The Powermatic PM1800 ($3,900) is a zero-compromise machine. Clearly the designers put an emphasis on function rather than cost, a point exemplified by its hulking 805 lb. The stout frame and guides, massive upper wheel assembly, and threaded blade tensioner can easily support the widest resaw blades. A 24-in. square table, split front to back for easy blade changes, offers great workpiece support and mounts on massive cast-iron trunnions. Table tilt is controlled by a rack-and-pinion assembly with an 8-in. handwheel. The 18-in. throat and resaw measurements and a standard 5 hp, 240-volt motor provide plenty of capacity and power to handle the widest boards and thickest planks. With nicely sized, chrome-plated thumbscrews, the roller blade guides are easily adjusted and maintain their settings. The thrust bearing is grooved to better support narrow blades, a feature that’s unique to Powermatic.
The large, dual-position aluminum fence provides 6-1/2 in. of support for resawing and a short 1/2-in. face for close guide support when ripping thin material.The Powermatic is quiet, almost scary quiet, powerful, easy to set up, and as stout as any big, vintage cast-iron bandsaw.
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Rikon 10-3061 10-in. Deluxe Bandsaw
The 1⁄2-hp motor has all the power needed to resaw at its maximum capacity of 5 in.
The saw has two speeds: 3,280 sfpm (surface feet per minute) for wood and 1,515 sfpm for soft metals and some plastics.
The big motor on this collector left the chamber under my jointer very clean. You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you. Strangely, this huge unit comes with the smallest plastic chip bag, but you can replace that with a taller one from Rockler.
Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X, but it created less tearout than all but one of the other machines (the DeWalt 734 was its equal). Knife changes were quick and easy with the provided T-handle wrench. Dust collection was good, assisted by an internal fan. The 2-1/2-in.-dia. port on the outfeed side of the machine is directed to the side, so the hose is out of the way. The planer’s top is flat and provides a good surface for holding stock between passes.
With its graceful curves, cabriole legs, and ornamental back splat, a Queen Anne side chair is a bucket list build for many woodworkers. Dan Faia had a very specific Queen…
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