porter-cable model 524 porta-band

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Well I finally have a porta-band on the way, a very, very old model 524 porta-band. I bought it on ebay, and it will be here in a few days. Now I have a few questions about it.#1 How old are they, and when were they made.#2 What kind of oil do I put in the gear box, and where can I get it.#3 Where can I get parts for it, such as the tires.#4 What is a fair price for one of these in reasonable condition, that works well.Any thing about this will be very helpful, along with general advice about these.Deereman75 from TBNLincoln electric AC225SBlueshield O/A torchSmiths aircraft torchCH 3HP 220V air compressorlots of power toolslongevity stickweld 250
Reply:I just bought a 526.  Google found me the tires online very quickly.  The blades from the standard sized Milwaukee work great.I replaced my gearbox oil with Mobil 1 75w90 gear oil (it's what I had around).  It sounds much better than before I replaced it, but I have no idea if that was the appropriate choice (but it was indeed oil and not grease that came out).My research told me that the 526 came out around 1985 or so.I paid $45 for mine, but that was a steal, even though the speed controller was broken so it only runs at full speed.  $150 is still reasonable.  Maybe more depending on condition.I had to replace the cord on mine.  Most of my PC stuff from that era had cords that completely cracked.  Bad jacket I guess, but it's an easy fix with some SJT cord, and the handle is built as well as a jackhammer's.
Reply:I think that the 524 is quite a bit older, I saw the pictures of yours, and it looked alot newer. I should hopefuly have it in a few days. I wasnt able to find any info about the 524 anywhere, so I fear it might be hard to find parts. Should you use cutting oil when sawing, or would that cause a problem?Deereman75 from TBNLincoln electric AC225SBlueshield O/A torchSmiths aircraft torchCH 3HP 220V air compressorlots of power toolslongevity stickweld 250
Reply:They suggest using wax as a cutting lubricant.  Apparently oil can make the tires too slippery.Yes, the 524 is the previous generation.  Could be 5 years older or so, but their production runs overlap a lot. . .Aside from the non-working digital speed control on mine vs. the 2 speed switch on yours, the 524 and 526 share most of the same parts.I found parts for mine online, but the prices are ludicrous.  My upper blade guide is actually broken, and rather than pay the $100 or so for a stupid replacement zinc casting, I'm working on making something in steel.  It's because of the parts availability/price that I wouldn't pay the $225+ that similar Milwaukees and Dewalts are getting (even in awful shape) for a PC, since those others are still being made.
Reply:What was the place you found parts for it, I would like to know a place to get tires? I couldnt find anything.Deereman75 from TBNLincoln electric AC225SBlueshield O/A torchSmiths aircraft torchCH 3HP 220V air compressorlots of power toolslongevity stickweld 250
Reply:Originally Posted by wroughtironWhat was the place you found parts for it, I would like to know a place to get tires? I couldnt find anything.
Reply:great, thanks.Deereman75 from TBNLincoln electric AC225SBlueshield O/A torchSmiths aircraft torchCH 3HP 220V air compressorlots of power toolslongevity stickweld 250
Reply:A plumber friend of mine has and still uses a PC 524, it's kind of a blueish color, the wheels are a little chewed up on it but not bad, I think the last time he replaced them he got them through Grainger & +1 on using the wax for lube, candles work good....
Reply:well I still dont have it yet, it was shipped last monday, and due to the holliday monday, I should probably get it tomorrow.Deereman75 from TBNLincoln electric AC225SBlueshield O/A torchSmiths aircraft torchCH 3HP 220V air compressorlots of power toolslongevity stickweld 250
Reply:Well I have had it for a while now, and it works perfect. It turns out that the 524 was the original porta band, and mine is a pre 1960.Deereman75 from TBNLincoln electric AC225SBlueshield O/A torchSmiths aircraft torchCH 3HP 220V air compressorlots of power toolslongevity stickweld 250