Replies

1. 
   Kleck | Feb 17, 2006 05:07am | #1

   I've got one and I love it. I'm still patting myself on the back for getting rid of Delta. actually I got the store to refund the full purchase price of the Delta. the PM is smooth as silk. Add to that a light, blower, flat belt, cast iron DC port, Carter guides and quick release and it's miles ahead of the Delta. Mine came with a fence; I don't know if that's included now or not. Mine cuts without any "lead" adjustment for resawing.

2. 
   shippy | Feb 17, 2006 05:33am | #2

   I also have one with a riser block, and consider it one of my best woodworking "hobby" purchases. Just can't say anything about customer service since I've never required any. A proper blade and accurately set up, it will resaw a board that makes planing easy. Another thing that I considered was the factor of cost. With all the extra stuff that came as standard with the Powermatic, it really wasn't that much more expensive than it would be to set up a less expenive saw in a similar fashion, which I certainly would have eventually done in an attempt to get the tool to make up for my lack of talent!

1. 
   user-93550 | Feb 17, 2006 07:19am | #3

   Thanks for the reply ... from you and also the above post from SipkeZ

   Yes, the one I am considering also comes with a good fence and what looks like a so-so miter fence.

   I am also considering purchasing the riser block to expand its resawing capacity.  Have you done any resawing with yours?  What length blades are needed with the riseer block and does the riser block have any negative effect on the saw as far as cutting curves or scrolls?LoneRider

1. 
   shippy | Feb 17, 2006 07:49am | #4

   With the riser block, I use 105" blades and it resaws wonderfully. I bought mine all set up at the Sumner woodworking store and they did a fantastic job. I really, really like mine.

2. 
   BG | Feb 17, 2006 02:51pm | #5

   Lone Rider,
   I bought a Delta Import at less than half the price of the Powermatic and a 1hp motor. It's done everything I've asked and done it well.
   Two weeks ago I watched a Powermatic demoed at Woodcraft...and I was amazed at the difference. Very quiet and smooth altough I can't say the outcome(smoothness) differed from my Delta. It remined me of the difference between driving a Volvo or a Ford Focus....perhaps the same outcome but a slightly different feeling.(kinda like night and day)

3. 
   morningwood | Feb 17, 2006 05:28pm | #6

   Lone Rider

   I also own the a Powermatic, and like the other owners have nothing but praise for it. I did not opt for the riser, I have access to a big Laguna if I need more capacity. I also toyed with the idea of converting the saw to run on 220, but after using it for a while found it ran just fine on 110.  I pitched the blade that came with the saw and installed a Timberwolf and have been pleased with both the saw and blade combination.

   Rob

1. 
   user-93550 | Feb 18, 2006 02:32am | #7

   Thanks for the info.  So far I really haven't found any negative on the PowerMatic.  My choices have narrowed to the PowerMatic 14 and the LagunaLT14SE.

   I would appreciate your observations on the Laguna product and the PowerMatic since you have had access to both machines.

   Thanks again for your reply.

   Len ZLoneRider