PM 15" Planer (w/ rollers) Parts Question

[Bob Coleman]

Hi All,

I have a Powermatic 15" planer , the older model with the infeed/outfeed roller tables. When I got it, the starter enclosure cover (the plastic one inside the base) was held on by duct tape. Not liking that, I untaped it and went looking for appropriate screws to attach it. The parts list in the manual isn't helpful, and I cannot seem to find the right screw.

Its between M8 and M10, and isn't any flavor of 5/16 or 3/8 I can get at the local hardware store. Can someone who owns one pull off a bolt and measure it for me?

Thanks in advance - this is driving me crazy!

[Bruce Page]

Bob, I can take a look at mine tomorrow afternoon.

[Bruce Page]

Bob, it appears to be a M4.5-1.0 X 5
A standard SAE 10-24UNC X 3/16 long will work fine. Make sure to use loctite.

[Bob Coleman]

Bruce,

Maybe yours is different than mine? Because the hole is a lot bigger than M4.5. The bolt sitting on top of the starter is 1/4-20. Its bigger than 5/16.

Thanks for looking!

244389 244388

[Bruce Page]

LOL! When I read your post the first thing that popped into my feeble head was the small screws that hold the start capacitor cover on the motor... it was late..:rolleyes:
The screws you need will be a challenge to find. It is a molded plastic screw, M9 - 1.25 X 22mm over all length. The head angle is really oddball at 20° (40° included angle)
Sorry for the poor quality pic, my little point & shoot didn’t want to cooperate.

[Bob Coleman]

Thanks!

Now, where on earth am I going to find one of those, he mutters under his breath . . .

[Bruce Page]

You could re-tap the threads in the base box to 3/8-16 and use a standard 3/8-16 pan head or socket head bolt. You'd have to open up the clearance holes in the cover too.
If I were in your situation that's probably what I would do.