Need Help Identifying Powermatic

[Luntz]

This Powermatic bandsaw is being offered at a local online auction, and there are only a few sub par photos of it. Can you tell by the wires coming out of the conduit if this is a 3 phase setup? I'm not prepared for that. What is this machine worth, seems to be in descent condition.
TIA for your help.

 

[matt_i]

Methinks you have a PM 141 or PM143. The difference should be easily visible by a big gearbox on the backside of the saw, behind the lower blade wheel.

I looked at your picture and unfortunately its so small I couldn't even count the conductors coming out of the lead (!). The typical giveaway of 3ph is you have 4 wires (3ph + 1 ground). Single phase machines would usually just use 3 wires.

The 3ph isn't the end of the road. I helped my Dad setup a simple static converter for his 143 that runs the 3phase bandsaw from 240vac single phase, it involves a timing relay and a start capacitor. The bandsaw is one of the easiest machines to convert as it doesn't need the full HP unless you are doing some heavy resawing. If you end up buying and need some specifics I can help you with documentation of a setup that works.

Imo those are the nicest and most heavy duty of the 14" saws. Yep nicer than a Delta. PM has a cast iron frame and Delta uses steel stampings.

 

[Luntz]

Thanks for the great info Matt. Yes, the photos are very low quality. I was able to zoom in and kind of see the wire colors, looks like 3 x red, 2 x black, a green and a blue. Would 7 wires be feasible? Maybe to an additional 110v light or accessory?
What do you figure a fair price would be at auction?