Cheers,
Just picked up a Powermatic 66 TS on Ebay. 5 horsepower, single phase, 50″ fence. The guy bought it new in 2001, used it for a year and put it in storage for the last 3 years. $1525 clams. I was planning to buy the Delta 3hp Unisaw, but I thought this was a deal not to pass up. It came in today and it looks like it just came from the factory. Tomorrow it gets un-crated and test-run. I would love to hear from other Powermatic owners regarding this saw as this is the first piece of Powermatic equipment I own. So, good or bad, tell me what you think.
M/M
Replies
I've owned a 5HP 66 for about 6 years and love it.
Mike
Forgot to add......that vintage 66 will have a Baldor motor which makes it better yet. They are wound with more copper.
Mike
Hi,
You have a great saw. I bought a 3hp with fence and extention from a shop that was trading for a 5hp. Paid $1200 for it 3 years ago. Don't know the age, but I think it's mid 90's (gold).
It has been excellent! Doesn't bog down, cuts clean and square. I have WWII blades on it. I have been doing some intricate joinery with sleds and jigs and this saw is rock solid-no variation.
I'm going to clean it and tune it according to the article in the new Fine Woodworker as I'm getting some binding in the adjusting mechanisms, plus I want to know more about the saw.
I bought this saw in Nebraska, loaded in in my pickup upside down (it's more stable) drove it to Arkansas, unloaded it and plugged it in-it cut perfect! Since then I have purchased a magnetic base dial indicator, a machinists straight edge and feeler gauges to tune up the saw. It was perfect!
I don't think I could have done better. You will enjoy it.
Bob
I've been keeping my eye open for a 66 ever since I knew what a table saw was, then you find a good deal on one in my own backyard! Argh! Just kidding, they are fine saws, enjoy!
Steve
Do you send your Forrest blades back to them for sharpening or have it done locally?Jim
I had them done locally once. It was cheaper, but didn't seem to be as sharp.Bob
Thanks. I've heard the same thing from others. I did send one of mine (the rip blade) to them and it was done well -- as good as new. I think that must be their "secret".
Great saw. Overpriced.
While you have it apart, check the small channel in front of the blade at the height of the arbor. Mine is too close to the arbor and it's very difficult to get blades on and off the arbor without dinging the teeth on that channel. With the saw assembled it's very difficult to get down in the throat and make any adjustments to that channel.
The rear of the fence is not supported and can deflect under moderate pressure. If you've got a full sheet of plywood up on the saw you may like to support the rear of the fence with a block & clamp.
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