The Powermatic PM 1000 Table Saw Brings Power to the People

The Powermatic PM 1000 table saw is a pretty sweet machine and I got a chance to play around with it in the PWM shop. Although there’s a more complete review in the December issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine I thought I’d give you a sneak peek and cover a few items not covered in the magazine.

Let’s start with the sneak peek. The Powermatic PM 1000, at first glance, looks like its big brother, the PM 2000. The thing is, when you get up close and personal, the family resemblance is readily apparent. The heavy base anchors the saw and gives it the stable feel for which Powermatic saws have been known for generations. Another expected Powermatic staple is the finely ground and polished cast top.

The saw top and fence assembly are a little smaller than the PM 2000 but both are finished nicely. The table and extensions on the saw we received are smooth and flat. The fence, when locked, is rigid and parallel to the blade. For me the primary factors in any rip fence are that it remain parallel to the blade and it does not flex as you apply pressure. The locking mechanism on the fence is smooth and positive; when you lock it down it stays where you want it.

Another feature that I like is the swing-out motor cover. My Powermatic 66 is a couple of decades old and taking the motor cover off is a bit of a pain. There are slots in the mount that should allow it to be lifted off the motor…if only that darn top wasn’t in the way. That’s what makes the cover on the PM 1000 so nice. Using only one hand, you can effortlessly swing it toward the back of the saw to access the motor and inside the cabinet.

There’s a lot to like about this power tool but you’ll have to wait for the December issue for more of my take on it. I will tell you this: the 115-volt motor makes this saw hard to resist for my new shop.

— Chuck Bender