In article jUcik.43$c52.14@trnddc03, says...
Sounds to me like either the brushes are worn out or the commutator or
armature has a problem. The brake depends on having good contact between the
brushes and commutator. A worn commutator would also cause the starting
issue since you have to turn the blade sometimes in order to get it to start
up.

Check the brushes first, then look down inside the brushholder with a
flashlight. All of the copper segments should look identical (uniform black
tracking is normal). Also, the gaps between the copper segments should be
identical in width. If one of the gaps looks a little wider and rough at the
edges, then you need a new armature.

Doug

Much appreciated. Doug. I will check it out.

S.