Powermatic 66 – Unisaw – $950

EUGENE978 | Posted in General Discussion on January 17, 2004 02:57am

Hi,

I am one of those, maybe I am ‘the’, armchair woodworker from the Newbie thread and I am seeking some more knowledgeable opinions.

Some local guy who owns some kind of woodworking shop is selling his PM 66 and Unisaw. He claims that they are around 8 years old have the original motors and he is asking $950 for each one. They are both 240 V.

I have not seen the saws yet so I really can’t tell you about the condition. Assuming that they are in good condition. is $950 a reasonable figure for one of these saws? The PM 66 at $950 seems to be a fair deal. I guess after I see them, I can do a better assesment.

One thing, when I ask him questions about the saw, he doesn’t seem to know the model # and other specifics. Kind of odd… Maybe he just used them without caring what they are… hum

Any opinions on these saws at $950?

Thanks in advance,

Eug

Replies

notDusty | Jan 17, 2004 03:33am | #1
              Hi eug ,

         The $950.00 sounds fair for saws. Do they have fences ? what types? Blade tilt direction ? Consider these things when making a choice . Plug them in and try them if possible . Is this the type of machine you need and want ?

                                good luck        dusty

EUGENE978 | Jan 17, 2004 03:52am | #2
There were a lot of questions that he could not answer. Fences was one of them. So I have no idea what he knows about these saws. Maybe he is just the owner and doesn't use the machinery.

The only thing that he was able to confirm is that the color of the PM 66 is mustard. That's it.

I got to find out more about these saws.

Do I need a saw this good? No. Do I want a saw this good? Yes. LOL. Well, I need to play with the number$ and see if it is feasible.

Thank you for your response.

Tao | Jan 17, 2004 04:00am | #3
$950 for a PM66 in good condition with a Biesemeyer fence is a very good deal. For equal price and condition, the Powermatic wins hands down in my opinion. I've used both saws side by side in the same shop, and the Powermatic is more robust and smoother. They are both good saws, however, and I might take a good Unisaw rather that a Powematic beater - not that I've ever seen one.

Caveat Emptor (buyer beware!)

Woodwiz
Mackwood | Jan 17, 2004 04:25am | #4
eug,

To echo almost everyone else,

1. Condition

2. Fence/Miter Gage

3. Other accessories, blades, dadoe head, out feed table, etc.

4. Your use

5. Your ability to repair/adapt/restore

At eight years old each, given same basic condition, take the PM if you decide to jump. There are better deals out there but ---1 thru 5. I bought a 50+ yr old Unisaw for $225. A steal, IMHO; however it needed a lot, again, IMO. For $900 you should be able to set it up, maybe tweek the adjustments and go. If either need anything else, I would pass and keep looking. If the condition is truly good then make your deal, you will most likely never need another saw. Yours is an enviable dilema!

Enjoy!

Mack
dirtstirrer | Jan 17, 2004 07:55am | #5
I'm jelous Eug, I spent $1000 on a slightly used Jet this fall and $950 for either of those, especially the PM66, sounds really good to me. Assuming good condition, with Biesmeyer style fences. One more thing, I had a right tilt Delta contracter before this left tilt Jet, I love the left tilt. The arbor nut threads the right way,and it just seems like the proper direction for the blade to tilt. Just my opinion, but a good cabinet saw is money well spent. Have fun with the decision :)

Steve
Dustmight | Jan 17, 2004 09:32am | #6
Go see if they're in good shape, and find out if the motors are single phase or 3 phase. 3 phase could pose a problem and be a deal breaker.