• New Woodbarter Hats Are Available!!! Scroll down on the main page to the Member Activities & Site Support, Then click on Wood Barter SCHWAG and go to the topics on hats by Woodtickgreg to order your hat. There's only a limited quanity, so don't wait to get yours.

Powermatic Tailstock Swivel Handle Repair

Steve in VA

Steve in VA

Member
Full Member
Messages
2,360
Reaction score
5,743
Location
Virginia
First name
Steve
The swivel handle on my tailstock somehow broke apart. I’ve contacted Powermatic and they are not sure how or why, and can’t offer any further assistance. Before buying a new one for $70, I thought I’d check with the collective WB team and see if you all have any suggestions.

I’ve thought about attaching a wooden handle to the stud or reattaching the metal one with JB Weld, but really would prefer that it still swivels when turning it. Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions!

IMG_1957.jpeg

IMG_1959.jpeg

IMG_1958.jpeg

IMG_1960.jpeg
 
It's probably not worth the effort to try and repair it. You'll never get that piece out because it swivels and will just turn if you try and drill it out. Only other option is to cut the end off and hope you are in a good spot to drive it out with a punch and the reweld the handle. But then you'll need a new shaft to drive back in and I'm sure powermatic doesn't sell just that.
So unfortunately I'd say just suck it up and buy a new one. Or maybe search ebay for a machine handle.
 
You could make yourself a simple inexpensive temporary replacement. If you can find a four inch(?) bolt with the same threads? Then turn a handle out of a hard wood and drill a hole lengthwise slightly larger than the bolt. The handle should spin freely on the bolt. You could tweek with nut, washers, lube......
 
Any homemade option will probably not be as good as the Powermatic option. How many years have you owned the Powermatic? I'm sure this part gets a tremendous workout, and probably just died because of use. Chuck
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #7
ripjack13 said:
Steve, ereplacementparts online has handles a lot cheaper that $70...

Handle PM2700-525 - OEM Powermatic - eReplacementParts.com

Buy the official Powermatic Handle PM2700-525 replacement - Use our model diagrams, repair help, and video tutorials to help get the job done.
www.ereplacementparts.com www.ereplacementparts.com
Click to expand...

Thanks! I saw that as well but with the $13 shipping it’s still $70+.

I did finally find one on Amazon that has the 3/8-16 stud that appears to be fairly similar and significantly cheaper. I’ll let everyone know the quality after I receive it.

Appreciate the advice from the team!
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #10
It took some searching, but for $10 it’s a pretty close match. Time will tell how it holds up, but it’s heavy and appears to be of very good quality. The swivel mechanism rotates great.

And if it doesn’t last for a decade, I can buy 7 of them for the cost of the one Powermatic sells 🤪
 
I used some bearings from an inline skate and a bolt 5/16 x 4” with 1/2” spacers. It worked great and if it breaks, a 4” bolt is pretty cheap. ……..,, Nubs
 
Last edited:
Steve in VA said:
It took some searching, but for $10 it’s a pretty close match. Time will tell how it holds up, but it’s heavy and appears to be of very good quality. The swivel mechanism rotates great.

And if it doesn’t last for a decade, I can buy 7 of them for the cost of the one Powermatic sells 🤪
Click to expand...
I was just wondering how the replacement is doing? Just seeing the thread. I would have tried pulling the spring clip out and end welding a 1/4-20 bolt on to pull the old stud out. Then reweld to the thread base and put back together. $10 is way cheaper though.
 
  • Thread Starter Thread Starter
  • #13
Mr. Peet said:
I was just wondering how the replacement is doing? Just seeing the thread. I would have tried pulling the spring clip out and end welding a 1/4-20 bolt on to pull the old stud out. Then reweld to the thread base and put back together. $10 is way cheaper though.
Click to expand...
It’s working perfectly Mark. In fact, I wouldn’t have ever known it was changed had I not done it myself.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top