powermatic 45

[Dwain Alverson]

I just bought a powermatic 45 lathe that has sat idle for years, every thing seems to work but the variable speed seems a little hard to speed up. I've given it a couple of shots of wd40 and was wondering if there are lube points in there some where hidden.

[Harry Robinette]

Dwain Not sure about the grease fittings but the spindle must be turning before you change the speed handle because it has a reeves drive.

[Steve Peterson]

Welcome to the forum Dwain.

I would also suggest a powdered graphite or Teflon based lubricant. WD40 may work for a short time, but will quickly gum up and attract sawdust, making the situation worse in the long run.

Steve

[Dwain Alverson]

Welcome to the forum Dwain.

I would also suggest a powdered graphite or Teflon based lubricant. WD40 may work for a short time, but will quickly gum up and attract sawdust, making the situation worse in the long run.

Steve

Good point, as near as I can tell there is a cam of sorts that moves a bearing as well as a couple of pivot points. no lube joints obvious so I just guessed that it was intended to get a drop of oil now and then. Surprisingly enough this area was clean, the rest was a home for squirrels. I can tell it is freeing up as every time I turn it on and move the leaver up and down it seems a little lest pressure required. I just wish I could find a manual with a "lube section".

[Doug Ladendorf]

Vintagemachinery.org will have the manual which might include a lubrication schedule. You may want to do some disassembly and cleaning/lube. How old is it? (Or what color if you are not sure.)

Doug

[Dwain Alverson]

Vintagemachinery.org will have the manual which might include a lubrication schedule. You may want to do some disassembly and cleaning/lube. How old is it? (Or what color if you are not sure.)

Doug
The s/n has a 67 in front so I assume that is the date, it is painted gray but I'd guess that is a re-do as the brand plate has some on it. I'll look at that link and see if it is more than I have, Thanks!

[Doug Ladendorf]

According to the decoder ring it looks like you are right about the year: http://wiki.vintagemachinery.org/PowermaticSerialNumbers.ashx

This will be of interest too: http://wiki.vintagemachinery.org/RebuildingAPowermatic45WoodLathe.ashx

as well as some of the posts here: http://owwm.org/search.php?keywords=powermatic+45+lathe

Good luck with it and post some pictures when you have a chance.
Doug

[Dwain Alverson]

I've noticed one thing missing, the indexing plate is present but the little locking mechanism is missing. any one know the uses of this ?