Replies

1. 
   CajunDan | Apr 19, 2005 03:32pm | #1

   The fence on a PM66 is a Bies clone. It seems heavier and smoother than the real thing. It also has a nice "half-lock" position which keeps it parallel while you slide it.

   I have mixed feelings about the UHMW sides, although they are replaced more easily than the sides on a real bies fence.

   All in all, I think it is a slight improvement upon the original design.

   Regards,

   Dan

2. 
   woodensplinter | Apr 19, 2005 05:06pm | #2

   Of the three machines you mentioned, the differences among the fences will come down to nit picking.  They're all high quality machines with high quality components.

3. 
   Dustmight | Apr 20, 2005 01:58am | #3

   All three have pretty similar fence designs. The Uni has the real Biese, the General has a licensed Biese made by them that is about identical to the Biese, and the PM is a clone. The UHMW plastic faces can "ripple" a bit, but it's easy to flatten on a jointer and planer. They're also easier to replace than the laminate faces, but they're not a continuous smooth surface. The two Biese fences have a "foot" at the cam that puts a larger surface against the rail and really grabs ....I'm not sure if the PM fence has that feature or not.

   FWIW- Wood Mag preferred the General fence in their cabinet saw test, and the Biese fence in their fence review.

4. 
   RickL | Apr 20, 2005 11:49pm | #4

   The fences are too close to bother splitting hairs. I bought my PM years ago when it was the only left tilt besides craftsman. I would not buy it with todays left tilt choices. In fact I would look at Euro style sliders. If you are willing to spend that kind of cash on a PM why not up the ante and get a real saw with a slider. It's a sheet goods world out there and I like a slider better than a radial arm saw. If a cabinet saw I would consider the Jet or even a Grizzly. The PM isn't a $500 better saw by any means and it will not make you any better a woodworker than the Grizzly will.