*Perfect band saw for the hobby enthusiast **MyBest.Tools** Easy to set up and square. Had it running in 10 to 15 minutes. Quality of cuts will depend on the quality of the blades.*
Looks like a dream saw, I've had a record BS 350 band saw and even though it does the job, there are so many things about it that are not thought out. The PowerMatic on the otherhand, looks fantastic!!
Mine is being delivered this week. Would you please tell me the exact size of the base. I have the bolt pattern but the manual does not have overall dimensions. Making a base before it gets here. Thank you
I agree, I've had mine a few years now and the safety interlock that does not allow the saw to start unless the blade is mentioned is a real help, to me anyway. I did replace the Powermatic blade guides with Carter guides....the supplied guides must have gotten sea water in them on the way over as they rusted out quite quickly....but that's no doubt an unusual problem. I also added a Carter magnetic fence....not for general use but for when I want to cut bevels....bandsaw fences do not seem to ever have the ability to move to the right hand side of the blade...so support for your workpiece is pretty much lacking. The magnetic fence sticks like gangbusters as the table is machined dead smooth. ONE thing to consider....though Powermatic states this saw will support up to a 1" wide blade, the sales guy admitted that 1/2" is pretty much the limit if you want the blade to last... I quit putting on 3/4" blades, I've not had one break since. Oh...the WoodSlicer blade from Highland woodworking is a gem of a blade and just shy of 1/32 thick. Smooth and Quiet! I've been a beginner for about 7 years now....not likely to describe myself differently anytime soon. -Veteran '66-68
At 7:15 you open the small door flap that covers the lower guide bearings. I just ran into a design flaw with this. Have you put a 1” blade on your saw yet? When you do this door flap won’t close all the way anymore. It hits the guide bearing that was adjusted further out for the new wider blade. I had to remove mine in order to shut the larger lower cabinet door.
I really like that it won’t start unless the blade is tensioned. I’ve made that mistake a couple of times. Scary and frustrating mistake to make. Enjoy the saw, Guy!
Great review, which cemented my decision to buy this saw. Question - what mobile base is that? I can't seem to find one made specifically for the PM1500. Thanks!
Very nice although it isn't going to improve your woodworking, that is already perfect so motive was to make projects even easier. You are an amazing woodworker, Guy. You and that Alabama "Guy" makes woodworking appear so easy.
After you’ve owned for a few years, have you figured out a way to lock the bottom thrust bearing? That lock ring is impossible to use. It’s the only complaint I have with this saw. It’s a fine piece of machinery. Thanks for the great review which helped with my decision to purchase.
I've been doing hand tools only for the last 3 years. Been looking to get a band saw as its time consuming to thin stock by hand. I think this is the one I will be getting. Had considered the 18" Powermatic but I think the 15" here should be more than enough.
I have resawn some 12" wide darn hard black walnut using highland woodworking's wood slicer blade, it is an inspiring experience. A smooth running machine with a VERY smooth running blade is a pleasure.
Nice review Guy. Hey, I was surprised and excited to see that they fixed the crappy dust collection below the table. On mine (1st generation of the PM1500?) there is no enclosure surrounding the bearings. Doubtful that I can retrofit mine though :-( Are those ratcheting levers still cheap plastic or did they upgrade those too?
Thanks Marty! I couldn't tell you if the shroud can be retrofit. It may be worth a call though as it really makes a big difference. And yes, there are still some handles and knobs that are plastic. But moving up this saw from a Grizzly that was all plastic is a big step up for me.
Hello. Nice review. I was wondering if you bought it with your own money or if it was provided by Powermatic in a sponsor/trade type deal? I trust your review, but I always like to know.
Great review! I was highly considering a Laguna bandsaw but I recently saw a review on it. The review revealed very poor engineering and design. The clincher for me was the extremely poor Customer service after the sale. Your review on the Powermatic has made up my mind. Love all the little features that are value-added to this product. Hmmmm....This must have been designed by an engineer who is/was an actual woodworker. What a concept! How's Powermatic's Customer service?
