Powermatic 1150 questions

[SS8UUP]

Hello, I was in the market for a new DP and after reading and researching on GJ I decided on looking for an older USA made machine instead.
I just picked up this 1968 model 1150 VS locally. Seems to be in great shape, runs smooth, speed adjusts correctly etc… it needs some cleaning to make it 100% but over all I’m happy with it.

I would like to run through it and service to make sure it continues to last. Also, It has a light switch type on/off switch, I’m considering swapping to back a button type on off like it would have come with.

Any advice on switches or problem areas/ places to check while servicing would be appreciated.

Another thing, this unit has some sort of air ram attachment mounted to the bottom of the column, any idea what that is or would be used for?

 

[The Cobbler]

air ram to raise & lower the table maybe?

 

[PoorUB]

The only problem areas with the 1150 and 120 Powermatics were bearings and the VS pulleys. There is a key in the one pulley, I forget which one, but the key that drives the one sheave of the pulley wears out an makes a mess. You may want to pull the pulleys off an tear them down, but be very careful removing them as they don't come off easily and they break easily. Many of the parts are second hand only.

As for the bearings, they seldom fail, but as these drill pressed were discontinued in the 1990's the lube in the bearings is drying up. The newest models are 25 years old and the older ones are pushing 70 years old.

For what it is worth I have a 1200 that I bought used about ten years ago and I haven't done a thing to it!

 

[lafester]

How did it look when you took it apart? Is it running well?

 

[GrayFlattop]

Hello, I was in the market for a new DP and after reading and researching on GJ I decided on looking for an older USA made machine instead.
I just picked up this 1968 model 1150 VS locally. Seems to be in great shape, runs smooth, speed adjusts correctly etc… it needs some cleaning to make it 100% but over all I’m happy with it.

I would like to run through it and service to make sure it continues to last. Also, It has a light switch type on/off switch, I’m considering swapping to back a button type on off like it would have come with.

Any advice on switches or problem areas/ places to check while servicing would be appreciated.

Another thing, this unit has some sort of air ram attachment mounted to the bottom of the column, any idea what that is or would be used for?

Nice! I picked my 1150 up used in ‘84. Other than replacing th switch, cord and cleaning it up I haven’t done a thing other than use it.

Run it through the speed range once a week- don’t force it

The air cylinder suggests that it was used in a production environment, but that’s just a guess.

 

[SS8UUP]

.

How did it look when you took it apart? Is it running well?

I gave it a good look over and everything seemed to be in spec so I didn’t do much other than replace the worn out cord and add a contactor and pushbutton switches to replace the old toggle switch.

It’s been running great.
Side note: I found an old Cardinal 4B speed vise which is awesome to use, I wish I would have found it years ago.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I recently picked up two, both vs, I would suggest replacing the belt at the very least, they do wear. While the belt is off clean up the revees sheaves with some 120 grit emery cloth, the surfaces should be smooth for the belt to ride on. Put a little oil down the shafts of each drive & clean up & lubricate the front speed adjustment cam, I used a lite coating of wheel bearing grease. If you have a tach you can check & adjust the speed, with clean sheaves & a new belt you can get the speed very close.

 

[karoc]

If I was in market for DP, that’s what I would look for or 1200. In woodshops at schools that what you would always see. Powermatic nice find

 

[tool_scrounge]

From what I read in the Powermatic manual, if the new belt squeaks too much, rub some paraffin wax on the edge of the belt with the power off.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Here's a pic of the old and new belt, wears like a snowmobile belt, paid 20$ for the belt. Also you want the sheaves nice and smooth. I will post the table raising set up I'm making. Using an acme screw for raising and lowering the table, pics to follow.

 

[SS8UUP]

Here's a pic of the old and new belt, wears like a snowmobile belt, paid 20$ for the belt. Also you want the sheaves nice and smooth. I will post the table raising set up I'm making. Using an acme screw for raising and lowering the table, pics to follow.

Nice, thanks for the info and pic with belt part number

 

[Renegade1LI]

Got the belts a V belt guys.

 

[lafester]

Here's a pic of the old and new belt, wears like a snowmobile belt, paid 20$ for the belt. Also you want the sheaves nice and smooth. I will post the table raising set up I'm making. Using an acme screw for raising and lowering the table, pics to follow.

Curious about the acme screw setup. Mine came with a counterweight that seems to help.