Greetings,
Long time reader, first time poster.
First, allow me to thank all of you for the sheer
volume of useful information I’ve found on this
site.
I’m in the market for a used cabinet saw and have
found a PM66 for sale in my general neck of the
woods that has a lot of nice add-on features that
come bundled with it.
I have two questions:
1. Can you have TOO MUCH motor? This unit is a 5hp
and I can’t imagine ever needing ALL that juice, but
for standard cabinetry and furniture making…is this
just too much muscle or is it a nice perk?
2. What should I be looking for when I give this
machine a once-over? What points are important to
verify and check when purchasing a new cabinet
saw?
Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to
offer.
Replies
Board,
The only dissadvantage of more HP is it draws more current. 5 HP motors draw around 25 amps. If you are working in a garage you might not have the power to run the saw, a dust collector, and lights/radio. 5 hp saws do cut better, especially hardwoods.
Look for general wear and tear, does it look like it was used a lot? Is the fence beat up, the throat plate missing all its paint, the table surface worn a lot. These are not reasons to not buy it, these machines are made to operate in a production enviroment for 15 years, but this gives you a general impression of the machine. Next look for missing or midified parts : belts, brackets, added hangers, non-origonal arbor washers/ nuts. Is the cabinet completely full of saw dust (indication no dust colection used) over long periods of time this wears on the gears and can overheat the motor.
Mike
Edited 7/28/2005 1:18 pm ET by mike
Plug it in and cut some wood with it. Look at your cut edges. I have sold a few table saws and now have a new 3 hp left tilt Grizzly. I figure you could save yourself all the upgrade hassles I've been through and get a 5 hp 66 right away. Hammersparks
Ditto Board.
If you have one, take a straightedge with you and check flatness of table, wings and fence.
Does the fence lock SQUARE to the table?
What extras does it come with? that can make a BIG swing in the decision.
extension table, mobile base AND a 1 1/2 HP dust collection unit.woops!just drooled on the keyboard looking at the specs...
A dust collector comes with it? If it is in good shape, that could be worth $75 - $100 on its own, The mobile base depending on make is worth $25-$50. I have no clue on the extension table but would guess an easy $50 ( prices are guesses for used versions, not what you would have to pay new)
So that would put the included accessories at a value of $150 - $2001 - measure the board twice, 2 - cut it once, 3 - measure the space where it is supposed to go 4 - get a new board and go back to step 1
If the "extension table" is an outfeed table then that is an extra. If it is the side table I would not consider it an extra.
Mikeplease excuse my spelling.
In addition to what's been stated above, check the arbor bearings for play. If possible, have a look at the gears. At least check for slop and for smooth movement of the handwheels. Check the pulleys for wear (shouldn't be shiney to the bottom). Make sure the motor nameplate electrical specs match what you have available in your shop.
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