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Sounds like I got lucky with the extension.Problems: The included mounting hardware for the rails are flat out cheap crap. After reading the other reviews I orderred a back-up so if it does fail I am not stuck using a 2x4.This is a great saw with an excellent fit and finish. I now have a cabinet built under the extension with 4 adjustable feet so the table is on a perfect plane with the rest of the table. I have had no problems with the arbor lock so far. I have owned this saw nearly two year sand have had only very minor problems.
the blade was dead on parallell to the miter slots, table dead on flat, and the extension table was dead on flat. I quick run to ACE and a few bucks fixed that problem. I can see how, if not gentle with it, though, it could fail. Any saw in this class is bound to have a few problems, but I think the ones I have had are reasonable and really can't complain. Initial set-up revealed a perfectly adjusted saw from the factory.
The legs for the extension are poorly attached to the table and get jerked around when moving the saw. Best saw in its class, by far. Very solid upgrade and puts to use the space under the extension.I change blades often going from a Forest WWII to a cheap Diablo for less expensive mateial, and a dato stack.
Since I don't have a floor outlet, I had to construct an additional extension cord (another trip to Lowes).In general though, the saw produces very good cuts, and I am moderately pleased with it as a whole. This saw is very quiet in my opinion. The bolts that were shipped with the fence to attach the back rail were 1-1/4", but were too short to accomodate the rail, the outfeed table, two washers and a locking washer. I had to purchase 1-1/2" bolts at Lowes to complete assembley.- Outfeed Table. I will say that I agree with most of the good points that have already been presented in previous reviews. I had to raise the fence side plates slightly to acheive clearance for wide cuts.- Switch Cord. I was a little unsure at first how the integrated caster system would work on my basement floor, but I have had no trouble moving the saw around.
The system only lifts it a small amount off the floor (maybe 1/16") but it is plenty for my very flat concrete floor. Again, Powermatic replaced it after a call.- Back Fence Rail Bolts. It is rock solid, and does not budge during operation.DISAPPOINTMENTS- Table Insert. The cord that came attached to the switch is only about 6' long, which is not nearly long enough to plug into my wall outlet. The outfeed table is warped in the middle, such that when the ends are level with the saw table top, the middle of the outfeed table sits 1/32" proud of the saw table top. Much has been written about this saw, and how wonderful it is.
I would say the noise level is at least 1/2 that of my old Delta contractor saw.- Mobility. I do need to raise the foot pads on the extension table legs when moving, but I am more than happy to do this if it means not buying a separate mobile base.- Weight. Instead of re-listing those, I'd like to point out good and bad features that I have found from personal experience, and which may have differed from others experiences.PLEASANT SURPRISES- Dust Collection. One of the fence side plates was damaged during shipping (appeared to have been dropped on the floor). With the saw hooked to my 1-1/2 hp Grizzly collector, I was pleased to find that the dust collection was much better than I had expected.- Noise. I knew the saw would be heavy, but was impressed at HOW heavy it truly is.
Powermatic replaced it after a call was placed, but the new once is only slightly better, and still requires constant tweaking to get it flat to the table.- Fence. The table insert that came with the saw was cupped in the middle (~ 1/32").
The interal integrated casters are worth the price. Cuts 2.5 inch oak without bogging down at all. Packing was great, comes on a skid and I set it up by myself. The rails take some time to set up and then cleaning the shipping compound off is a pain but this is the ticket for those who can afford this. This was a purchase I longed for but am now glad I waited and spent the extra $$$.
Directions were easy to follow and other than time it was easy to set up. This saw is whisper quiet and a breeze to use. I use a 2 car wood studio and often need to move around my tools. Love this saw. This saw moves with ease and is easy to level.
You may also consult with a qualified electrician if you not sure you can handle the "lash up."Just an added note on the wiring. Mine looked like it might have had a slight warp, but someone had machined the bumps out of it. I was able to arrange for three of my buddies to help me unload this saw from the truck and save the liftgate fee. The 5hp motor draws 21 amps. From there the built-in casters allowed me to move it to the shop, where once more the four guys lifted it over the threshold and into the shop proper. Make sure your insert is flat before you drill it.
You can refer to the owner's manual for the type of wire needed for different extension lengths. Nothing has caused this saw to hiccup. Not much more to add that others have not already said, except for two additional things. Think of a sanding table for the idea. The best part of this simple fix is it does not void the warranty and you can always replace the insert, should you decide to sell this saw, and want it returned to the original condition.Second, the saw has the motor, switch, and some wiring already attached, but the wire from the switch to the power source does not have a plug.If you get the 3hp motor, you will need flexible 12 ga wire, 20 amp plug, and 20 amp breaker to complete your run. It does not look like swiss cheese).
This did two things, kept the sharp edges of the drill bit breakout in an area where it does not matter (I did not have to file them, and I did not have to worry about my wood running over a rough edge that might have been missed). Four guys can unload this saw with minor difficulty. If you have not wired up your shop for the saw, yet, I would spend the money on 10 gauge wire, 30 amp plug, and 30 amp double pole circut breaker. I have heard from others their inserts were badly warped and had to be replaced. You can refer to the NEC electricians text for futher information. Say from #12 to #10, or from #10 to #8. This modification has helped increase air flow from the blade, through the 2 1/2 inch hose, and into the four inch dust port.This has made a big difference in how the dust collection works. All parts to assemble the machine were present (exluding the plug), which always saves some aggrevation.
I used the savings from not using the liftgate delivery, and some extra coin in my pocket, to buy the 5 horsepower version for a couple of hundred dollars more. I received this saw very quickly and in perfect condition. The dust collection is ok, but using my drill press and a reference fence, I drilled several (18 total) 1/4 inch holes through the saw blade table insert (No. If you have a long run from your power supply to your circut box, you may want to step up to bigger wire, anyway. The general rule of thumb is to take the amperage draw, then multiple by 125% for a safety factor. If you get the 5hp version, you will need 10 gauge wire, 30 amp plug, and 30 amp breaker.
Once down, I unbolted the two restaining straps and the same four guys lifted it off the pallet and placed it on the concrete. Mine was good out of the box. I drilled the holes from the exterior side to the inside of the insert. The cosmetics were not perfect, but the insert was flat.
Don't fool yourself if your serious about dust collection the stock guard helps little to collect sawdust. I'm big on dust collection and I have 5 h.p. The arbor lock, riving knife, magnetic safety key , and retractable casters all worked as advertised and are the end to many table saw headaches.Some things that might be improved upon.I would agree with other reviews the hardware that is secretly hidden in the fence rail is cheap for a machine of this caliber. It's big, heavy, and smooth. It requires an overhead dedicated collection. It's awesome at 800+ CFM.
Out of the box. Not a big deal but I did have re-set the stop that is hidden in the base and not easy to reach. The pm2000 disappoints on this one. All in all this is a great saw. I have yet to see any table saw manufacturer take dust collection seriously. It's all that and a bag of chipsThis is the 3rd table saw I have owned and it's hopefully the last. Come on it's like fisher price hardware.The tilt stop for 90 was off by 1.5 deg.
In fact I'm not even sure how an adult would adjust the 45 deg stop as it's buried inside the case beyond reach. Plenty of power; it took me about 4 hours to get the entire monster bolted together. But the pm2000 is no different than any other table saw I've used. Everything was within 1/16 out of the box and just about dead on after a wood block and hammer for final adjustments. dust-collection. Once adjusted it seems to stay that way and cuts above the rest. clearvue cyclone with 6" dedicated pipe to my machines.
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