Replies

1. 
   wericha | Jul 26, 2012 11:02am | #1

   Could be worth it

   Mcfarmer wrote:

   Hello, an auction is coming up that has a powermatic spindle sander listed. I have read of some problems with this machine, anyone have any advice  on what to look for when I go ? 

   Thanks for any help.

   I'll see if I can find the post I saw recently about these machines, it was on another forum (do a google search for powermatic spindle sander model 14).  Apparently there was a design flaw in the bearing mechanism that controlled the vertical movement.  The bearing seizes, and the vertical gear system strips out.  What I don't remember is if there is an easy way to see the gear system.

   Good news is, if it is a Model 14 parts are still available.

1. 
   Mcfarmer | Jul 26, 2012 12:18pm | #2

   Thanks, I think I ran across a thread where the fellow posted detailed photos of his experience. I know the auctioneer and I might try to take a peek inside the machine. I suppose the spindle would have verticle play if the gearing had wear. Or maybe it would anyway.

1. 
   wericha | Jul 26, 2012 12:37pm | #4

   If I understand the issue correctly, there would be NO vertical play.  In fact, that is the real problem.  The bearing seizes and does not allow vertical movement which in turn causes the gears to strip.  Looking at the pictures, I would say even under normal conditions there would not be any play.

   It might be worth a call to Powermatic to ask about parts availability.

2. 
   hammer1 | Jul 26, 2012 12:29pm | #3

   Is it the model 14 benchtop sander? I've read that the oscillating drive gear is prone to breaking and the part is no longer available. Jet looks like a clone of the model 14 but apparently the parts are not interchangeable. I don't own either and am just passing on what I've read.

1. 
   Mcfarmer | Jul 26, 2012 01:13pm | #5

   Thanks everyone for your ideas. I don't know much about the sander, I assume it's a bench top model. It was actually listed as a "powermate" spindle sander but since nearly all his other equipment was powermatic and I couldn't anything on powermate I assume it's a mistake.

   So even if there is no verticle play you are saying the gearing might still be bad? Maybe I can plug it in so if it is totally stripped I will know. My use would be light duty but I don't need the headache of repairing something right off the bat either. 

   I might run it up to $100-150 if it looks good. More ? Less?

   I got to looking and found a website for the auction :

   http://blackclerking.com/auctions/july-30-2012.htm

1. 
   wericha | Jul 26, 2012 02:05pm | #6

   Personally, I wouldn't go past $75.  If it needs repair, you may put more money and a LOT of time in it.  If the vertical movement is frozen, you should still have a working sander that just doesn't go up and down.

   I did a search and got mixed messages about parts availability.  It looks like one guy got the gear set within the last couple of weeks, so parts may be available.

3. 
   Mcfarmer | Jul 30, 2012 11:09pm | #7

   The auction was tonight. The Powermatic sander was in good shape, brought $90. I came home with a 12 foot bench that had a "versa vise" and a newish 4x10 Jorgensen vise for $40. I gave the bench to a neighbor but kept the 5/4 clear pine that the shelf was made of. The two vises are in very good shape, I've never seen the versa vice, it seems to be an older "parrot" style.