun and he had a bronze one and said that about the anniversary edition, really cool 
if anyone is interested, these saws are all over Facebook marketplace for CHEAP at least in my region. The bronze color and rack n pinion fence are rare, but the same saw can be had all day long for $100 and under. it’s just so much more solid than my Ryobi jobsite saw, and cheaper too lol. Once she’s wired up safely, I fully intend to be making jigs and sleds and having a good old time
2 Likes
That is very cool!! I have a bad habit of thinking my tools are people and that table saw was so happy to have a good life with a new owner!
I’ve posted before I feel a little sad for my Primo next to my new LR4 gathering dust. But I will re-purpose her or find a proper new home. 
2 Likes
They are perfect for a diode laser!
2 Likes
I was thinking about that as a future project. I am in a finished basement and not sure if I will need some type of venting or not but that’s for a different day 
1 Like
For sure will need venting. That stuff gets real smokey
2 Likes