It doesn't have the foot switch or the magnetic switch from what I can see and probably lacks the cool safety interlocks but it seems to have the same mechanicals. The drill press thing was a joke from my shop tour where I said the drill press was the tool most needing to be upgraded and flashed up a Jet call me screen. Been playing hard to get ever since ;)
I have the PM1500 version of your saw. I went to rip some 3/4 thick x 4-1/2 tall pine boards down to half inch thick today and was disappointed a bit. The blade was drifting off the side of the board immediately. I’ve checked my blade tension, my bearings are all in the proper place, I have a 1” blade that is an alternating type, with teeth at 3tpi. Is that a good blade to use for this application? I looked in the trouble shoot menu of the manual. A few things listed as possible issues and fixes. One is, was the blade sharp, I’m not sure how to tell, except that I know it’s not that used yet and feels sharp to the touch. The other thing was clean the blade. I have no idea on how you clean a band saw blade, manual says nothing about this. Would you know? I have no idea why it wouldn’t go through these pine boards like butter. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thx
I only recently found your channel and appreciate you high quality presentations. About the bandsaw, I'd like to know what you think after using a while. How is the wheel alignment, are they coplaner? When you raise or lower the upper guide, do the bearings keep their relationship to the blade? How rigid is the upper guide support bar at full extension? Cheers
Guy, I am looking at downsizing my shop to a bandsaw centered approach. I am looking at the Powermatic PM1500 are you still happy this saw 3yrs later? Did you consider the Grizzly 17" bandsaws at all? I had a laguna 1412 and was not impressed so I am looking at Grizzly 17" or Powermatic 15" but prefer the quality control as well as fit/finish that I have experienced with Powermatic tools over the years. Thanks again for your video.
Hi Guy, Just bought me a PM1500 but it does not completely look like yours, nor like I saw it on Powermatic's website. Maybe it's an upgrade, I don't know. But what bothers me is the lack of instructions when you unpack it and first install it. I think now I got it, with all the video's I saw on the net, but still have a important question. When I look at video's and I see people opening the housing of the wheels, they always can turn the wheel with almost no resistance at all. When I open the housing to get acces to the wheels, there's no way I can turn the wheel, except if I put incredible power on it. What might be the cause of that? Thanks, Patrick
*Perfect band saw for the hobby enthusiast **MyBest.Tools** Easy to set up and square. Had it running in 10 to 15 minutes. Quality of cuts will depend on the quality of the blades.*
Looks like a dream saw, I've had a record BS 350 band saw and even though it does the job, there are so many things about it that are not thought out. The PowerMatic on the otherhand, looks fantastic!!
Mine is being delivered this week. Would you please tell me the exact size of the base. I have the bolt pattern but the manual does not have overall dimensions. Making a base before it gets here.
Thank you
This looks indeed like an amazing saw... great addition to your shop Guy
Thanks Tomy! It is a great saw.
Yep wow! Quality! This model is now available in the UK, would love to own this beautiful machine!
Hey Geoff! It's a great saw!
I agree, I've had mine a few years now and the safety interlock that does not allow the saw to start unless the blade is mentioned is a real help, to me anyway. I did replace the Powermatic blade guides with Carter guides....the supplied guides must have gotten sea water in them on the way over as they rusted out quite quickly....but that's no doubt an unusual problem. I also added a Carter magnetic fence....not for general use but for when I want to cut bevels....bandsaw fences do not seem to ever have the ability to move to the right hand side of the blade...so support for your workpiece is pretty much lacking. The magnetic fence sticks like gangbusters as the table is machined dead smooth. ONE thing to consider....though Powermatic states this saw will support up to a 1" wide blade, the sales guy admitted that 1/2" is pretty much the limit if you want the blade to last... I quit putting on 3/4" blades, I've not had one break since. Oh...the WoodSlicer blade from Highland woodworking is a gem of a blade and just shy of 1/32 thick. Smooth and Quiet!
I've been a beginner for about 7 years now....not likely to describe myself differently anytime soon. -Veteran '66-68
At 7:15 you open the small door flap that covers the lower guide bearings. I just ran into a design flaw with this. Have you put a 1” blade on your saw yet? When you do this door flap won’t close all the way anymore. It hits the guide bearing that was adjusted further out for the new wider blade. I had to remove mine in order to shut the larger lower cabinet door.
