Replies

1. 
   THintz | Nov 22, 2008 11:43am | #1

   I have the PM2000 and jsut recently cleaned the gears that drive the blade height and tiklt mechanism through the side door. It was a little awkward but not real bad. I'm not sure about access that way with the 66 though. I used an old paint brush and rags to get the grease/dust mush off, then re-applied simple gear grease and all if fine there.

   As for taking the top off, on a cabinet saw, it's not a big deal. usually four bolts and it comes right off. You do have to align it with the blade when putting it back on but the cabinet saw deal makes that way easier than any other saw styles.

   Tom Hintz

   Because there is always more to learn!

2. 
   KeithNewton | Nov 22, 2008 05:06pm | #2

   Before you take the top off, I would suggest that you get a good can of spray-lube with teflon, and use the little straw for aiming into tight spaces.

   Start with spraying it where the shafts come through the base to the hand wheels.

   Then move to the inside, and hit those same bushings from inside.

   Then find and shoot some into the bushing on the gear end.

   I usually give those hand wheels several turns while I am shooting the juice in. When you feel it freeing up, you may want to shoot ####little more.

   I have gotten good results using paste wax on the gears. If you have a piece of scotchbright folded right, you can push it into the worm, and turn the wheel, to get a good cleaning and coating.

3. 
   [email protected] | Nov 23, 2008 10:19am | #3

   We have a PM-66 in the shop at work.  The guys usually just lift the top off to clean and lube it.  They built some steel plates that bolt to the top, with the bolts that hold the wings on.  They are threaded for jack screws, that bear against the cabinet.  These make it really quick to realign the top. 

   MEG Products, makes a set of bars that work on the Unisaw.  Which work on a similar principle, but the ones the guys made are under the top, and stay bolted in with the wings on. 

   I'll take a look at the saw in the shop on Monday, and see if would be possible to get at the mechanisms, and lube them successfully with out taking the top off. 

1. 
   chocolatehills | Nov 24, 2008 07:34am | #4

   Thanks, I really would kinda like to take the top off just to look under the hood but with the long fence extension it looks like an all day project at least. I'm not really complaining and I wouldn't trade this saw for anything! (although I am very intrigued by the Sawstop)

4. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Nov 25, 2008 06:34pm | #5

   You might want to pick up a mechanics brush at AutoZone or Pep Boys which are around $3. It's about 10" long and has fairly stiff bristles on the work end. It makes it easy to get into tight spots when getting grit and saw-dust off from the throat plate or inspection door with the long handle. They will be seen around any tub of mineral spirits in a mechanical shop used to clean grease and grime.

   Sarge..

1. 
   chocolatehills | Nov 26, 2008 07:32am | #6

   Thanks, that's a good idea and I have one anyway! I'm going to try to clean and lube the thing this weekend using the openings that are available, I'll post the results. If I had a sky hook, I'd be more willing to take the table top off but it looks really heavy...

1. 
   PGOttawa | Nov 28, 2008 03:37am | #7

   I just did this on my General cabinet saw and it did little to help. It was the bushings that the arbours of the cranks turn in. Compressed air followed by alcohol squirts to get the dust out, then white lithium spray grease and voila....slick as anything.

   Edited 11/27/2008 7:38 pm ET by PGOttawa