Rebuilding powermatic 26 shaper

[derek labian]

Another crazy idea i have is what if i buy a different quill ( not meant for model 26) and try to mount it somehow and that way maybe i could have a quill that accepts 1 1/4 and cheaper that $450? So crazy?

i rehabbed a 26. I ended up putting a new spindle assembly on it. You can get them new on ebay for about 350. I also upgraded the motor, pulleys, sheave, etc. it was all die to slowly finding more and more issues. I ended up sinking a lot kore money into it than i wanted to. I ended up selling be because of various linitations of the 26. I wish i had just bought a newer unit to begin with and saved the hassle.

OWWM forums/site was helpful.

[Kevin Jenness]

Just replace with sealed bearings. I wouldn't put a lot of $ or time into that machine. So far as retrofitting a random 1 1/4" quill, don't waste your time making the machine into something it isn't.