Powermatic 14" Evaluation

[@MrPatdeeee]

As always. We get a great narration when Alex is talking. Thank you kind Sir.

[@jeffgass89]

Thank you Alex. This video came just at the right time. We purchased the 100th Anniversary edition of this saw. Why? Because of the capabilities of the saw. The brand. The color, and because I’ve watched your videos, and you’ve used it. If there are any pointers for someone putting this saw together, I’m sure folks would appreciate them. I found that the hardest part was getting the belt on and the tension just right. I ended up using a 2x4 for a little persuasion. If I can ever become half the artisan you are on the bandsaw, then I’d be happy and feel accomplished. Keep up the great work and producing great, quality , value added content. It is truly appreciated!

[@KBorham]

Great video, great saw, it's a versitile work horse! The table on this saw also tilts up to 15 degrees and has a tilt indicator scale (tilts to the RH side). Mine also came with an integral air pump that blows saw dust away from the blade while cutting- or at least it used to. The connecting rod pin came out, blowing a hole in the side of the plastic housing and I had to remove the guts (piston rod was banging around inside as it rode up and down the cam, the cam being pressed onto the motor shaft). I could not figure out how to remove the pump/ cam from the motor shaft, and that what led me to this video. That air pump housing has an access hole in the bottom, and I assume it is for lubrication. The rotating part I removed was pretty dried up, lubrication wise. I would have shot some lithium grease in there every year had I known. The rubber bellows also had a hole worn in it, so I did not attempt to repair the connecting rod pin. Just though some might find this interesting/ informative.

[@darkrose-k1h]

Thank you for helping me finalize my first bandsaw choice; they are beautiful machines.

[@SteveHayes1]

I own the same model with the riser block. I’m so glad I made the purchase - it’s a great saw!

[@lrr1952]

Alex, I just discovered your channel. I had watched your video on bandsaw setup from about 10 years ago, filmed at a woodworking show. I own a Powermatic 14”, and decided to put a new blade on it. I discovered that both bearings had drifted (or were forced in) and making contact with the blade. I did not know about adjusting the side bearings to roll them from the lower side. Great tip! Much to my surprise, my saw had a small sheet metal bracket covering the lower side of the blade on the bottom bearing set. It prevented me from rotating the bearings to roll inward from the lower side. I removed it, and was able to adjust as you recommend. It appears that Powermatic does not use this guard, or perhaps you have removed the one on your saw, but everything is working great. I had no idea you could get such precise resawing with a narrow blade! (I had installed a new 3/16” blade, not expecting to be able to accurately resaw). My bandsaw has never run so smoothly and cut so accurately, with zero drift. Many thanks!

[@bandsawlife2660]

I’m glad it was helpful. I do love this saw.

[@st7650]

Best video on KZbin thanks Alex now we just need half of jimmy direstas subscribers. You sure are a true teacher I’ve learned so much watching your videos

[@bandsawlife2660]

Thank You

[@davidpalmer5166]

Just bought a older Jet 18". Cleaned it up and set it up like you told me to. Ya know what...no drift nd square cuts. This stuff actually works.

[@TurninOnTulsaTime]

Hi Alex Am down to this saw or the Jet 14 SFX. Your thoughts, preferences. Thanks. Hope to see you in OK at our local WC store

[@bandsawlife2660]

I love this saw but the Sfx has more capacity and horse power.

[@TurninOnTulsaTime]

Thank you sir Look forward to meeting you soon

[@wayneschenet5340]

Alex, You are a great teacher. I miss seeing you in person at the Woodworking Show, since it stopped coming to Orange County, CA; Bandsaw Life is the next best thing!

[@bandsawlife2660]

Thank You very much

[@st7650]

Love this it’s on my wish list can’t wait to get one. A lot of saving a lot of hard work sooner or later I will get one of these. Can’t wait. Alex snodgrass and powermatic go hand in hand one of the best around. Thanks for posting. Best video on KZbin.

[@Deafgreekboy]

I have this saw, now. My powermatic Table Saw is amazing. I am really looking forward to using the new bandsaw. Any thoughts on the 6 inch riser? It doesn’t make the blade wander too much?

[@bandsawlife2660]

Absolutely get the riser! Longer blade, longer life. The accuracy does not change.

[@SpadeAce]

I just went ahead and ordered the Carter upgrades for the vintage Delta that I have. It's either that or spend $1500+ on a new bandsaw, which I don't use enough to justify it. What I'm doing is resawing Osage Orange firewood into planks, drying it out fully, dimensioning it and then using it in projects. It's quite a beautiful wood, it's highly abundant in my area and not many people like working with it because it's hard as a steel in some cases. Way I see it, hedge posts can last up to 30 years and when they are removed from the ground they can be reused for another decade easily- why wouldn't I try that with my projects? May fail, may succeed, either way I am having a blast!

[@richardpatsel9628]

I have this bandsaw. The bottom thrust bearing is back as far as it can go and is still touching the 1/2 inch blade. What am I missing in the adjustment? The block that the bearings are mounted in is back as far as it can go also. My blade is tracking on the top wheel with the gullets almost in the center of the wheel. I adjusted the blade forward on the tire a little to give more adjustment on the bottom thrust bearing. Can’t see what I’m missing in the adjustment. There should be plenty of adjustment but it just isn’t.

[@bandsawlife2660]

What is your number

[@waynerutledge8802]

Great video & presentation Alex, I always enjoy watching you work. I have no questions about the video but I do about the saw. Is there a trick to adjusting the belt tension after replacing the belt? The motor area is really tight and getting to the bolts is extremely difficult. I bought a new belt because the old belt is stiff and gives off a short squeal when I first turn it on. There has to be an easier method. Hope you can help.

