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Product Reviews:
Powermatic 1791216K Model PWBS-14CS Deluxe 14-Inch 1-3/4-Inch Woodworking Bandsaw with Bearing Guides, Lamp, and Chip Blower, 115/230-Volt 1 Phase |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Does the job!!
Comments: I have1complaint ... the base and motor bracket came damaged. None of the manufacturers package heavy tools in a way to stand up to the abuse that seems common among carriers. Complaint over ...
One email to Powermatic got a new base shipped the same day. 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. 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 wood was 8/4 cherry and I must say that the cuts in both the straight and curved sections were clean with no burning. A few minutes at the spindle sander and I was great to go.
While I am still waiting for a selection of TimberWolf blades to arrive I just couldn't wait to try a little resawing. I cut several 1/4" thick pieces from an 8/4 x 5 1/2" x 20" piece of cherry. 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 small, plastic, resaw post while cheap looking, did the job.
Fit and finish are at least as great as the other major manufacturers. The optional mobile base makes it easy to push this out of the way in my garage/workshop when I am not using it.
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Rating: 1 (out of 5)
Summary: Landfill
Comments: I have had this saw for 8 months and it has had problems from the begining - the latest the quick release - does not work - I am sick of calling the manufacturer and will dump this thousand dollar piece of garbage with pleasure myself - fair warning :) |
Rating: 2 (out of 5)
Summary: Assembly Instructions
Comments: The instructions to assemble the saw were among the worst I have ever seen. Steps were missing so that once a certain point in the assembly was reached you had to take it apart again to complete the missing step. This happened 4 different times. The photography showing almost all steps was poor at best. I wound of with extra parts that I still have been unable to determine what they were used for. I assume the extra parts are from another missing step in the instructions. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Just spend the money and enjoy!!
Comments: You know there are a few tools e wood worker needs. E wood worker needs those tools to work and work well and this saw does just that. This band saw is the perfect addition to your shop and will be the last band saw you will purchase. From the carter quick release to the exceptional roller bearings this saw is a work of art and function.
When I got mine I had a hard time swallowing the price, however after using it I have never regretted the cost. I cut fine veneers, 3/32 thick and large thick stock to make corbels from hard wood and never and I mean never have to struggle to get something right!!!! Change blades no problem, tilt the bed no problem, and cut dovetails? No problem... And that is what you get NO PROBLEMS!!!!
I have owned delta, craftsman etc..... This saw is a dream!!!!!! I hardly ever used my other band saws. Now I can hardly stop using this one. I even rip rough stock with it.
Just purchase it; it will be the last1you will ever need to purchase. |
Rating: 5 (out of 5)
Summary: Great saw
Comments: So I do not rewrite ething that has been said I'll be brief. Purchased this saw during Woodcraft sale Feb 2008 which included the mobile base and riser block.
1. Current saw/riser blocks do not have an alignment problem. This is fixed.
2. It's priced a little higher than some 14" bandsaws however I believe you should purchase a great tool if you plan to use it a lot. This is a great saw for the money. Period.
3. If you are cutting anything over 1/2" the stock blade is useless. There are a lot of opinions on which blade is best so do your research. I am using the Timberwolf blades from PS Wood because they run at a lower tension. I am getting great results and I think the lower tension means my saw will last much longer. Just get a great blade that is designed for what you are cutting and you will be much happier.
Update November 2008 - I am still happy with the Powermatic bandsaw. I have built a log sled and turned 3-4 foot long 11-12" logs into lumber. I used a 1/2" Timberwolf blade. It cut ok however I am going to try the 3/8 woodturners blade from Highland Woodworking on the next batch. I cut black cherry and some white oak. I have some recently acquired hickory and bradford pear. It will be cut within a couple of weeks.
As for resawing I recently purchased a woodslicer blade and it is awesome. There is no comparison to any blade I have used before. If you are having trouble with your saw try a quality blade.
This saw is a workhorse with a great motor. Use a dedicated circuit or better yet rewire it for 220. Happy woodworking... |
