Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
to have a great tool review website to go to...
I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
(?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
(don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
show, $750 or so.
I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
Still the case?
Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
much appreciated....
thanks in advance.
MH
Dave - thanks! I was hoping you would chime in. It was your posts
that got me leaning towards purchasing the PM over the X5. There's
another WW show in March here and I'm buying one or the other then.
Deal is too good to pass up. Agree with you on the comment about
differences in quality between Delta tools. I love my Unisaw but
would be happy to give back the jointer.
Sorry to bother you on this issue (it looks like you're now the
defacto expert on this subject) but would you shoot me your thoughts
on the following:
- X5 is 275lb, PM is 203lb. Not sure why/how there could be such a big
difference when these two tools are almost exactly the same size?
- I've seen some posts complaining about the bearings on offshore
machines versus the ones made in the US. Notice anything on your
machine? Is the entire thing made in Taiwan - motor, etc..? It was
obvious the casting was exactly the same as the $500 Jet (similarities
ended there though).
Thanks again.
Mark
Bay Area Dave <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I've got the PM BS and love it. Had a Delta. hated it and returned it
> for a refund, as you should already know since you say you've read the
> bandsaw posts... I love my Unisaw but there's a world of difference
> IMHO between some Delta equipment. Some is great and some is not so
> great, to put it politely. I've also got a Delta DP which is fine, and
> Powermatic 6" jointer which works like a charm. Having owned both
> bandsaws I'd be remiss if I didn't urge you to go with the Powermatic
> for vibration free, feature rich performance.
>
> dave
>
> MH wrote:
>
> > Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
> > read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
> > would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
> > don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
> > yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
> > contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
> > X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
> > to have a great tool review website to go to...
> >
> > I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
> > really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
> > appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
> >
> > I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
> > bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
> > (?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
> > nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
> >
> > Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
> > well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
> > from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
> > setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
> > (don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
> >
> > Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
> > table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
> > making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
> > show, $750 or so.
> >
> > I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
> > drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
> > it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
> > high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
> > Still the case?
> >
> > Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
> > much appreciated....
> >
> > thanks in advance.
> >
> > MH
Thank you all for your suggestions/comments.
Bay Area Dave <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> which isn't a trivial matter to many...
>
>
>
>
> Eric Ryder wrote:
> snip
>
> The only minus I see is the
> > limited resaw capability (no riser).
> >
> >
I've been using Boeshield and it helps but hasn't solved the problem.
It may be that it was rusing already before I applied it. I also
bought their rust remover which they say to use before you use the
Boeshield and it did remove rust. It was even taking off rust when it
looked like there wasn't any left on the table. Sadly, I think it's
the quality of the metal. My unisaw which has received less attention
(still gets attention but has NEVER shown any sign of rust) is fine.
"Bob Davis" <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I was wondering the same thing. I thought cast iron rusted, no matter where
> it was made - at least that's what happens in Houston. The only cure is
> frequent liberal use of some kind of protection like topcote or boeshield.
>
> Bob
>
>
> "Unisaw A100" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > MH wrote:
> > >I have a newer Delta 6" jointer - from China,
> > >and it's already rusting/pitting),
> >
> > Can this be blamed on the manufacturer?
> >
> > UA100
Can you shoot me some comments on why you chose this saw over the X5?
If you compared them at all that is.
Also was wonder if anyone has any opinion on blocks versus rolling
guides. I just rec'd "The Bandsaw Book" and was reading his opinion.
Seems he's a bigger fan of blocks. For whatever reason, I always
thought bearings were a better choice? Don't know where I got that
from.
Thanks
MH
John Laurence Poole <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
> I complained earlier about how I purchased the bandsaw on Nov. 19th and
> was to have the riser blocks drop-shipped to me since the dealer did not
> have one in stock. Turns out, the earlist commitment Powermatic is
> quotating as a confirmed delivery date to their warehouse is January 21st.
