Photo Index - Powermatic Machine Co. - Model 30A Combination Belt / Disc Sander with Dust Extraction

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Manufactured/Badged by:
Powermatic Machine Co.
McMinnville, TN; La Vergne, TN

True Manufacturer:
Powermatic Machine Co., McMinnville, TN; La Vergne, TN

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Sander
Machine Size:	12" Disc & 6"x48" Belt
Submitted By:	Timothy Lomax

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Model 30A Combination Belt / Disc Sander with Dust Extraction
Date of Manufacturer:	1973
Serial Number:	330A341
Last Updated	4/19/2021 10:58:48 PM

Comments:

I am the very lucky third owner of this very lightly used 1973 Powermatic Model 30A (SN#330A341) combination belt and disc sander. I purchased it from an aviation parts distributor and restoration company, who owned it since the mid 80s. The sander includes the original (although modified) and hard to find vacuum and dust canister inside the cabinet, fence for the belt guard, and miter gauge for the disc sander. From what I understand, most owners of the model 30A combination sanders removed the vacuum because it did not perform well at all. I'll test the rumor and give the dust extraction a try before hooking it up to my central system. The sander is powered by the original 1-1/2HP 3PH motor, the cabinet rolls on casters, paint is in decent shape, table and fence surfaces are in great shape, and the belt sander is complete with the side dust shroud and contour guard on the belt tensioning wheel...which are typically missing...perhaps they're hiding in a pile next to all of the dust doors and motor covers from the Model 66 table saws of this era! After giving it a test run, I will disassemble the belt and disc sanders and give this a thorough cleaning from top to bottom, wet sand and buff out the paint, disassemble and clean the motor, service or replace the motor bearings and replace the belt and dust collection hoses. I will add a graphite pad to protect the belt platen. I have not seen any damage other than where a PO re-welded the canister vacuum mount on the cabinet door. I will sand the burn spots, apply some touch-up paint and hopefully blend it in. I doubt I will repaint the entire cabinet. After some light use and adjustments, the belt tracks true and the disc spins free and accurately...out by just over 5 thousands. I am very pleased...now to the breakdown and cleaning.
UPDATE: Year of Manufacture, 1973

Photo 1:

Comments: As-Found
Source: Listing photo

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Photo 2:

Comments: Dust collection vacuum and canister
Source: Listing photo

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Photo 3:

Comments: As-Found Belt Sander Front
Source: My camera

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Photo 4:

Comments: As-Found Belt Sander Side
Source: My camera

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Photo 5:

Comments: As-Found Disc Sander Front
Source: My camera

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