Powermatic Model 66 Tune Up (help needed)

Today, after being inspired by woodworking podcasts and folks like you, I decided that I needed to tune up my Powermatic 66. I have owned it at least 6 years, and I’ve NEVER cleaned the inside or lubed it. I know… bad bad boy.

So today I removed the fence, back rail, fence tube, fence tube rail, extension table (the black powermatic one with the router lift in it), and took the top off. Yes, I lifted the top, with two cast iron extension wings still attached, off the saw and onto the floor. NO I don’t recommend it. I am a big boy and was designed to carry heavy things short distances. Anyways.

I cleaned, and cleaned, and cleaned. I shop vac’d, I used compresed air. I used wire brushes, I used WD40 to break up some gunk. I got it clean. Yay. The handwheel that sets the angle just FLIES now. But the handwheel that sets the blade height is still a bear. I lubed, and lubed. I used Boeshield T9 Lube and White Lithium, and that handwheel for blade height is still tough.

Anyways, I got the saw back together just fine. Miter slots parallel to blade, fence parallel to slots and blade, etc. Yes, I lifted the top off the floor back onto the saw. No, I don’t recommend it. I bet my body hurts tomorrow.

I guess my points are thanks for the inspiration fellow lumberjocks and help does anyone have ideas why that blade height wheel would be so tough to turn?

P.S. I think it’s time to build a better extension table for that router lift. The one from power matic sags.