I really like that it won’t start unless the blade is tensioned. I’ve made that mistake a couple of times. Scary and frustrating mistake to make. Enjoy the saw, Guy!
Thanks Kevin! Yeah, I've done that a few times myself.
Great review, which cemented my decision to buy this saw. Question - what mobile base is that? I can't seem to find one made specifically for the PM1500. Thanks!
Very nice although it isn't going to improve your woodworking, that is already perfect so motive was to make projects even easier. You are an amazing woodworker, Guy. You and that Alabama "Guy" makes woodworking appear so easy.
HaHa. Thanks!
Love the bandsaw and the new shop cabinets! Looks great Guy!
Thanks so much!
Just ordered mine. Great review! Looks like you’ve got a carbide resaw blade on it. What brand and how do you like it? Thanks Guy.
Nice review Guy and congratulations on the new bandsaw. The tension handle looks like it could be a good head knocker if you aren't careful. Steve
Hey Steve! So far hitting my head on the handle has not been an issue, and I'm 6'1"
I'm 6'3 and can let you know that after a couple of knocks on the head, one 'somewhat quickly' learns to dodge. It is a pretty solid lever.
Thanks for this, Guy. Mine goes on order today!
Hope you enjoy it!
That is one nice band saw, Guy. Thanks for the great review.
Thanks for watching Steve!
I just ordered mine today. I hope it's as good as everyone says. I'm sure it will be.
It's a great saw and am very happy with mine.
After you’ve owned for a few years, have you figured out a way to lock the bottom thrust bearing? That lock ring is impossible to use. It’s the only complaint I have with this saw. It’s a fine piece of machinery. Thanks for the great review which helped with my decision to purchase.
Aww Guy you didn't cut anything. You got me so excited too.
HaHa. I thought about it.....
Yeah she's a pretty one guy.. I like that foot brake in the dust collection underneath oh my God builds up on mine so much thanks for the review bro
Thanks Joe!
Pretty cool!
Thanks for the review!
I have wondered about powermatic!
Thanks Samuel!
Nice bandsaw Guy. Are you still woodworking and making videos? I haven’t seen anything recently. Hope you are doing well.
Ron
I'm seriously interested in this saw, great review btw! What wheelbase model do you have for yours?
Nice saw! Looks like some nice features.
Thanks Guy, brilliant saw buddy.
Thanks Ken!
Any changes to this bandsaw in the last decade?
I've been doing hand tools only for the last 3 years. Been looking to get a band saw as its time consuming to thin stock by hand. I think this is the one I will be getting. Had considered the 18" Powermatic but I think the 15" here should be more than enough.
The PM1500 has been a solid performer for me so far
I have resawn some 12" wide darn hard black walnut using highland woodworking's wood slicer blade, it is an inspiring experience. A smooth running machine with a VERY smooth running blade is a pleasure.
Thank you great video 👍👍
Nice review Guy. Hey, I was surprised and excited to see that they fixed the crappy dust collection below the table. On mine (1st generation of the PM1500?) there is no enclosure surrounding the bearings. Doubtful that I can retrofit mine though :-( Are those ratcheting levers still cheap plastic or did they upgrade those too?
Thanks Marty! I couldn't tell you if the shroud can be retrofit. It may be worth a call though as it really makes a big difference. And yes, there are still some handles and knobs that are plastic. But moving up this saw from a Grizzly that was all plastic is a big step up for me.
Hello. Nice review. I was wondering if you bought it with your own money or if it was provided by Powermatic in a sponsor/trade type deal? I trust your review, but I always like to know.
Did you give yourself that fresh haircut with it?? Kidding, great review thats an amazing piece of machinery.
Thanks Mike!
So jealous! Wish I had one and the space for it.👍🏽
Guy, I just ordered the PM1500 based primarily on your review
How cool Dale! You will LOVE this band saw!
Guy, just curious what blades you use. It looks like a carbide blade on yours during the video.
Hi Guy, how did you get the saw from the pallet to the mobile base? Any issues with height of the saw and your garage opening?