>
> The reason I have not put mine through the hoops is that I the blades
> I've ordered are 105" to accomodate the riser blocks. Once you put the
> riser blocks in, it is not worth the effort to remove them just because
> you have a 93 1/2" blade.
>
> I did measure the tension spring so I could order a proper replacement
> from Iturra Designs. My measurements were:
> spring outside diameter: .724 inches
> spring inside diameter: .448 inches
> spring length: 3.180 inches
> the round bar stock making the spring: .142 " diameter.
>
> As for the housing which the spring resides in:
> 20 mm square
> 82 mm tall
>
> Based on these measurements, I determined the appropriate replacement
> spring from Iturra to be their Catlog # 10021J [which I understand the
> "J" stands for Jet - now a sibling company to Powermatic]
>
> MH wrote:
> > Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
> > read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
> > would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
> > don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
> > yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
> > contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
> > X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
> > to have a great tool review website to go to...
> >
> > I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
> > really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
> > appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
> >
> > I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
> > bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
> > (?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
> > nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
> >
> > Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
> > well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
> > from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
> > setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
> > (don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
> >
> > Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
> > table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
> > making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
> > show, $750 or so.
> >
> > I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
> > drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
> > it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
> > high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
> > Still the case?
> >
> > Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
> > much appreciated....
> >
> > thanks in advance.
> >
> > MH
I bought the Powermatic 14" at the Detroit woodworking show..hasn,t arrived
yet, said at least 4 wks.....i,m not in a rush...I,m upgrading from a
Craftsman 14" so can,t help you on the Delta. The PM had a lot of feature I
liked...enclosed motor stand, carter bearing, quick tension release, 1-1/2
h.p.,...blower n light.....i,m gonna get a mobile base when I pick the saw
up, that should help in my shop, don,t have one now. My Craftsman is working
fine, but I just listed 6 thing it doesn,t have. I post more review after I
get it n start using it.......George..
"MH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
> read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
> would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
> don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
> yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
> contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
> X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
> to have a great tool review website to go to...
>
> I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
> really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
> appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
>
> I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
> bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
> (?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
> nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
>
> Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
> well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
> from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
> setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
> (don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
>
> Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
> table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
> making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
> show, $750 or so.
>
> I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
> drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
> it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
> high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
> Still the case?
>
> Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
> much appreciated....
>
> thanks in advance.
>
> MH
I was wondering the same thing. I thought cast iron rusted, no matter where
it was made - at least that's what happens in Houston. The only cure is
frequent liberal use of some kind of protection like topcote or boeshield.
Bob
"Unisaw A100" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> MH wrote:
> >I have a newer Delta 6" jointer - from China,
> >and it's already rusting/pitting),
>
> Can this be blamed on the manufacturer?
>
> UA100
Mark, the manual that came with my powermatic lists the weights as 166
for the body and 84 for the stand. the gross weights are 178 and 87.5
respectively.
The motor appears to be well made and has a Powermatic sticker
indicating it's made in Taiwan. It could have been made on the moon for
all I care; it's quiet, smooth and robust, plus it has an air pump built
in for the dust clearing nozzle.
I've had the wheels off and felt the bearings for smoothness and play.
Excellent on both counts.
dave
MH wrote:
> Dave - thanks! I was hoping you would chime in. It was your posts
> that got me leaning towards purchasing the PM over the X5. There's
> another WW show in March here and I'm buying one or the other then.
> Deal is too good to pass up. Agree with you on the comment about
> differences in quality between Delta tools. I love my Unisaw but
> would be happy to give back the jointer.
>
> Sorry to bother you on this issue (it looks like you're now the
> defacto expert on this subject) but would you shoot me your thoughts
> on the following:
>
> - X5 is 275lb, PM is 203lb. Not sure why/how there could be such a big
> difference when these two tools are almost exactly the same size?
>
> - I've seen some posts complaining about the bearings on offshore
> machines versus the ones made in the US. Notice anything on your
> machine? Is the entire thing made in Taiwan - motor, etc..? It was
> obvious the casting was exactly the same as the $500 Jet (similarities
> ended there though).
