Learn me: Miter saw repair? (Or replace?)

I do custom picture framing for a living.

I've never been a fan of the monster, pneumatic double-blade saws a lot of folks use. Instead, I have an old Makita (model LS1013 - no longer in production) and a really nice old Phaedra fence.

The saw is probably 20 years old and gets used daily. I've replaced a lot of cheap, chicken E36 M3 parts here & there. 
 

Right before Christmas, it started, what I would describe as "skipping." Instead of a constant pitch, it's making king of a "waaaang kakakaaaaang" It's still cutting well, but something is obviously "off." I also noticed a slight "groove" in the blade where it looks like maybe the brake engaged hard and the blade slipped on the backing plate that secures it.

I'd LOVE to buy the same saw, but it's no longer in production. I could buy a newer model, but I really would rather not have to adjust the height/calibration on the fence if possible.

I considered buying a whole new armature assembly (~$150) but I don't want to just blindly throw parts at it. 

Anyway, any thoughts on diagnosis? If I was smart, I would've shot a video. Shop is 40 minutes away, and I'm closed for the week though. Halp?

In reply to poopshovel again :

You’re in luck. 

I have the exact same Makita. Yes, it’s a wonderful saw. 

I just retired mine. Bought a replacement. Mine has been worked hard, but runs fine.  The miter rotation binds, and the handle is bent.  Repairable, but I was ready to upgrade.

Wanna buy it?

I’ll be in ATL (and Suches) the weekend of 1/4. 

I’ll trade it to you for a CTS-V!  LOL!!

SVreX said:

In reply to poopshovel again :

You’re in luck. 

I have the exact same Makita. Yes, it’s a wonderful saw. 

I just retired mine. Bought a replacement. Mine has been worked hard, but runs fine.  The miter rotation binds, and the handle is bent.  Repairable, but I was ready to upgrade.

Wanna buy it?

I’ll be in ATL (and Suches) the weekend of 1/4. 

Hell yes, dude! Running at 100%? Wanna come hang at the Creekhouse in Talking Rock, or by the shop in Blue Ridge? I love this bar.

In reply to poopshovel again :

Yes. The motor runs 100%. 

Guards, miter adjustments, detents, safety guards are the parts that are worn. Years of running trim at job sites.  

You could put some effort into the guides (disassemble, clean, polish) and use it as is- it would work perfectly.  Or you can use it for parts to fix your other one. 

Never been to the Creekhouse, OR to your shop. Either one is fine. 

Saturday the 4th won’t work. Probably Friday the 3rd. 

Cool. We'll figure something out. In the meantime I think I'm gonna go ahead and order that armature...and maybe brushes for the helluvit.

Hey Paul!

Check your email. Hopin maybe that thing is in the back of your car/truck?

This place is so rad. Paul took a 2 1/2? 3? Hour detour to drop off an old saw that otherwise would've probably ended up in a landfill, but I kinda desperately need. <3

I love this bar.

This seems like the most likely time for SVreX's new saw to break...right after he's given away the old one.  Tempting the Gods of mischief, man.

In reply to Streetwiseguy :

Thanks for the word of encouragement!! 

In reply to poopshovel again :

Good seeing you- I enjoyed seeing your place!