I’ve acquired a powermatic 66 that was built in 2001 and has the Baldor 3hp 230V motor. This Saw was sitting in an unheated shop since sometime in 2006. The motor has was appear to be two grease nipples on either end. Since I’m removing the caked grease from the trunions and worm gears I’m wondering if I need to grease this motor. There is nothing in the owners manual about the motor.
Also there was rythmic resistance when I turned the arbor prior to disassembly. However once apart the motor and the arbor turn freely. I’m left with the conclusion that it was the belts left tensioned for so long now have a memory. They appear brand new. Will they work out this memory with use or do I need to replace them.
Thanks for your attention,
Miles Morrissey
Replies
Grease fittings on motors of that size aren't that common so this is a question that should go to the motor's manufacturer. Off hand, if the fittings are there they are meant to be used, but let me see what I can find out. Can you give me the motor's model number?
In any case unless the saw has been heavily used you can safely run it without greasing the bearings right away. My guess is that most saws never get greased once they are in service.
From what you are describing the belts have taken a set, this is common even on new machines. This can cause a minor harmonic flutter in the blade on certain cuts, and that can cause a slightly rougher sawn surface, but in general it can be ignored. If you decide to change out the belts use a linked belt for the replacement to prevent the problem from returning.
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