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This saw is fantastic. Runs and Cuts beautifully. Takes some time to setup, but then really nice
The American Woodworker did a very good article how to tune up a band saw, this is the best one you will ever read.(also FREE videos on their sight) Out of the box the wheels were not Coplanar, in the article they showed you how to use a straight edge to measure the tires co-planer. It is one bearing with a groove in the center the back of the blade rides in that replaces the top bearings and you move the lower ones away from the blade, You set your blade tracking and tension, Move the stabelizer guide to the blade and pull it toward you 1/8 inch and tighten it down, you now can use up to 1/4 inch blade that will preform like a jig saw on speed, The guy at the wood show did resawing with it, (not recommended) to show just how good the stabelizer is. This saw replaced a Craftsmen 12" tilt table band saw. I would imagine that most saws would need a good tune up to be able to preform at the top of there capability for accurate sawing. They have some very good FREE videos on the band saw at their sight. I measured the blades top and bottom to get them in the center of the tires, For me it was easier and I think more accurate them a straight edge. What you need is a Carter Stabilizer guide.
I have had this saw over one year and while I have not used it as much as I would like, so far it has been one super machine. I purchased the Woodcraft anniversary package. He was cutting out 3d reindeers ( like the Scroll saw guy) to show you why this is recommended for scrolling. The article also explained how to shim the wheels to get this critical dimension perfect, The other problem that I had was slight movement with the riser block ( fore and aft movement of the top of the saw)and tires being copanar on each side, You measure the wheels top and bottom at 3 & 9 oclock to get them even and the blade centered in all four positions measureing the blade on the tire, I used a straight edge and marked all 4 sides top and bottom of the riser block and the lines extended on to the frame so you can see how much it moved, by loosing the riser block bolt slightly with the saw tension relaxed I was able to tap the top forward or aft to achieve a perfect allignment of the blade in relation to the top and bottom wheels.The table required shimming as did the guide post. I also see that some have problems with setting the guides and a narrow blade. At the Wood Magazine web sight I made the resaw jig for the band saw ( make your own lumber)and cut 12" thick wood with a 1/2" blade with no problem. Hope this helps :>)
For more on Powermatic cust service, check my 3520B lathe review, they were very helpful.The bandsaw was relatively easy to put together, though I found truing the fence and fence rails to the table to be a lesson in patience. Then it's onto setting up the blade tension and guides. Previous reviewers of the riser mentioned issues; Powermatic apparently listens to customer feedback, everything goes together as it should. This 'little' bandsaw is perfect for home woodshop needs. I'm rather pleased with my purchase and the mustard color is growing on me.If you're looking for most of the same features as well as 2 speeds and a about 300 less, check out the new Jet JWBS-14DXPRO. It cuts, but it surely won't impress you.
With the dust collector attached, only a small amount of wood dust escapes.without a dust collector you'll soon be standing in a sizeable pile.As with most power tools, the first thing that you should do, (after reading the manual and putting the thing together), is toss out the stock blade.
The riser block install would have gone much better with a second pair of hands, but not impossible by yourself.
The tracking knob and carter quick release are intuitive to use, (though the tension lever resides behind the blade guard in it's lowest,(release), setting.
I've installed both the riser block and the mobile base and both work very well.
This is my first bandsaw and I have to say that everything was both simple and quick to do.
After about an hour and a half I was running some lumber through for test cuts.
This may have been a bad idea as my dust collector arrived the following week.
The ball bearing guides are mostly tool free, setting the distance to the blade, (left to right) is done with an allen wrench, again, pretty simple stuff.I've yet to try resawing up to the full 12" but 6-8" stock hasn't given me any problems, nor has it slowed or bogged down in the least.
I bought my Powermatic before it came out, but it surely would have been a contender.
I bought this Powermatic Bandsaw locally from a Rockler store. For a "low" end bandsaw it is great tool. Bought it on sale so I got a good price. I'm really enjoying it and have no problems or complaints with it. I've had very good success, especially with resawing. I'd give it a strong recommendation.
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 one complaint. None of the manufacturers package heavy tools in a way to stand up to the abuse that seems common among carriers. 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. The small, plastic, resaw post while cheap looking, did the job.Fit and finish are at least as good as the other major manufacturers. Complaint over.One email to Powermatic got a new base shipped the same day.
I cut several 1/4" thick pieces from an 8/4 x 5 1/2" x 20" piece of cherry. the base and motor bracket came damaged. 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. When it arrived my neighbors all seemed to be out. 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. 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.
The optional mobile base makes it easy to push this out of the way in my garage/workshop when I'm not using it.
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