[@bandsawlife2660]

I generally lower the motor without the belt then roll the belt on.

[@lmallard3788]

So it seems if I want to do scroll cuts and some resawing, the powermatic with a greenwood 3/8” blade is a better choice than the jet 14 steel bandsaw with the same blade????

[@bandsawlife2660]

Curved cuts and resaw for sure. Scroll cutting requires a stabilizer and a 3/16” or 1/8” blades

[@chrispelletier3661]

Hello Alex, thank you for you expertise with all things bandsaws. I know this video is a year old, so I want to ask your opinion on 2 different bandsaws which are in the sane range of this one. The Jet 14” and the Ricon 14”. You did videos on both of them also. Can you tell me in your expert opinion, which of the 3 would you buy today. I am in the market and all 3 are within my price point. I also will mention that it will be my sole bandsaw in my shop so I will use it for everything Thank you so very much. Chris

[@bandsawlife2660]

Chris the Jet is the best option in my opinion, you state 3 but you don’t mention the name of the 3rd

[@chrispelletier3661]

@@bandsawlife2660 Jet, Ricon, and the powermatic. Thank you so much. I will be following your advice! I really appreciate you! Thanks!!!

[@randallritchey6566]

I have the same saw. When I raise or lower the guides, I have to readjust the clearance to the side bearings. I am thinking that the guide post is not parallel to the blade. I see no way to adjust the alignment of the guide post. Any sugestions? Is something that I just have to live with?

[@bandsawlife2660]

Give Powermatic a call and see if they have a solution [phone]

[@heli_av8tor807]

You didn't spend much time on blade tension. Am I to assume that it's not too critical? I saw your 1/4" deflection answer. What is the effect of too loose or too tight?

[@bandsawlife2660]

Too tight shortens the life of the blade, too loose will give you a rough and uncontrollable cut.

[@willbland9024]

Debating between the PWBS - 14CS or the Rikon 10-326 - Any thoughts or suggestions on which I should go with? The Powermatic is used and at similar price as the Rikon new.

[@andyc1955]

My 2 cents worth- I bought the PM14 new over 20 years ago and use it constantly. I have replaced the tires with with urethane and all of the guide bearings, std maintenance. I would buy this again without hesitation, its a pleasure to use!!!

[@totoburgio4619]

Hi, can you please activate the automatic translator (maybe in Italian) for this video? I find it very interesting, but unfortunately there are sentences that I can not understand. (My English, is very Rusty)😉Thank you

[@JakeEllison94]

Do you recommend any upgrades for this saw besides the riser block?

[@bandsawlife2660]

A stabilizer is handy for 1/4” or smaller blades. The guides it comes with aren’t too bad, but eventually, you will have to upgrade those to the Carter Products

[@tclynn10]

Alex, I have the same machine that I bought new in 2005 I installed new polyurethane tires last month, bought a new 1/2" Timber Wolf blade two weeks ago and my problem is the blade fluctuates from front to back not side to side. I followed your instructions to the T and can't seem to get it to run true. Any suggestions? Thank you in advance

[@bandsawlife2660]

Sorry, typical Timberwolf, bad weld, take it back

[@tclynn10]

@@bandsawlife2660 Thank you and BTW my F.A.S.T. was just delivered!

[@bushmaster2936]

Who is setting up the focus on your video recorders, Alex? I ended up removing my eyeglasses in an attempt to make the whole video appear the same. Still didn't work for me. LOL ! I enjoyed your video as always. : ) Stay safe and healthy !!

[@bandsawlife2660]

New cameras on the new videos. Thanks for the feed back and for watching

[@bushmaster2936]

@@bandsawlife2660 Is auto-focus an option on them?

[@chrisdenzler4202]

Alex, what are your thoughts on the Laguna 14BX ? I am deciding between the powermatic and the Laguna. Will be used only for guitar luthier work. Some curve cutting and some resawing. I know you hold the powermatic in high regard, but what do you think about the Laguna ?

[@bandsawlife2660]

If you add a set of Carter guides to it (approximately $350) not to bad a saw. Look at the 15” Powermatic, a bit more expensive but you will never regret the purchase.

[@chrisdenzler4202]

@@bandsawlife2660 do you believe that carter guides are better than the ceramic blocks?

[@bandsawlife2660]

@@chrisdenzler4202 yes

[@ГеоргийБел-ь6д]

Спасибо за подробный обзор! Подскажите, пожалуйста, чьего производства станки?

[@bandsawlife2660]

I’m sorry but I have no way to translate this

[@noellwilson1273]

They were made by Powermatic in the USA. I think that company has been sold and the name is still being used.

[@timsmart9726]

Hi there Tim from Australia I have been given a powermatic 14” bandsaw what sort of tension is required on the blade

[@bandsawlife2660]

Always check the tension on the left side inside the door just above the guard, about a 1/4” pressing lifhrly

[@bandsawlife2660]

Lightly

[@jimspencer1077]

Thank you Alex help me line up my bandsaw

[@bobp3738]

I’m considering purchasing this same saw, was actually kinda on the fence about it. (Sorry, bad pun.) 😏 Glad I watched this well done video. Thanks!

[@hobonickel840]

What are these going for used?

[@bandsawlife2660]

$1000ish

[@hobonickel840]

ok thanks .. saw one on market place for $900 in unused condition

[@allenbanks7487]

I have a 14 not a 14 cs. What is the difference?

[@bandsawlife2660]

Nothing really

[@ivokolarik8290]

Great video.

[@kjohn3797]

I saw this before