Tablesaw advice

**alexdad** · 03-09-2006, 08:58 AM

I'm getting some money back from the government this year and am finally able to upgrade to a cabinet saw. After reading every review I could find, I've narrowed my choices to the new Powermatic 2000 and the Delta Unisaw. Now I'm looking for some advice from anyone who has had any experience with these saws. Here is my thinking so far:

The Unisaw is much less expensive, has been around longer (so it's a known quantity), and I've had good experiences with Delta's customer service, though mixed experiences with their quality control.

The Powermatic is a sturdier and heavier design, has an integrated castor system, better dust collection and (a very important feature to me) a true riving knife. The main drawback for the Powermatic is that since it's so new, there are no in-depth reviews available and it has no track record. I know that the 2000's are now made offshore, but that's not a factor in my decision. It's so hard to figure out how much of what is made where these days that every time I try to buy American I end up paying more for something that was largely manufactured overseas anyway. So now I just look for the best quality at the best price and hope that competition in the global marketplace will even things out in the end (that may be naiive but I'm no economist - just a guy trying to buy a tablesaw).

So if anyone has any experience with these saws (particularly the Powermatic 2000), or even if you've just heard or read things about them that might be useful, I would appreciate your advice. This will be the last tablesaw I buy, so I want to make sure I make the best possible decision.

**woodchuck1954** · 03-09-2006, 12:42 PM

I agree with you about the P.M. Too new AND I don't like the price for something coming out of Asia. The problem with the Uni, it has slipped in the last couple of years or so. It is assembled in the USA, but most of the parts are coming from elsewhere.

If I were you, I would seriously consider the Canadian-Made General and the old reliable PM66. Both of these saws usually are ahead in most tool comparisans I've seen in mags.

Another saw worth checking into, if you don't mind Asian-Made, is the year old Sawstop cabinet saw. Yes, its pretty new, but gets nothing but rave reviews, has a riving knife and equiped with safety that no other saw has. That gizmo where the blade stop in a micro-second before cutting through a hotdog. I believe it also has a built in caster system.

Now, if money is an issue, you can't go wrong with either Grizzly or Bridgewood. You could save about $800.

**Nite_Walker** · 03-09-2006, 02:25 PM

I would definitely go with the PM because it now contains a riving knife. I don't think the unisaw has one. If I ever got a cab saw it would be the PM2000.
I'm not crazy about the sawstop because in stopping the blade it destroys the blade and the break mechanism. Yes it is extremely safe but very costly. Something like that would probably give a lot of woodworkers a false sense of safety that is nothing in comparison to careful planning and prep.

**Steve Wilson** · 03-09-2006, 02:45 PM

I have a riving knife on my euro combo machine and they're great. Get the PM with the riving knife.

**Cody Colston** · 03-09-2006, 02:45 PM

The PM 2000 has a true riving knife, blade shroud for better dust collection, and built in castors that are adjusted with the two-position blade height handwheel. Probably some more features that I'm omitting, too. But, it is $2200.

I've been coveting a Uni for years but I think now I will go with the Grizzly 1023Z. I've got a couple other Grizzly tools that work well and it just seems to be a great deal.

Cody

He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep
for that which he cannot lose.

**Chuck in NC** · 03-09-2006, 07:12 PM

I bought my Unisaw three years ago. I really liked the PM but could not afford the difference.

No complaints, I love the unisaw. It has been very good to me. OK, it's been darn near perfect.

The stock blade guard/splitter were crap. More dangerous than not using it in my opinion. I bought a Delta splitter (PN 1349941) for around 30 bucks and it's really nice. Removes and reinstalls in seconds. I ALWAYS use the splitter except for dados. I still don't use the blade guard. The new splitter is the only thing I've had to spend on this saw.

I have heard much more negative feedback about Delta's QC in the past few years and have experienced it firsthand.

It sounds like you really like the PM but may be having some second guesses because of price. Every time I have bought something less than I wanted I have kicked myself later. If you have the money and want the machine I say go with your heart!! C'mon, you know you want it!! :)

**rbraeking** · 03-10-2006, 03:55 PM

I have no experience with the powermatic but have some with the Delta. The Delta is a good machine and I especially like the fence system. I rewired the starter so that it starts the dust collection when the saw is started.....not too difficult for a "smart feller". I used the 3rd unused leg of the 3ph starter for outlet power to the blower. Good luck.

Bob

**williek69** · 03-16-2006, 05:58 PM

Although the Powermatic PM2000 is new, Powermatic brand is not.

I have their 14" bandsaw and it purrs like a kitten. Rediculously smoothe and quiet with all the bells and whistles.

I have seen the PM 2000 and the only real "issue" I see is the blade shroud is the ONLY dust on-board dust collection provided. Some dust is bound to escape into the bottom of the cabinet, but there is no port to hook a DC to.

I would say, do not give a second thought to the quality. Simply put, Powermatic just don't build no junk!

If you have the money, remember you are buying it to last the rest of your life. I believe it will do just that.

Willie

"The older I get - the faster I was!"