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Powermatic 1660760K Model 66 10-Inch Left Tilt 3 Horsepower Cabinet Saw with 50-Inch Accu-Fence and 2 Cast Iron Extension Wings, 230-Volt 1 Phase | List Price: $3,391.00
Discount Price: $2,799.99
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Brand: Powermatic
Binding: Tools & Hardware
Features: - Heavy cast-iron trunnion reduce vibration and ensure smoother cuts
- High-efficiency 3VX drive-belt system delivers torque more efficiently and generates less heat
- Left-tilting blade prevents binding during bevel cutting, reducing the risk of kickback
- Award-winning Accu-Fence system creates an easy-gliding, precision fence
- Includes $292 worth of free options: dado insert, motor cover, extension table, and legs
Powermatic Model 66 Review [Posted on 2005-06-04]
I received my Model 66 a couple of weeks ago and wanted to use the saw for a little while to make my review more accurate. I received the saw in all of its glory from ABF Freight in excellent condition. It took me two nights to upack and assemble the saw and another afternoon to make certain the blade and fence were properly aligned.
I, too, had a little problem getting the fence to be exactly 2 27/32" from the table top. But, I found that drilling through the predrilled hole on the fence rail on the far left into the left cast iron table wing took care of it. The holes on the rail want to make the fence rail move slightly when they are tightend. I used the same drill bit to ever so slightly enlarge the predrilled holes in the fence rail to allow the rail to be at the proper distance when tightened. For a saw that weighs 600 pounds or so, I didn't think this was a big deal.
Aligning the blade to the miter slot and the fence to the blade was a piece of cake. It took a little time, but considering how much I will use the saw and how sweet it is, I don't consider this wasted time.
I previously owned a Jet contractor saw which I had pretty much tweaked as much as I could. I loved my Jet contractor saw and was able to get some really nice cuts on it. However, it wasn't in the same league as the Powermatic Model 66. This rascal is so heavy and stable, it cuts like a laser. I highly recommend this machine to anybody looking for a table saw. I think it is worth the extra money to get the best. When you figure how much use you will get out of it and the fact that the saw will probably last longer than the user, the extra money is well spent.
Tom Staten [Posted on 2006-03-27]
The saw is a dream to use and is very accurate. There is one very frustrating problem however. The dust colleciton port on the back is supposed to be a standard 4" port. All the standard fittings, including the recommended JET fittings do not fit. WHM Tool Group has been very frustrating to work with. I hope they are not this problematic with other issues as well.
Fence Rails... Angle Iron... Come on... You can't be serious! [Posted on 2006-04-22]
Oh My God, this saw is a dream, but when I first unpacked it and saw the 2 7 foot long pieces of angle iron I was VERY SKEPTICAL. But my son and I suffered through the assembly and alignement over 2 beers (for me) and a pop (for him).. total time near 3 hours to first spin of the blade. Absolutely no problems with assembly or adjustments and alignments. Heavy metal needs 4 hands in some cases, but that is what my son was there for. Impressive manual and easy to follow instructions provided you go slow and pay close attention to each detail as you progress in the assembly process. The saw cuts like a dream, blades do make a difference, have experimented with a few different brands and agree with other reviews.... FORREST is a perfect match for this saw. The fence is wonderful! Thought it looked funny when I unpacked it especially when I pulled the two pieces of angle iron out of the carton, but I have been using this saw now for near 5 months and am truly convinced that PM is by far an exceptional piece of machinery. It is HEAVY, QUIET, VIBRATION FREE (or at least very close to vibration free). I suppose from looking at the earlier reviews, the WMH Tool group may have had some problems in the past but as far as i am concerned, I am CONVINCED that POWERMATIC has been the best bang for my buck in a long time. hehe, I even missed an adjustment in the initial setup 5 months ago, (might have been the beers that night) but used the saw for 4 months and never noticed it until I tried to cut some complex miter joints. Dug out the manual and reviewed the setup procedure and 20 minutes later recut the miter joints.. wa-lah perfect! Man this saw is about as good as anyone could expect, spend the time, go slow, follow the instructions, hehe dont just look at the pictures, and trust them to get you through the set up, you will be glad you invested the time. And 5 months down the road... you wont care how much the saw cost you in dollars, it is worth every penny!
Blade change a real hassle. [Posted on 2006-10-27]
As far as how the saw works and cuts, I have nothing but praise. However, my only pet peeve is I can't stand having to use a piece of wood to keep the arbor from turning whenver I change blades. I know there are blade locks when using a single blade, but you still have to jam a 2X4 in there whenever you have to change a dado set. Powermatic knows this and has provided an arbor lock on their Model 1000 series. But, for the rest of us 66 owners, there is no relief. I have checked with my local Tool Zone and Woodcraft stores, and they both do not have or know of where an arbor lock/wrench can be acquired.
Timeless classic [Posted on 2006-10-31]
Had this saw for a little over 2 years now. Works like crazy and just laughs at the tough stuff. Precise, stable, predictable and a joy to use. If you want to use the good blades and do the good work, you need this saw or one very similar.
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