My compound miter saw motor exploded. Why would an electric motor blow-up?
Whatever happened, it happened while it was ON and at high speed. It does not explode from startup – it will merely jamm and burn. So it was running. Then it was either a jam or the motor got out of alignment. If it was a jam then it’s more likely that the jammed part would break, or the chain. The motor itself is pretty strong and encased in metal. First thing I would investigate are the bearings. It sounds like one of these broke. Perhaps it ran dry or got twisted; Alternatively maybe something went into the motor, causing the axe to bend or break free of the bearings. Then the (still spinning) heavy metal central core broke through the casing.
Certainly valid suggestions so far. I’ll just add a thought or two. Beyond an actual tool fault, which may be hard to prove and more difficult to litigate, certainly anything that functions is subject to malfunctioning. The mechanics as well as the electrics probably combined in your case. My suggestion however, albeit late now, is not strictly your fault or the tools, but part of some notion of maintenance. Obviously the use of a tool creates wear, and effects on performance, and in the case of an electric motor, even those seemingly hermitically sealed there are issues that may contribute to their demise, such as how they are used, how often, how the particulates that bombard them, effect the tool, etc. Certainly I wish you rapid healing, and not lifetime effects from your injuries or any notion about tools in general. I hope you resolve the WHY of the Q.
Definatly nothing to do with your power supply. If you desriced a gun like sound i would tend to think a bearing collapsed and sent the motor and assembly into a wild vibration, giving you the gun noise. This was very dangerous and could have resulted in even more serious injuries. I would not hesitate to contact the manufacturer about the fault as they need this feed back so that they can investigate and maybe generate a recall so this dosnt happen to others. I also dont think it unreasonable that the manufacturer should replace your tool too.