>
> Thanks again.
>
> Mark
>
>
> Bay Area Dave <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
>
>>I've got the PM BS and love it. Had a Delta. hated it and returned it
>>for a refund, as you should already know since you say you've read the
>>bandsaw posts... I love my Unisaw but there's a world of difference
>>IMHO between some Delta equipment. Some is great and some is not so
>>great, to put it politely. I've also got a Delta DP which is fine, and
>>Powermatic 6" jointer which works like a charm. Having owned both
>>bandsaws I'd be remiss if I didn't urge you to go with the Powermatic
>>for vibration free, feature rich performance.
>>
>>dave
>>
>>MH wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
>>>read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
>>>would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
>>>don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
>>>yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
>>>contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
>>>X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
>>>to have a great tool review website to go to...
>>>
>>> I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
>>>really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
>>>appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
>>>
>>>I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
>>>bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
>>>(?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
>>>nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
>>>
>>>Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
>>>well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
>>>from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
>>>setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
>>>(don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
>>>
>>>Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
>>>table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
>>>making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
>>>show, $750 or so.
>>>
>>>I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
>>>drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
>>>it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
>>>high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
>>>Still the case?
>>>
>>>Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
>>>much appreciated....
>>>
>>>thanks in advance.
>>>
>>>MH
I complained earlier about how I purchased the bandsaw on Nov. 19th and
was to have the riser blocks drop-shipped to me since the dealer did not
have one in stock. Turns out, the earlist commitment Powermatic is
quotating as a confirmed delivery date to their warehouse is January 21st.
The reason I have not put mine through the hoops is that I the blades
I've ordered are 105" to accomodate the riser blocks. Once you put the
riser blocks in, it is not worth the effort to remove them just because
you have a 93 1/2" blade.
I did measure the tension spring so I could order a proper replacement
from Iturra Designs. My measurements were:
spring outside diameter: .724 inches
spring inside diameter: .448 inches
spring length: 3.180 inches
the round bar stock making the spring: .142 " diameter.
As for the housing which the spring resides in:
20 mm square
82 mm tall
Based on these measurements, I determined the appropriate replacement
spring from Iturra to be their Catlog # 10021J [which I understand the
"J" stands for Jet - now a sibling company to Powermatic]
MH wrote:
> Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
> read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
> would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
> don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
> yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
> contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
> X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
> to have a great tool review website to go to...
>
> I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
> really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
> appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
>
> I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
> bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
> (?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
> nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
>
> Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
> well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
> from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
> setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
> (don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
>
> Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
> table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
> making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
> show, $750 or so.
>
> I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
> drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
> it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
> high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
> Still the case?
>
> Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
> much appreciated....
>
> thanks in advance.
>
> MH
Wow, if Boeshield won't handle it, then it is a big problem.
"MH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've been using Boeshield and it helps but hasn't solved the problem.
> It may be that it was rusing already before I applied it. I also
> bought their rust remover which they say to use before you use the
> Boeshield and it did remove rust. It was even taking off rust when it
> looked like there wasn't any left on the table. Sadly, I think it's
> the quality of the metal. My unisaw which has received less attention
> (still gets attention but has NEVER shown any sign of rust) is fine.
>
>
> "Bob Davis" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:<[email protected]>...
> > I was wondering the same thing. I thought cast iron rusted, no matter
where
> > it was made - at least that's what happens in Houston. The only cure is
> > frequent liberal use of some kind of protection like topcote or
boeshield.
> >
> > Bob
> >
> >
> > "Unisaw A100" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > MH wrote:
> > > >I have a newer Delta 6" jointer - from China,
> > > >and it's already rusting/pitting),
> > >
> > > Can this be blamed on the manufacturer?
