Powermatic 63 seizing up

1/8/07, 1:42 AM #1

Mitch from TN
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Powermatic 63 seizing up

Mitch from TN

>I'm writing again about my Powermatic 63 contractor's saw. I turned it on earlier and the motor just completely seized up. The blade wasn't turning at all. I turned it off as quickly as I could. But even when I flipped the power switch, it was still making a humming sound. I then unplugged the saw. After a little while, I plugged it in and turned it on again, with the same result. What could I have done to cause this to happen???

A week or so ago, I was working with the trunions, trying to align the saw blade. I got it fairly well aligned and tightened everything up again. When I loosened the bolts to move the trunions, I had to jostle it to get it to move. Is this what caused my problem? Is there any hope for this table saw?

Thanks in advance,

Mitch

Re: Powermatic 63 seizing up

1/8/07, 1:58 AM #2

Dan Donaldson
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Registered: 9/17/01

Re: Powermatic 63 seizing up

Dan Donaldson

>With it unplugged, can you rotate the blade/motor by hand? If not, then something is binding or rubbing such that it is stopping the saw. If you can turn it easily, then either something has gone wrong with the switch, or the motor. You mentioned that it kept humming even when you turned it off. This could indicate that there is something wrong with the switch.

- - -

I have been woodworking for about 25 years now, and would consider myself an enthusiastic amateur. My claim to fame (or infamy) has always been fixing stuff. I spent time in the Air Force in the 60's then went to work as an electronic technician for civil service. I finally got my EE, and being fed up with the civil service nonsense, took a job with Ford Motor Company until I went with the split to Visteon last year. I got interested in music and started playing in a bluegrass band. I wanted a new guitar, and that kind of led me into woodworking. I bought some books, a few tools, and built a guitar. Luckily, I didn't know any better than to try that as a first ever project. I still play it when I get a chance, so it must not be too bad if it can live for over 20 years. After a stint in Mexico for my job, I moved into a new house and built a small shop. Since then I have been collecting tools and skills, probably more of the former than the latter ;-). Finding this site has done more for my skills and enjoyment than anything else. I have learned a lot and really enjoy the friendships that I have made here. I have been married to LOML (Lori) for 32 years now and have 6 kids. When they are all gone, I want to get a 1 bedroom house (so there is not room for them to move back in) and at least a 6 car heated/air conditioned garage for a shop. (Dream on...)

Re: Powermatic 63 seizing up

1/8/07, 2:07 AM #3

john lucas
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Registered: 1/1/04

Re: Powermatic 63 seizing up

john lucas

>Mitch There's a good probability it's the switch. The switch on this saw gets dirty and doesn't work right. Pull it out and clean it. It's not hard to take the switch completely apart and clean the inside. If you don't feel comfortable doing that, try getting another switch.

First I would try to rotate everything by hand t make sure nothing is binding up. Since it's still humming when you turn it off I think it points to the switch.

I won't be as busy for the next several weeks as I am in the late fall so if you keep having problems send me an e-mail and I'll see if I can get to Nashville and look over your saw.

Re: Powermatic 63 seizing up

1/8/07, 11:06 AM #4

Randy Johnson Connersville, IN
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Re: Powermatic 63 seizing up

Randy Johnson Connersville, IN

>Is the saw 110 or 220? If it's 110 and spins freely by hand I would bet on a blown capacitor over a switch. A bad switch could stop one side of 220 to get through and give you the hum you hear but at the same time a hum indicates SOME electricity is getting to the motor. A blown capacitor would give the same symptoms you are having. Capcitors are easy to replace, usually available at large supply houses, and normally show easily visible sign of having failed. If it isn't obvious put an analog ohm meter on the leads. With a good capacititor the needle will swing all the way to the right and then drop back. With a bad one it won't do anything.

Re: Powermatic 63 seizing up

1/8/07, 3:00 PM #5

david
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Registered: 12/4/04

Re: Powermatic 63 seizing up

David

>I don't recall the configuration of this saw. Is it similar to a contractor saw ? i had a similar problem with my Delta contractor saw recently. the motor hangs off the back and saw dust got into the motor. I blew the saw dust out and the motor has worked fine since that clean-up.

Re: Powermatic 63 seizing up

1/8/07, 4:32 PM #6

Mitch from TN (formerly from NYC)
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Re: Powermatic 63 seizing up

Mitch from TN (formerly from NYC)

>Thanks, everyone, for your help. The saw is a contractor's saw and is 110. I'll try out your suggestions of trying to turn the blade and if it turns ok, try to clean up the switch. In case it is the switch, does anyone have a source for new switches? I've been thinking about installing a larger, easier-to-use switch anyway. This may be a good opportunity.

Thanks again,

Mitch

Powermatic 63 seizing up

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