An Appology here, I spoke to soon as I have the Powermatic Gapbed "90"
lathe and did not take into consideratin that you had the powermatic Bed
lathe bthe are simalar with the exception of the switch It could have
been an add on later or it was original Eqipment I am not familiar with
that Bed model Mine like I said is a Gapbed and the switch is built into
the Speed control lever So please accept my appology for my ignorance.
Byron

Bill wrote:
I'm purchasing an older Powermatic 90 wood lathe for 450$ in Dayton
Ohio this winter. I found it by asking a local cabinet maker about
older, american made lathes. It runs but is missing some parts and the
way its running concerns me a little. It isn't as quiet as I would
think it is capable of...anyone out there replace the bearings on one
of these? Also, the drive center may be seized in the #2 MT spindle.
Could pounding it out with a long peice of drill rod inflict any
damage ? Or do you remove the drive center another way. There are
other problems such as some missing parts but overall this lathe is
intact. The parts that it needs are mostly the things you purchase
separately anyway such as faceplates, live center set, outboard
faceplate. I would like to install the original style on-off switch,
there is none right now. Can any woodturners out there give me some
advice on how to proceed with the restoration?