> > >
> > > UA100
PWBS 14 is nice saw, I think (no experience yet). BUT you best be
sure that there are no defective parts on the one you buy. I bought
one on Nov 22. Found that the table skirt was cracked causing a .040"
dish on the front part of the table. So bad that the miter bar would
not pass thru the slot. On about Dec 1, Powermatic agreed that the
table should be replaced under warrenty. Checked on Dec 29, was
informed that they would arrive on Dec 31. Checked on Jan 6, still
not in. Checked on Jan 12, they said they would special order from
mfgr for air shipment and would arrive in 2 weeks. Checked on Jan 22,
no one knew anything about special orders but would check. Received
call on Jan 27 that tables would arrive by the end of the week (Jan
31). Checked on Feb 6, informed that tables would arrive on Feb 20
and that tech svc said saw was usable as is. IF IF IF the tables
arrive as claimed, I will have had an $800 saw sitting unuseable for 3
months. As Jet says; "A company is only as good as it ablility to
service its tools."
On 8 Jan 2004 04:54:30 -0800, [email protected] (MH) wrote:
>Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
>read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
>would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
>don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
>yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
>contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
>X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
>to have a great tool review website to go to...
>
> I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
>really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
>appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
>
>I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
>bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
>(?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
>nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
>
>Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
>well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
>from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
>setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
>(don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
>
>Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
>table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
>making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
>show, $750 or so.
>
>I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
>drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
>it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
>high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
>Still the case?
>
>Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
>much appreciated....
>
>thanks in advance.
>
>MH
"MH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
> read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
> would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
> don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
> yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
> contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
> X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
> to have a great tool review website to go to...
>
> I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
> really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
> appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
>
> I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
> bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
> (?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
> nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
>
> Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
> well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
> from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
> setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
> (don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
>
> Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
> table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
> making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
> show, $750 or so.
>
> I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
> drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
> it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
> high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
> Still the case?
>
> Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
> much appreciated....
>
> thanks in advance.
>
> MH
If you've eliminated the Delta/Jets, don't ignore the General 15". A pal
of mine has one, it's built like a tank. The only minus I see is the
limited resaw capability (no riser).
cool blocks are great for narrow blades like 1/8"
dave
MH wrote:
> Can you shoot me some comments on why you chose this saw over the X5?
> If you compared them at all that is.
>
> Also was wonder if anyone has any opinion on blocks versus rolling
> guides. I just rec'd "The Bandsaw Book" and was reading his opinion.
> Seems he's a bigger fan of blocks. For whatever reason, I always
> thought bearings were a better choice? Don't know where I got that
> from.
>
> Thanks
> MH
>
> John Laurence Poole <[email protected]> wrote in message news:<[email protected]>...
>
>>I complained earlier about how I purchased the bandsaw on Nov. 19th and
>>was to have the riser blocks drop-shipped to me since the dealer did not
>>have one in stock. Turns out, the earlist commitment Powermatic is
>>quotating as a confirmed delivery date to their warehouse is January 21st.
>>
>>The reason I have not put mine through the hoops is that I the blades
>>I've ordered are 105" to accomodate the riser blocks. Once you put the
>>riser blocks in, it is not worth the effort to remove them just because
>>you have a 93 1/2" blade.
>>
>>I did measure the tension spring so I could order a proper replacement
>>from Iturra Designs. My measurements were:
>>spring outside diameter: .724 inches
>>spring inside diameter: .448 inches
>>spring length: 3.180 inches
>>the round bar stock making the spring: .142 " diameter.
>>
>>As for the housing which the spring resides in:
>>20 mm square
>>82 mm tall
>>
>>Based on these measurements, I determined the appropriate replacement
>>spring from Iturra to be their Catlog # 10021J [which I understand the
>>"J" stands for Jet - now a sibling company to Powermatic]
>>
>>MH wrote:
>>
>>>Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
>>>read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
>>>would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
>>>don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
>>>yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
>>>contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
>>>X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
>>>to have a great tool review website to go to...
>>>
>>> I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
>>>really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
>>>appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
>>>
>>>I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
>>>bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
>>>(?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
>>>nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
>>>
>>>Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
>>>well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
>>>from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
>>>setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
>>>(don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
>>>
>>>Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
>>>table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
>>>making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
>>>show, $750 or so.
