Powermatic 64 Table Saw

[fivestring]

Well, it's official.....
A new Powermatic 64 will be joining my shop on Saturday! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Cast iron wings, extension table and mobile base. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
The Jet Supersaw ran a close second. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif
Delta didn't figure in (in contractor's saws) because they were right-tilt. /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif
This saw has to last me for at least 6 years (until retirement).
I was told that this saw will probably outlive me. /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
If I upgrade, it'll be to a PW66 or a Delta Unisaw.
Any others out there with comments on this saw?

 

[Egon]

Seen you already got one comming on the other site. Does this mean you will have two new saws ?

Never fear; you and your saws will all last for the same amount of time or so say those who have knowledge of matter.

Egon

 

[fivestring]

I'll post pics when I get it in the gigantic shop that I have.
I'll have around 3 feet left beside it! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[johnday]

Congrats, it makes you feel like you accomplished something when you buy a quality weapon [tool]. I tried to makedo with Crapman power tools untill I finally broke down and bought the Delta I really wanted. Buy the way, Powermatic is a top rated tool. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[jimg]

If its for hobby use then both the 66 and Unisaw will be OK. If youre planning for more than that I'd get a 66. In a commercial environment the 66 holds up the best (by a long margin).

 

[Hank]

<font color="purple"> In a commercial environment the 66 holds up the best (by a long margin). </font>

While I tend to agree the 66 is a better machine, you've got to really stretch it out to find that margin /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I used three Unisaws for 22 years in a commercial shop (custom millwork) with not a problem. Many times they were run for 8 hours straight in a day, stopping only for lunch, and to clean out the cabinet.

 

[jimg]

Maybe. The Unisaws of 10 or 15 yrs ago arent the Unisaws of today. They're far lesser quality and substance, no where near the PM66. PM didnt cheapen their gear for price point or added profit when others were. They always sold to a commercial market and designed their machines accordingly. If the original poster can find an older Unisaw in good shape then its certainly the peer of a present day 66. Otherwise, Id still recommend a 66 when high duty cycle is needed.

 

[fivestring]

Well, she's here! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I can sum it up in one word:
incrediblesweetawesomesmoothquietdreammachine! /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

The fence is great compared to my old saw's fence. It's the Biesmeyer clone that HTC makes.
Once put together, alignment was easy.
I ripped some pine and oak and the motor didn't even slow down!
I'll use it on 110 until the electrician comes to add my 220 outlet and change the saw over to 220!!! I've been told that this will make the saw even better. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[jimg]

Nice! If you like it now itll be even better wired for 220.

 

[fivestring]

Wired for 220 and ready to work!
I had to move everything around in the shop to make room.
Those 300 foot rails take up quite a bit of space! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

One thing the electrician told me was startup is worse for the motors than leaving them on.
He said that if it's going to only be a minute or so between cuts, to leave the saw on. Now I wish I could do that with my chop-saw! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
He even leaves his fan switch in the on position for his heat/ac unit in the house.
He said the majority of failures were due to cycling on and off, on & off on/off.
Learn sumpthin new ever day!