Tool Gloat

[Don Roberson II]

1985 Powermatic 66 5hp 3ph with a 5-7 1/2hp static converter
72" Biesemeyer Fence
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Going to take a lot of work. It was really neglected.
Saw was uncovered in a barn & the fence was laying on a trailer outside
Top has some minor pitting. Gearing is all in good shape, not worn

Best part of the whole deal was: It was free!
Even got an older Makita plunge router

[Lee Reep]

Well, that certainly qualifies as the find of the day ... so far!

Congratulations!

What is your projected timeframe to complete the restoration? I hope you keep us updated on progress, rather than wait for months (years?) to post the finished project! I keep looking on Craigslist, but so far no luck in finding an old classic, other than a few old Delta or DeWalt RASs that are WAY overpriced. (And it is amazing what some people consider to be "EXCELLENT" condition. I'll pay reasonable prices for fair condition, and I'd pay dearly if I ever found an oldie in excellent condition!)

[Don Roberson II]

I'm hoping for 4-6 weeks on the restoration. Will keep updates posted

[HANK METZ]

I'm hoping for 4-6 weeks on the restoration. Will keep updates posted

That's what I tell the wife with every DeWalt I get, I just finished a two- fer yesterday, a 1200 and a 1400 (there ain't no economy of scale in restoration as I found out); checked my purchase dates and it was mid June last year when I got 'em. :)

[John McClanahan]

Its hard to beat a free Powermatic 66!!

John

[Rich Riddle]

Don,

I am a supporter in slow restorations. Nothing worse than having parts laying around all over the place for extended periods of time. That saw looks in good shape as far as the paint is concerned. Removing and replacing bearings isn't that difficult at all. Do you have a manual for the saw? If not, go to vintagemachinery and look up that model. The manual is there with the bearing numbers. You can order bearings in two days or less for that machine.

There are rust away products that will get rid of rust. One slightly changes the color of the metal but forms a protective barrier. I would definitely use that on the trunnions and parts under the machine. The fence looks in need of attention, but plenty of information is available for that type of fence system. Delta owns them now.

Your biggest challenge is the motor. Have you decided if you are trying to repair the old 3-phase or get a new motor? I don't like static systems for running tools, but you can get them to work. I always prefer to use the "sacrificial" motor in a rotary phase converter system. That way the machines motor doesn't need replaced.

[Tom Hildebrand]

Sweet! congrats on a fun project!
Tom

[Lornie McCullough]

A FREE Powermatic 66? That is what dreams are made of!!!!

Lornie

[Doug Ladendorf]

Congratulations on the score! I found my 66 renovation took a bit longer than planned, but I also tried to bump it up a level whenever I could (dust collection, magnetic starter, added a motor cover). I look forward to seeing your progress.
Doug

[Charles Coolidge]

Evapo-Rust!!

[Brian W Smith]

Very cool!Once you have it all fixed up/runnin,am sure you'll get lot's of good service from it.

[Peter Quinn]

Congrats on that find. Running the numbers, I bought my 66 brand new......pay myself shop rate to restore an old one......hours times $45...........I think mine was actually cheaper than yours? But you will have invaluable memories of the restoration process!

[Don Roberson II]

Update:
Converter was bad so I opted for a new motor
Bought a new arbor complete with bearings & all parts installed cheaper than bearing alone
Parts all bead blasted & painted
Just have to clean & paint the cabinet while waiting on ordered parts
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[Rich Riddle]

What type of new motor did you select?

[Don Roberson II]

Leeson 3hp 1ph

[Rich Riddle]

Will you be able to eliminate that huge box on the side that housed the three-phase motor? You will need a different magnetic starter switch, but many places sell those inexpensively.

[Doug Ladendorf]

You will need a different magnetic starter switch, but many places sell those inexpensively.

Grizzly sells them at reasonable prices. Got mine from them.

[Keith Hankins]

Good haul, although you should have dickered on price a bit :). Enjoy the restoration. Great find!

[Edward Oleen]

you better be real careful... I've been in love with the '66 saw ever since I saw one at a wood show with the table off, right along side a Delta with the table off.

I understand they don't do that any more... Something about "unfair competion".

No comparison. The '66 saw is a battleship.

Better be REAL careful not to let me know where it is. You might just loose it some dark night... (envy envy envy envy...)

[Don Roberson II]

Thanks guys
I ordered a switch from Grizzly.
I'm waiting on the motor, once it is mounted I am going to see if I can shallow up the cover

[Don Roberson II]

Update:
Cabinet painted & trunion back together
Used Rustoleum Hammered Gold & Hammered Black on the cabinet. Rustoleum Flat Black on the trunion
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[Charles Coolidge]

That's looking quite nice!

[phil harold]

That hammered paint on restores is the cats meow

[Jerry Olexa]

It will be a labor of love....Go for it....

[Don Roberson II]

Update: Fence almost done, table extension in, finished wiring. Probably run new wire to panel tomorrow & fire it up. Have to cut panels for the fence yet
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[Bill Space]

Wonderful progress!

You're a lucky guy for sure!

And talented too!