>>>
>>>I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
>>>drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
>>>it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
>>>high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
>>>Still the case?
>>>
>>>Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
>>>much appreciated....
>>>
>>>thanks in advance.
>>>
>>>MH
I've got the PM BS and love it. Had a Delta. hated it and returned it
for a refund, as you should already know since you say you've read the
bandsaw posts... I love my Unisaw but there's a world of difference
IMHO between some Delta equipment. Some is great and some is not so
great, to put it politely. I've also got a Delta DP which is fine, and
Powermatic 6" jointer which works like a charm. Having owned both
bandsaws I'd be remiss if I didn't urge you to go with the Powermatic
for vibration free, feature rich performance.
dave
MH wrote:
> Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
> read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
> would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
> don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
> yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
> contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
> X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
> to have a great tool review website to go to...
>
> I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
> really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
> appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
>
> I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
> bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
> (?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
> nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
>
> Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
> well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
> from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
> setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
> (don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
>
> Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
> table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
> making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
> show, $750 or so.
>
> I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
> drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
> it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
> high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
> Still the case?
>
> Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
> much appreciated....
>
> thanks in advance.
>
> MH
George, this info may be old hat to you, but: I'm using a Delta
adjustable (build your own rails) mobile base on my PM BS. It works very
well. No bending down to adjust anything; just push the lever and go.
Flip the lever up with your toe to raise the caster. cost around $50.
dave
George Berlinger wrote:
> I bought the Powermatic 14" at the Detroit woodworking show..hasn,t arrived
> yet, said at least 4 wks.....i,m not in a rush...I,m upgrading from a
> Craftsman 14" so can,t help you on the Delta. The PM had a lot of feature I
> liked...enclosed motor stand, carter bearing, quick tension release, 1-1/2
> h.p.,...blower n light.....i,m gonna get a mobile base when I pick the saw
> up, that should help in my shop, don,t have one now. My Craftsman is working
> fine, but I just listed 6 thing it doesn,t have. I post more review after I
> get it n start using it.......George..
> "MH" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>
>>Please help..... I've been shopping for a new 14" bandsaw and have
>>read all the posts, which I've really found very interesting, but
>>would appreciate any more info any of you have on this new saw. I
>>don't think anyone has done a tool test on it or compared it to the X5
>>yet? I've already ruled out the lesser saws from Jet and Delta and am
>>contemplating one of these two saws. Amazon has a few reviews of the
>>X5 which range from great to bad so that's no help. It would be nice
>>to have a great tool review website to go to...
>>
>> I had a chance to see both saws at the WW show last weekend and
>>really had a hard time with what is best. Both sales guys made what
>>appeared to be compelling arguments for their saw. My observations:
>>
>>I really liked the PM's cast iron wheels versus aluminum (better?),
>>bigger table, included fence/miter gage, light, blower, Carter roller
>>(?) guides & tension release, and pulley/belt. Fit/finish seemed very
>>nice also. I think this is all made in Taiwan?
>>
>>Delta had their new tensioning mechanism which appeared very nice as
>>well. 100% made in USA (a plus? - I have a newer Delta 6" jointer -
>>from China, and it's already rusting/pitting), new dust extraction
>>setup at bottom of saw seemed like a great idea, free stuff coupons
>>(don't know what), 5 year warranty versus PM's ?? (forgot to ask).
>>
>>Both had comparable specs. Delta does have 6.5" between the guide and
>>table compared to PM 6" but with the riser block I didn't see that
>>making a huge difference. Both saws were about the same price at the
>>show, $750 or so.
>>
>>I have several Delta tools and have been happy with my UNISAW and
>>drill press. Not so pleased with the quality of the jointer although
>>it operates very well. I've never owned PM but know they were very
>>high end/quality tools, at least prior to being purchased by JET.
>>Still the case?
>>
>>Any comments/suggestions/ideas/first hand experience would be very
>>much appreciated....
>>
>>thanks in advance.
>>
>>MH
>
>
>