I have a 2.5 hp Skil saw (prob. a few years old) and now after just a few cuts it starts getting pretty hot. (ripping plywood it will be hot after one cut) I was told (by somebody who knows more than me) that the bearings might be shot. Do you think this is right? Is this fixable?

Ben, March 2009

I would check the blade first and see if it is dull or not. You may just need to replace it. Dull blades tend to get very hot and make your wood smoke. Blow air into the housing to get all of the sawdust out so air can circulate through.
If blades look good then it could very well be your bearings. Let me know if you need help getting a breakdown or part #'s, I would need the model # of the Skil Saw.

Don- www.toolsandmachinery.com, March 2009