Very well presented nice job
Thanks Mike!
NICE band saw, Guy! I'm happy for you - but I envy you too! lol
HaHa, Thanks Dave!
That’s a beast of a machine. Top tier quality too.
It sure is Sean. Love it!
Great review! I was highly considering a Laguna bandsaw but I recently saw a review on it. The review revealed very poor engineering and design. The clincher for me was the extremely poor Customer service after the sale. Your review on the Powermatic has made up my mind. Love all the little features that are value-added to this product. Hmmmm....This must have been designed by an engineer who is/was an actual woodworker. What a concept! How's Powermatic's Customer service?
It's excellent. Have called them a couple times and have been very happy with the techs I have spoken to.
Which mobile base are you using?
SWEET!!!
Very Sweet!
I've had my eye on the Jet version of this, but they still haven't called about that drill press :(
I guess I'm not quite sure about the drill press? Does the Jet version have everything this one does? Not quite sure.
It doesn't have the foot switch or the magnetic switch from what I can see and probably lacks the cool safety interlocks but it seems to have the same mechanicals. The drill press thing was a joke from my shop tour where I said the drill press was the tool most needing to be upgraded and flashed up a Jet call me screen. Been playing hard to get ever since ;)
I have the PM1500 version of your saw. I went to rip some 3/4 thick x 4-1/2 tall pine boards down to half inch thick today and was disappointed a bit. The blade was drifting off the side of the board immediately. I’ve checked my blade tension, my bearings are all in the proper place, I have a 1” blade that is an alternating type, with teeth at 3tpi. Is that a good blade to use for this application? I looked in the trouble shoot menu of the manual. A few things listed as possible issues and fixes. One is, was the blade sharp, I’m not sure how to tell, except that I know it’s not that used yet and feels sharp to the touch. The other thing was clean the blade. I have no idea on how you clean a band saw blade, manual says nothing about this. Would you know? I have no idea why it wouldn’t go through these pine boards like butter. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thx
Marc (the Wood Whisperer here on RUclips) has an excellent video on how to tune a bsandsaw. I would recommend that you take a look at it.
I only recently found your channel and appreciate you high quality presentations. About the bandsaw, I'd like to know what you think after using a while. How is the wheel alignment, are they coplaner? When you raise or lower the upper guide, do the bearings keep their relationship to the blade? How rigid is the upper guide support bar at full extension? Cheers
Guy,
I am looking at downsizing my shop to a bandsaw centered approach. I am looking at the Powermatic PM1500 are you still happy this saw 3yrs later? Did you consider the Grizzly 17" bandsaws at all? I had a laguna 1412 and was not impressed so I am looking at Grizzly 17" or Powermatic 15" but prefer the quality control as well as fit/finish that I have experienced with Powermatic tools over the years. Thanks again for your video.
I am still very happy with the PM.
@@GuysShop What is the floor to table height on your saw? Thanks!
I used to own a Grizzly 17 (resaw) machine.....this 15" Powermatic is on a different level of excellence. Smooth, it is.
Hi Guy, Just bought me a PM1500 but it does not completely look like yours, nor like I saw it on Powermatic's website. Maybe it's an upgrade, I don't know.
But what bothers me is the lack of instructions when you unpack it and first install it. I think now I got it, with all the video's I saw on the net, but still have a important question. When I look at video's and I see people opening the housing of the wheels, they always can turn the wheel with almost no resistance at all. When I open the housing to get acces to the wheels, there's no way I can turn the wheel, except if I put incredible power on it.
What might be the cause of that?
Thanks,
Patrick
It's hard to say. I would talk to the support team at PM. Very nice and helpful folks there.
@@GuysShop ok thanks
Guy, it looks like you have automated your dust collector to power on with your table saw. How did you do this?
I am using the IVac switches
that thing is bad ass
HaHa. It is.
ok thanks
What type of mobile base is that? It doesn't look like the Powermatic mobile bases I have seen.
It is a Portamate base.
Powermatic bandsaws are far superior compared to even minimax in my experience.
make some cuts..lets see it work
Which mobile base do you use for this bandsaw?
It is a Portamate. Can't remember the model