Unidentifiable Powermatic Machine...

[MayerMR]

Guys,

I have the chance to buy this old Powermatic machine. It's one of many items I'm going to look at that a nice lady is selling from her dad's estate. I'm just not sure what the heck this pile of parts used to be...any ideas?

Thanks!

-Matt

 

[JHuston]

That looks like a mortiser to me.
-James Huston

 

[PDB]

Model 15 chain mortiser

 

[My Old Tools]

Yep, chain mortise. I see a lot of salvageable parts.

 

[Packard V8]

But do you really need a major rebuild project which will be chain mortiser when done? They're a pretty specialized production tool. Also, be aware it didn't wind up in a rusty pile of parts without some reason. If it is missing or has broken parts, they may be NLA and will be very expensive if they are available.

Just me, but I'm not sure I'd take it as a gift.

jack vines

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

My first guess without looking at the pic too long was a lawn mower, boy was I wrong bcd

 

[MayerMR]

But do you really need a major rebuild project which will be chain mortiser when done? They're a pretty specialized production tool. Also, be aware it didn't wind up in a rusty pile of parts without some reason. If it is missing or has broken parts, they may be NLA and will be very expensive if they are available.

Just me, but I'm not sure I'd take it as a gift.

jack vines

Hey fellas, thanks to everyone who helped me ID it. And Jack, to your point, the answer is no. I'll be passing on the one.

 

[Toolmaker65]

If you pass by a scrap yard on the way home from it, I would take it for nothing just to run it across the scale and get a beer or two out of it as it's last useful job.

 

[1982fxr]

If parts are rare and expensive...maybe take said parts?

 

[My Old Tools]

I would put all the parts on eBay or OWWM. They aren't available anymore. I see the sliding table and handle, the hold down (frequently broken or missing), the chain head, the foot pedal.