Aftermarket fence for old (green) Powermatic 66?
hecktor
| Posted in Power Tools and Machinery on
Hey,
My saw fell onto its fence rail, with a resulting bend as you can see in the pic. I hate to lose the fence, which I like and am used to, but I doubt that there is anyway of straightening it or finding a replacement (but prove me wrong!).
What would be a good replacement fence for a small shop. I see that the Vega Utility 26″ will probably be an easy swap, and about the right size. I’d prefer not to have to drill and tap.
Thank you for any advice!
Mark
(San Francisco, if that is of any relevance)
Replies
Hi Mark,
Have you tried posting on owwm? Let’s of restoration work/advise over there. Best of Luck!
John
Thanks, John, I'll try posting there, too. The rail is 1 3/8" OD tubing of some kind. It's possible that just a length of tubing could replace it, though I wouldn't know what variety of steel, and that would mean giving up on the measurement markings and a slightly flattened and grooved bottom aspect of the rail that I guess helps the fence clamp bite.
Have you looked for the tubing? Often they are stock sizes.
Thanks, mj. It is a stock OD of 1 3/8" with about a .12" wall, but I don't know anything about types of steel (it cut easily with a jigsaw when I shortened it from way-too-long some time back). I'm willing to give that a try if I can get advice about the material.
My Vega Pro fence has a 2" tube. The Vega Utility uses 1 3/4". If you can find a saw that uses 1 3/8" tube you might be able to order one as a replacement part. Mcmaster Carr is where I'd look if I were trying to buy it as raw material. I like the Vega fence enough that I bought my Sawstop w/o a fence and put one on.
I have a Powermatic 65 TS. I got some longer bars some years ago and put them on, leaving the short ones extra. I'm pretty sure they are the same diameter. Bolt holes might be spaced differently. I'll check length and diameter tomorrow.
Finances: You pay shipping and whatever above that you feel it is worth. I'll try to get the info to you tomorrow.
Harvey
Holy smokes that would be great. My rails bolts are on 16" centers (and there are just two). Thanks, Harvey!
As expected, the bars are 1&3/8" OD.
They are 48" long, and have the original holes at 16" OC, as well as some extras we made to move the bar laterally. There is no guarantee that the ruler on the pipe will end up in the original position, but it seems likely. I'll send you the front pipe only, as you don't need the rear one. Via UPS.
If this one will work (i.e., is long enough for you) send me your name & address, either here or more privately via email (harvey at ic dot org) or text (703-963-0084). Let me know here if you email me, so I'll know to look for it in case my spam filters are overactive.
Harvey
Hooray! Email sent.