Sorry for your trOubles on the new saw Iggy. I have a 1996 26 inch Ultra I bought brand new that still runs as good as new. I had some trouble last year with breaking blades and blades slipping out of the upper blade holder. I discovered that the rear tension rod needed adjusted down a couple of turns. After I did the adjustment the saw is like new again. I assume after 21 years there was some wear some where. This saw has seen some hard use over the years. A lot of 3/4 oak plywood etc.