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Complaint over.One email to Powermatic got a new base shipped the same day. I had to go slow and back off occasionally to allow the gullets to clear (this is not a resaw blade) the results were usable after a bit of sanding. Following the instruction step by step (had to think about a few of the steps) the saw was up and running.After cutting a few scraps I cut the feet for a trestle table. A few minutes at the spindle sander and I was good to go.While I'm still waiting for a selection of TimberWolf blades to arrive I just couldn't wait to try a little resawing. I have one complaint.
None of the manufacturers package heavy tools in a way to stand up to the abuse that seems common among carriers. When it arrived my neighbors all seemed to be out. I cut several 1/4" thick pieces from an 8/4 x 5 1/2" x 20" piece of cherry. The small, plastic, resaw post while cheap looking, did the job.Fit and finish are at least as good as the other major manufacturers. the base and motor bracket came damaged.
With the saw body still in the box, I laid the base on its side, slid the saw to the base, bolted it up and pivoted the saw into the upright position. The optional mobile base makes it easy to push this out of the way in my garage/workshop when I'm not using it. The wood was 8/4 cherry and I must say that the cuts in both the straight and curved sections were very clean with no burning.
I have had this saw for 8 months and it has had problems from the begining - the latest the quick release - does not work - I am sick of calling the manufacturer and will dump this thousand dollar piece of garbage with pleasure myself - fair warning :)
I wound of with extra parts that I still have been unable to determine what they were used for. Steps were missing so that once a certain point in the assembly was reached you had to take it apart again to complete the missing step. The instructions to assemble the saw were among the worst I have ever seen. This happened 4 different times. I assume the extra parts are from another missing step in the instructions. The photography showing most steps was poor at best.
No problem. This saw is a dream. I hardly ever used my other band saws. When I got mine I had a hard time swallowing the price, but after using it I have never regretted the cost. Now I can hardly stop using this one. I have owned delta, craftsman etc. You know there are a few tools every wood worker needs.
From the carter quick release to the exceptional roller bearings this saw is a work of art and function. I cut fine veneers, 3/32 thick and large thick stock to make corbels from hard wood and never and I mean never have to struggle to get something right. Every wood worker needs those tools to work and work well and this saw does just that. I even rip rough stock with it. This band saw is the perfect addition to your shop and will be the last band saw you will buy. Change blades no problem, tilt the bed no problem, and cut dovetails. Just buy it; it will be the last one you'll ever need to buy.
And that is what you get NO PROBLEMS.
Use a dedicated circuit or better yet rewire it for 220. Current saw/riser blocks do not have an alignment problem. This is a good saw for the money. I have some recently acquired hickory and bradford pear. If you are cutting anything over 1/2" the stock blade is useless. Purchased this saw during Woodcraft sale Feb 2008 which included the mobile base and riser block.1. If you are having trouble with your saw try a quality blade.This saw is a workhorse with a great motor. It will be cut within a couple of weeks.As for resawing I recently purchased a woodslicer blade and it is awesome.
There are a lot of opinions on which blade is best so do your research. I cut black cherry and some white oak. Just get a good blade that is designed for what you are cutting and you will be much happier.Update November 2008 - I'm still very happy with the Powermatic bandsaw. I used a 1/2" Timberwolf blade. It's priced a little higher than some 14" bandsaws but I believe you should buy a good tool if you plan to use it a lot. So I don't rewrite everything that has been said I'll be brief.
Period.3. I'm using the Timberwolf blades from PS Wood because they run at a lower tension. There is no comparison to any blade I have used before. It cut ok but I'm going to try the 3/8 woodturners blade from Highland Woodworking on the next batch. This is fixed.2. I'm getting great results and I think the lower tension means my saw will last much longer.
Happy woodworking. I have built a log sled and turned 3-4 foot long 11-12" logs into lumber.
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