Powermatic bandsaw – looking for opinion
I am looking to buy a Powermatic band saw model 043 from a relative of mine for $100. The problem is, I can’t find out anything about this saw. He thinks he bought it for about $300 new 3-4 years ago. I’ve checked it out in person and it seems like a really sturdy 14″ model with cast iron parts and a good table. I’ll be using the saw for furniture making (re-sawing, general use, etc.)
So, basically I’m looking for any information or opinions about this machine. It doesn’t come with a fence – how easy is it to add one on? Also, I’ve read about European guides, but I’m not sure what this means and whether this saw has them or not. The PM 043 has ball bearing guides – are these significantly better or worse than ceramic? The motor is 3/4 HP, which seems a bit underpowered for hardwood re-sawing. Is this enough power, or should I consider replacing it with something beefier?
Thanks for any advice.
Replies
I have a couple of PM machines and like them a lot, but I've never thought too much of their bandsaws - at least the 14" ones I've looked at. However, for $100 I think you've found a real deal. You'd pay a little more than that for a new one of those teeny 9" benchtop bandsaws and used 14" saws usually go for at least twice that. As long as it doesn't appear to have any problems, I'd say go for it. You can make your own fence out of plywood, melamine, or MDF, or buy an aftermarket fence, any of which might probably be better than the original fence made for that saw.
If you build it - he will come.
I HAVE A POWERMATIC 66 SAW, A POWERMATIC 15" PLANER AND A POWERMATIC MORTISE MACHINE, ALL OF WHICH ARE VERY HIGH QUALITY. POWERMATIC DOES NOT MAKE CHEAP MACHINERY. WITH AN ASKING PRICE OF $100 AND IF YOU SAW IT AND IT WASN'T ABUSED, I WOULD SNAP IT UP IN ABOUT TWO SECONDS. A FENCE IS NO BIG DEAL. YOU CAN BUY AN AFTER MAKRET. GOOD LUCK
Thanks for the replies. You reinforced what I thought - it looks like a heavy duty tool that will last a long time. What do you think about the 3/4 HP motor? I haven't used it yet, so I can't gauge how powerful it is, but it seems a bit small for a saw of this capacity.
Is it possible there is an error in your model number statement? I have a 1980 or so PM141, which is a heavy, cast, 14" wood cutting BS. I believe the 143 is about the same, but is variable speed, and is more oft used to cut diff. metals. My 141 is a great little scroller.
Alan
http://www.alanturnerfurnituremaker.com
Hi, I have a PM 043 bandsaw. It is a lower end PM product called. IIRC, The Artisan Line. Made in Taiwan and was their effort to compete in the lower end import price range. Basically, its a cheap BS which I use for cutting with a very narrow blade-basically an overgrown scroll saw ( I also have a MM16 and a Delta 14). Takes a 99'' blade, tension set up questionable and tables difficult to square up fore and aft which is why I use it for one dedicated purpose. Strongly suspect it will be difficult to find aftermarket guides to fit it. 3/4 hp motor sufficent if you are not cutting real thick or hard woods. Bob
Bob- Good info. The manual says it can take a 3/4" blade which should be OK for resawing, don't you think? Or do you really need 1" and up? When you say that blade tensioning is questionable, do you mean the spring is too weak or is there some other problem? Even with the problems you describe, I still figure it's a good deal for $100. How much did they go for new?
Hi, Yes you can use a 3/4'' blade, I have. With the 3/4 hp motor you can resaw OK, just don't push it. 1/2'' blade will also work fine. Spring tensioning seems weak on mine so in the future I might try 98'' or so blades and see what happens. Yes, IMHO, $100.00 isn't a bad price knowing the saw's limitations going in. Bob
Bob-
I got the saw today and it worked great...until I tried to tension up the blade a bit and broke 2 separate parts! So if you're thinking of using a 98" blade...DON'T!
The saw doesn't seem to handle much tension. The parts that broke are the upper wheel mounting and the part that attaches the wheel to it via the shaft. It was a real shock when I realized that the castings had actually crumbled, but that is what happened. When I looked at the broken parts, the casting quality was really poor and it's no wonder they failed.
Now I have to get replacement parts from Powermatic - I have no idea how that's going to be, but we'll see. I wrote them an email today, and I'll call them on Monday. I just hope they still stock parts from this saw. I guess you get what you pay for.
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