Thread: Powermatic... Worth it?

I've been looking at the Powermatic, and the quality of the machine and haven't found anything close to it yet, but the cost for the 14" is around the $1400 mark. Unfortunately it's a lot more expensive than other similar machines from Jet , Major or H&F. Cost is the single thing that I have found to put in the "cons" list for this machine.

Is there anyone here who has an opinion on Powermatic, or this machine that they could contribute?

Thanks,

Craig

I too would like to see if there are any replies to this post. I was/am besotted with this machine after looking as other 14" basic bandsaws. There was an off forum review to this saw that, along with others voted it quite highly. However the writer also commented that difficulty with attaching the extra bench resulted in it being left off and shelved and after a couple of years it's still there. This, the difficulty of installing the extension neck and the some times useful air blower the writer wandered if he could have been better off with a lesser unit. However the Light, Carter quick release and general cutting sturdiness earned high praise.

This report along with a look on the sales floor and various forum snippets has left me wondering if the extra price could be better utilized in a 17" machine, or maybe something else.

Otzi

I've been doing my research on this and this still looks like the machine for me. I am surprised that there weren't and real responses about whether or not the machine is worth the extra cost. I am still saving my pennies and have just about got enough to drive up and pick one up

Craig

I went to Hare & Forbes yesterday and checked out the 14" bandsaws (or similar), and after looking at the Boscato 4 and the H&F 355 I am still inclined to go with the Powermatic, even though it is more expensive.

Craig

I can't comment on the band saw as I don't a Powermatic band saw. I do have a Powermatic table saw (PM2000) and I can attest that this was worth the money. It is the last one I will buy I expect. The fit and finish is first rate.