Any reason not to invest in a brand new Powermatic 66 3 HP Saw with 52″ Fence? I’m looking into a new table saw and am thinking about taking the plunge into the “Ultimate” Cabinet saw. I am not looking for a saw with sliding table or anything, just a quality built cabinet saw that will last me a lifetime of woodworking.
Any info is greatly appreciated!
Replies
I bought my PM years ago when it was the only left tilt besides Craftsmans. I wouldn't buy it with the options available today. It's not $400 better than a Unisaw so the money is best spent in other ways in my opinion and 35 years in the business of woodworking and machine repair. Personally I'd get a slider but if only a cabinet saw I'd even consider a Grizzly. It's the saw operator that determines the quality of work, not the saw. I've seen furniture made by craftsmen overseas that have an arbor and blade on a sheet of plywood for a saw and the work was superb.
I've also used Paolini, SCMI, Griggio, Delta, Jet, Tannewitz, Oliver, Northfield and to me the sliders stand out as it's a sheet goods world out there. My PM had a .015" dip in the table and it was considered acceptable by PM. Hasn't made a difference in the quality of the cut in any way.
Edited 2/13/2005 9:51 am ET by rick3ddd
Mike
I love my 66. I got a few months before the prices went up so that helps also. I bought mine because the scenery shop I used to work in had 2 ancient ones that that ran like new and I know that even though they got heavy use they only got minimal maintenence. Like the occasional sharp blade. The 52" fence is nice but I do have to swing it out of the way when it is not in use. My basement shop is just 12' wide so space is tight. I think I would do the 30"fence if doing it again but I plan on putting the router lift in the extension table to make the saw do double duty.
The motor has more of a purr than a whine to it and with a decent blade there is nothing it won't cut. I sliced some 12/4 oak and the pitch of the motor barely changed. The hardest part was getting it down the Bilco stairs. But with a block and fall, and my wife as dead weight, I managed with killing myself.
I guess a unisaw or any other heavy duty saw would perform as well but I am happy with my purchase. Try before you buy if you can. You may find you don't need to spend that much to be happy. But I know that when they are fighting over my "estate" whoever gets the saw will still be able to get some good use out of it.
Powermatics are nice saws but...I would check out the General 350 or 650. IMHO better fit and finish.
Jim
I agree with Jim. The General was my choice several years ago. Great saw.
Edited 2/15/2005 6:46 pm ET by paulie
Any problems getting part from Canada for General saws? There presence seems to be very stronger. I would imagine if you can get the product you can get the parts. How does the General compair to the Powermatic 66? I was under the impresion that the 66 was top of the heap.
Never needed any parts for my General TS. Needed a new impeller for a Jet DC....3 months later....
I can't seem to find any place in N. California that carries the General saw. Any suggestions?
Call General for dealers!
Or look on their website in their dealer locator.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Depending on the company the website isn'talways up to date so it can be useful to call sometimes. I do purchasing for a living so I work it from all angles to get results. They usually want it the same day they ask for it!
I looked at the General site and it was current for my area and Woodcraft hasn't had General for very long. I'm hip to then not being up to date, too. Great way to do business, eh? They're shooting themselves in the foot by not keeping it current, I'd say.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Some companies are very web oriented while others aren't even close. HTC and Clayton don't heve direct web sites but others carry their products on dealers sites. As a researcher for purchasing I find the web great but also use the old fashioned tried and true methods of preweb days.
Funny thing is I was talking to someone at Clayton and the dealer they recommended says they don't carry the brand and I was talking to the purchaser.
Edited 2/17/2005 3:38 pm ET by rick3ddd
Well next saw might be a General. Placed an order for my 66. Anyone have 30" rail set they would like to part with?
What does the 66 come with? I have a set of short rails from my Grizzly, but they aren't drilled or sized for that saw and I thing the fence is a bit wider on mine.
"I cut this piece four times and it's still too short."
Have yet to recieve my saw but I believe the Accu-Fence might be constructed with similar stock as the Biesmeyer (2" X 3"?). Might end up fabricating it if I can't find it used or think there is substantial saving over buying it form Powermatic ($221.33).
I saw a PM66 fence for sale on EBAY yesterday. I thin the Buy it Now price was $150. I don't recall the length, though.
Dan
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