Powermatic PM200 10″ Table Saw
Source:Tools and Materials
Table Saws:
One of the Table Saws that I like the best is the Powermatic PM 2000 10″ Table Saw. This Table Saw is built like rock. Once you crank down the wheels so the cast iron base sets on the floor you don’t really have to worry about any instability, no matter how big you stock is that you are feeding through this machine is.
The long 50″ Accu-fence is dead on too. This machine came through perfectly set-up. I just had to put the table wings on, the extension table and the fence guides and I was ready to roll. The blade was perfectly square to the table and the table was perfectly flat – no warp on this bad boy.
Believe me, I’ve worked with a lot of table saws in my life and owned a lot of them too. This is hands-down the best you can buy. From the heavy duty magnetic switch to the to accu-fence system, the built-in casters, heavy duty cast iron cranks and on and on. This saw has it all.
When I bought my Powermatic PM2000, they were about $2,000 on Amazon, now they are up around $2,600 to $2,700. If you can swing it get one – you won’t regret it.
Guitar Making Tasks:
Ripping Lumber to Dimension
Cutting Neck Blanks
Cutting Heel Block
Cutting Bridge Blanks
Cutting Fingerboards
Cutting Braces, Plates
Sizing Head and Tail Blocks
Cutting Purfling and Binding Strips
Sizing Linings
Very Useful For Making Jigs, Clamps, Molds Etc.
Tool Cautions:
This is a very powerful tool, as are most stationary tools. You have to have your saw set-up perfectly and use proper eye protection. Also use the blade guards to promote safety. Be sure to have several good push sticks made to keep your fingers away from the blade.
Stand to the left side of the blade when feeding stock, to minimize being hit by a kick-back. One quick way is to use the large Powermatic Magnetic Switch, which can literally be a lifesaver. Just a simple touch of the switch and you can shut everything down.
When you feed stock, do not try to take too much of a bit at one time. Only feed the wood at the rate the blade will take it. You risk a kickback if you do feed too quickly. And believe me the blade does not know the difference between wood and a finger.
How To Operate The Tool:
This is a really easy table saw to operate. Just adjust the blade height about 1/8″ above the cut you are making, adjust the angle of the blade and the Accu Fence has a great scale readout and a one-flip lever to lock it in place. No further adjustments necessary.
Use a sacrificial fence when cutting close to the Accu Fence to protect its surface. Also secure a larger piece of cabinet plywood to the miter gage so you have more control in cross-cuts.
I have made a lot of accessory jigs for making special cuts on my saw. I’m sure you would do the same.
Accessories:
Using Push Sticks is essential. You can make your own or purchase them. If you handle really big pieces of stock you will want an out-feed table as well. Another accessory that I have is the Incra Miter Gage. I love this thing, it is so accurate and has a lot of flexibility built in.
Technical Details:
Quick release riving knife greatly reduces binding/kickback risk
Built-in retractable caster system (patent pending) for immediate shop mobility
Push button arbor lock (patent pending) for rapid blade change
Poly-V drive belt system delivers efficient, quiet operation
Wide stance heavy-duty trunnion for stability and smooth blade positioning
Alternative Table Saws I Like:
Jet 708674PK Xactasaw Deluxe. This is a great table saw too. It has many of the same features as the PM2000, for about $300.00 less. If you don’t need to save the money, I would stick with the Powermatic.
Technical Details
Quick release riving knife greatly reduces binding/kickback risk
Push button arbor lock (patent pending) for rapid blade change
Poly-V drive belt system delivers efficient, quiet operation
Left tilt, Wide stance heavy-duty trunnion for stability and smooth blade positioning
Enclosed cabinet with built-in sealed storage drawer
Table Sawing on a Budget:
This 10″ Contractor Saw in available for about $1,000.00 Street Cost. It is true Powermatic with all the features and quality of big brother the PM2000. It is built much lighter weight and handles less capacity that the PM2000, but that is the sacrifice you make for portability, which is what you need in a contractors saw. You could do ALL your guitar, mold, form, jigs and much more on the machinery. It is that good.
Technical Details of the Powermatic 1791227K Model 64 Artisan 10-Inch Contractor Saw
Perfect for the contractor, craftsman, or home hobbyist
1-1/2-horsepower, single-phase, 115/230-volt motor
30-inch Accu-Fence system delivers excellent results
Blade tilts left for easier bevel cutting
T-slot miter gauge, built-in 4-inch dust collection shroud, and two cast-iron extension wings included
The Last Word:
A good table saw is invaluable to have around the wood shop. Although not absolutely necessary, as any stationary tool for making guitars, you will find that you can speed up production and enjoyment in the process by having one in-house. I would not recommend the little bench-top saws.
Please Share Your Experiences:
Do you have a favorite Shop Tool you would like to share with us? Just write a comment and we would all love to hear about it. I’m sure there are other tools that I have not touched upon that are equal in quality to my own experiences.
Tags: guitar tools, powermatic pm2000, stationary tools for guitar making, table saw reviews
