Powermatic Bandsaw - Good/Bad??

[zig613]

I still in the hunt for a new 14 inch bandsaw and one of our local equipment dealers are now offering Powermatic bandsaws.

Has anyone got any information (good or bad) about this make of bandsaw? I was looking specifically at the 14 inch model PWBS-14C. My other option is to go with a Steel City 14 saw (model 50100G) that is about $300 less.

Thanks,

Wade

 

[marcruby]

I think the Powermatic is a slightly better machine -- it's beefier, includes the rip fence, and has that chip blower but I don't think you would go wrong with either. Steel City makes some nice tools.

Marc

 

[Rifleman1776]

PM is a highly respected name in woodworking tools. You probably would do well with either. But, do shop around and make your choice based on features and cost to find the best value for you.

 

[IPD_Mrs]

One of the other things about the Powermatic is it comes with the Carter bearing guides. That is about a $180 add on and is much better than cool blocks IMHO. It is just one of those machines that you wont have to buy anything for and will last a lifetime.

Mike

 

[JerryS]

I still in the hunt for a new 14 inch bandsaw and one of our local equipment dealers are now offering Powermatic bandsaws.

Has anyone got any information (good or bad) about this make of bandsaw? I was looking specifically at the 14 inch model PWBS-14C. My other option is to go with a Steel City 14 saw (model 50100G) that is about $300 less.

Thanks,

Wade

I don't think you'll go wrong with either machine , I have an older PM and like it . SC is offering a rebate program till Dec so that may be a bigger price difference .

 

[spiritwoodturner]

I'm with Mike on this one. I have several Powermatic tools, and will never replace them, because I won't have to. They come with better components, they are much beefier, and for that small an amount of money difference, I would always go PM. You won't be sorry, and 25 years from now you'll have no idea what you paid for it. You'll just be happy it still works great.

Good luck,
Dale

 

[pullit]

I was in charge of buying tools at the place I used to work at. I bought a PM 14" band saw and if those guys could not tear it up running it 8 hours a day 7 days a week, the thing was almost bullet proof. Production picked up to the point that they needed to have two guys running bandsaws 8 hours a day 7 days a week, so the choice was a no brainer. They now have 2 PM band saws.

 

[marcruby]

You're right of course, but the size has of the blade has a lot to do with what bearings you should use. There's a point (3/4" - 1") where the Carter's are no longer the best choice. At that point you would want cool blocks, or, if you're wealthy, something Eurostyle. Of course, 14" saws don't offer much flexibility. Yet another reason why I like the 16+" MiniMax's.

Marc

One of the other things about the Powermatic is it comes with the Carter bearing guides. That is about a $180 add on and is much better than cool blocks IMHO. It is just one of those machines that you wont have to buy anything for and will last a lifetime.

Mike