Powermatic - PM2000 10-Inch Cabinet Saw (Rating: 4)
OK, for starters I'm not much of an internet guy, Id much rather be in the shop. That said I am so disappointed with this saw that it has driven me to this. So, after getting the saw home and starting to put it together I noticed a metal bur along the cast iron extension wings, where it joins with the main saw body. It was about 1/32 - 1/64 high the entire length of both extension wings. Not much of a big deal, was able to take care of it, but I started to think humm…
After getting the saw up and running I built a bunch of cabinets/ counter tops for the garage turned shop. Everything was running great till it came to dadoes. The saw would fire up and cut great the first time, but turn it off and there was no restarting it. So I called the customer service and determined it was in the switch, and they sent one out no problem (took a week to get to CA). So I open the box and guess what a different switch, no lock out, no great big shut off switch… bummer, both were reasons to but it. I called the Technical Services and left a message (1/2 hr on hold) looking for an answer (maybe they are re-designing the old ones??). I'm going to try the new switch after I finish ranting.
... Just got a call back before I could finish this review. What great service! it was "an opps on our part and the replacement will be sent next day air". They also threw in a low profile riving knife for the trouble. The tech guy assured me this switch problem was just a fluke and isn't a chronic problem with their saws. I can understand that some stuff just happens. So I would give it 4 1/2 stars. and probably buy it again. It is such a relief to deal with a company with great customer service.
Update. 03/07/08
The saw cuts great, (as most in this price category should) Especially compared to my previous saw (Delta contractor). The three horse power motor just hums through 8/4 maple. The key features that set it apart from the other saws of similar pricing:
-Easy arbor lock, one finger and done.
-The riving knife multiple options including low profile (see above, available in thin and normal curf).
-anti-kickback device (or what ever its called) use with standard riving knife. Blade guard goes onto the riving knife as well -in the second slot, also a quick connect.
-easy off button. It also has a magnetic lock that you can remove and the saw wont start without it (I think what if my dad had a table saw when I was 8…)
- It has wheels! I was able to slide it off the pallet by myself (with a scrap sheet of 3/16 steel and some bracing to make a ramp) onto my garage floor, then pull the tilt adjust lever out, start cranking and your rolling.
The big key is ease of use for the safety stuff. the riving knifes are so easy its a no-brainer, even if you aren't into the blade guard thing.
Now all that said… should I have gone and gotten the Saw Stop? Ill never know, but for a saw that my future kids will have the rest of their lives what another thousand bucks… Ohh boy big can of worms
Check back for more reviews… Jointer, Planer, Miter saw, router lift… the list goes on and on.
OK, for starters I'm not much of an internet guy, Id much rather be in the shop. That said I am so disappointed with this saw that it has driven me to this. So, after getting the saw home and starting to put it together I noticed a metal bur along the cast iron extension wings, where it joins with the main saw body. It was about 1/32 - 1/64 high the entire length of both extension wings. Not much of a big deal, was able to take care of it, but I started to think humm…
After getting the saw up and running I built a bunch of cabinets/ counter tops for the garage turned shop. Everything was running great till it came to dadoes. The saw would fire up and cut great the first time, but turn it off and there was no restarting it. So I called the customer service and determined it was in the switch, and they sent one out no problem (took a week to get to CA). So I open the box and guess what a different switch, no lock out, no great big shut off switch… bummer, both were reasons to but it. I called the Technical Services and left a message (1/2 hr on hold) looking for an answer (maybe they are re-designing the old ones??). I'm going to try the new switch after I finish ranting.
... Just got a call back before I could finish this review. What great service! it was "an opps on our part and the replacement will be sent next day air". They also threw in a low profile riving knife for the trouble. The tech guy assured me this switch problem was just a fluke and isn't a chronic problem with their saws. I can understand that some stuff just happens. So I would give it 4 1/2 stars. and probably buy it again. It is such a relief to deal with a company with great customer service.
Update. 03/07/08
The saw cuts great, (as most in this price category should) Especially compared to my previous saw (Delta contractor). The three horse power motor just hums through 8/4 maple. The key features that set it apart from the other saws of similar pricing:
-Easy arbor lock, one finger and done.
-The riving knife multiple options including low profile (see above, available in thin and normal curf).
-anti-kickback device (or what ever its called) use with standard riving knife. Blade guard goes onto the riving knife as well -in the second slot, also a quick connect.
-easy off button. It also has a magnetic lock that you can remove and the saw wont start without it (I think what if my dad had a table saw when I was 8…)
- It has wheels! I was able to slide it off the pallet by myself (with a scrap sheet of 3/16 steel and some bracing to make a ramp) onto my garage floor, then pull the tilt adjust lever out, start cranking and your rolling.
The big key is ease of use for the safety stuff. the riving knifes are so easy its a no-brainer, even if you aren't into the blade guard thing.
Now all that said… should I have gone and gotten the Saw Stop? Ill never know, but for a saw that my future kids will have the rest of their lives what another thousand bucks… Ohh boy big can of worms
Check back for more reviews… Jointer, Planer, Miter saw, router lift… the list goes on and on.