I've heard good things about the Powermatic 14" bandsaw (mostly here, actually), but can't find much info about it. Powermatic's web site doesn't mention it at all, and Amazon doesn't carry it. Can anyone point me to some info and/or places (preferably online) that are selling it?
I recently read a 14" bandsaw comparison article (wish I had the link handy) which indicated that the Powermatic suffered from far more vibration that most others in its class. This alone would steer me away, personally.
The consensus favorite for the review was the Jet 14" model. I'll try to dig up the link to this article.
call Southern Tool at 1-800-458-3687 to find out when they will get one. They are EXCEPTIONAL to deal with. I bought my jointer from them and found them a pleasure to do business with. They've been around a long time.
dave
Forrest Chamberla> I've heard good things about the Powermatic 14" bandsaw (mostly here,
that is a TOTAL CROCK, Brian. I have one AFTER seeing a brand new unit run at the WW show. IT is smoother than the Delta. In fact it doesn't vibrate any more than a sewing machine. I'm serious. It is SWEET.
He doesn't even own one; how the hell would he know if it vibrated or not? We all know the trouble I had with the Delta and all the tips for replacing the Delta's sheave, etc, to ATTEMPT to tame that beast. At least the few X5's I've seen aren't as bad as the 299A.
OK, then its a crock. Don't shoot the messenger. Let me find that link and get back to you.... BTW, since I'm not far from the Bay Area, maybe I could check yours out in person. :-)
Here's the quote: "The only one that had a problem with vibration was the Powermatic. With this saw, the nuts that held the stand together vibrated loose. And the table rattled and shook when I made a bevel cut."
And the link:
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with the vibration "issue" aside, it doesn't sound like they disliked the Powermatic per se, but that the Powermatic didn't shine above the rest...
that's anecdotal and just plain silly. The saw is phenomenal. Trust me, I'm one of the "picky" ones. Plenty of folks can vouch for my persnicketyness. Google my complaints about the PC557 if you don't think I notice every little thing...and that's just for starters. :)
geez, Brian, I don't think I was "shooting the messenger"! I didn't call you names did I? Did I insult you? Didn't mean too, just by saying that the article about vibration was a 'crock'.
Be that as it may, and I don't doubt that is, the article is an interesting read and would be interested in your constructive comments on the things it points out. :-)
where again is the article? I'd be curious to see it! I hated the Delta I had, even though LOTS of guys like theirs, and I can't fathom how anyone seeing and using the new Powermatic could not like it far better than the Delta. I realize that's my opinion, but this is a NEW tool, that not many guys have seen yet. When they do they are gonna wish they didn't have the Delta. Just like I wish I didn't have a 733 planer, now that the 735 is out. That is a dynamite planer. I've seen it in action, and have peered under the hood. Blade changes are easier, 3 cutters, double sided, yeah, baby!
All tests should be read with skepticism, both the good and the bad reports. The vibration could be real, but it could be an assembly problem, or perhaps a bad pulley or belt. They did not try to correct it from what was printed.
Sort of like "my neighbor had a flat tire on his Ford. I'm not buying a Ford because they get flat tires." Ed
Ayup, Keeter got one of the good ones. Solid Frame not split, they run like dreams. When JET bought PM I think that was the first one they dumped from the line and replaced with a JET type.
Me, today I would buy a General of Canada solid frame bandsoar.
If I want to do serious re-saw work I would think seriously of a larger machine with true re-saw capabilities. OR a good piece of old ahrn like a WT or Cresent. Tales of a Boatbuilder Apprentice
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