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allen thunem
12-08-2011, 10:47 AM
I recently got a new switch for my powermatic 3520b from the kind folks at powermatic.
while installing it i broke a contact ear off the speed control , so now i have to get a new controller. Does anyone have a source for a potentiometer that will work with my 3520b??..besides powermatic as their price is a bit high in my opinion 65 bucks to be exact.
thank you

Dan Hintz
12-08-2011, 11:35 AM
Radio Shack. It's nothing special, just a pot. Look on the back for the resistance (probably somewhere between 1k and 100k), then use a similar one from your local electronics supply store. Shouldn't cost you more than a few $s.

Dave Wagner
12-08-2011, 12:51 PM
a lot of places online, Newark Electronics, etc....check ebay too!

Steve Schlumpf
12-08-2011, 1:17 PM
Do some research first on the type of potentiometer it is.... some are linear and some are logarithmic. Makes a huge difference in how your speed will adjust. I am guessing that it will be linear... but you will want to make sure.

Dan Hintz
12-08-2011, 1:27 PM
Too true... likely linear, but if it is logarithmic, you'll see those sold as "audio taper" at places like Radio Shack.

Tim Rinehart
12-08-2011, 3:22 PM
Another source to tap for possible phone help and support...Digikey. They have always been pretty good for couple of obscure things I needed. If all else fails and you just aren't sure...may want to contact Powermatic if still under warranty. Given that you were installing their switch...they may decide to help you out.

Gerald McGrantham
12-08-2011, 4:55 PM
Allen,

Go to Mouser Electronics at mouser.com put in the part number (not Powermatics part number) of the pot into their search function and you should find it. There should be a number on the pot. If you have trouble with the search, call the 800 number listed on their site.

Mouser has no minimum and does not sock it to you on shipping. Great company.

Gerald

allen thunem
12-13-2011, 9:00 AM
well finally figured it o ut.
went to a local electronics supply house in boulder and bought a $2.99 5k potentiometer worked like a charm. still confused over why powermatics is 62 bucks. well not really confused but. alos saw the same pot that powermatics sells on ebay they were selling 6 of them for 35 bucks.