I am seriously considering buying Powermatic’s 14″ bandsaw with a riser block. I am mainly interesting in resawing ability so the 14″ part isn’t a big deal for me. I just want a really nice machine. So, what do owners say and the ever present devil’s advocates?
Replies
Though not an owner, a bandsaw will be my next machine (toolwise) once my dust collection issues are solved. I am also looking at the Powermatic. I am very happy with the Powermatic long-bed joiner I bought. What might dissuade me from a Powermatic Bandsaw is the availability of the soon to be extinct American Made Delta. I still see one or two available at various places (and on sale to boot). And if I can still find one of those NOS when I am ready to purchase, it is going to be a tough decision. That probably doesn't help you much. Anyway, I' d be interested to see what you decide, and how happy you are with your decision.
Joe
I don't own the Powermatic, but I did purchase the Jet 14" with riser block a couple of years ago (same parent co.)I use a 1/2" 3 TPI blade and re-saw with no problems.The saw has been very good for the money-under $600.I haven't used but, a lot of folks like the Laguna saws also.
I bought mine last Spring. I too got the riser block. I cannot say enough good about this saw; I love it. I have used it often for both curve cuts, shaping large blocks for carving, and a few times for resawing. It has done it all to my complete satisfaction. I invested in excellent blades - timber wolf/viking/wood slicer - and tend to keep a 1/2" 3 tpi blade in for general use. I also bought the powermatic mobile base, which I find works very well and is quite handy in moving the saw around my smallish shop.
If you have any specific questions, let me know, and I'll do my best.
MichaelPB,
I think you need to re-think the Powermatic if resawing is the objective. I'm sure the BS can do the resawing job well, but it's really not designed well enough for handling large pieces of stock on a steady basis. I resaw a lot of 4' long pieces of stock on my Delta 14". The table top is high and rather small so infeed and outfeed support should be created. Like all 14" machines it's top heavy and pushing heavy stock through can make the machine wobble. Lastly, it takes a while to make a cut thru wide stock and you need to stay focused on keeping the pressures consistant and constant...that high table is a physical strain.
MichaelP,
I've owned both the Jet 14" and now I have the new Powermatic 14". (Long story, but I got a brand-new Jet 14" for free).
I think I wrote this in a message to you recently. But I'll put it out here for the group now as well...
I have used the Powermatic bandsaw many times in the past couple of months, including resawing oak, maple, and cherry. It is smooth and powerful enough for me. I owned a Jet 6" before this, and I can say that the Powermatic has some features that are a nice upgrade. I really like the tension-release bar. The blower actually does the job once you get it into position over the cut line. The work light is a nice addition, though that's pretty easy to add to any bandsaw. The motor sounds smoother on this new saw than the old Jet. It has a wonderful "whoosh" as it starts up and runs really well. Also, the cast-iron table is a little bigger on the Powermatic, which is nice. And the new saw has heavier-duty wheels with more spokes.
The one thing I am not so sure about is the bandrollers. I was used to using Cool Blocks. I really like the way you can snug the cool blocks right up to the blade. But with the bandrollers you have to keep the rollers 1/64" from the blade, and it is a real hassle, in my opinion, to align them just right. Maybe I just need to get used to them? I know a lot of people love these things. For resawing, the bandrollers do seem to be a little bit better, but if you do curved work, they get in the way.
The saw only goes to 6" resaw capacity, unless you get the riser block. I have not yet upgraded to the 12" capacity, since it's another $80.
So, I am very happy with the saw overall -- power, build, and smoothness of operation. My only question right now is whether the bandrollers are for me or not.
I might swap out the bandroller assembly for a "classic" guide assembly. It feels odd at first, since this is an "upgrade," but I just like the Cool Blocks better.
Does anybody feel the same way I do about the bandrollers?
Edited 10/4/2005 9:15 am ET by MatthewSchenker
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