My PM1500 bandsaw started occasionally dropping the blade tension handle causing the blade to come off the tires. Not realizing the tension handle was dropping first I replaced the tires. Problem continued and then I saw the tension handle drop before the blade came off the wheels. Started happening more frequently until this past weekend I could not get the tension handle to stay up long enough to turn the saw on.
Took the top wheel off and could see wear on the tension cam and locating block it rides against. Powermatic part numbers PM1500-069 and PM1500-010-18. These two little parts are $184.00 with tax and shipping! They will be delivered tomorrow according to UPS.
The flats on the cam have wear rounded corners which appears to be why the weight of the tension handle would allow the cam to rotate off the fully tensioned position.
Has anyone else experienced this? How do I prevent this from happening to the new parts? This is a lightly used hobby bandsaw that I bought new, a one owner/user saw.
To say I am shocked at the cost of these two parts is an understatement. When I first saw the damage I said to myself no big deal I will just go in and order two new ones. I think I will keep the bad ones and see if I can weld new faces on them and file/grind to proper shape. Then keep these for a backup.