Tablesaw is Loaded with Smart Features

Powermatic’s new PM1000 tablesaw looks a lot like its big brother, the PM2000, which I’ve owned since it was introduced a decade ago. Like the PM2000, the PM1000 is a great (and good-looking) saw. However, the PM1000’s smaller footprint and 100-volt motor make it ideal for a home shop.

But there’s more to the saw than its size, motor, and good looks. The T-square fence assembly and miter gauge are stout and accurate, which makes sense because they are the same models as those found on the PM2000. A well-positioned spring-loaded plunger locks the arbor for one-wrench blade changes. A convenient cam clamp allows quick and easy changeout from the shark-fin-style riving knife to the full blade-guard assembly. The split blade guard allows the plastic covers to be rotated independently and high enough that the fence can slip under the inside cover for narrow rips. The well-positioned power switch is hip-high and easy to find.

Massive chrome handwheels make short work of blade tilt and elevation with no perceptible lash in any of the adjustments, and the settings can be locked in place.

Cast-iron trunnions and a massive motor/arbor assembly create a stout power unit and the heavy iron soaks up any stray vibrations. A short, flat-belt drive gets all the power smoothly to the blade. The dust collection was excellent.

I ran a bunch of 6/4 and 8/4 white oak past a 40-tooth Woodworker II blade and had no problem keeping a good feed rate without bogging down the 13⁄4-hp motor. With the perfect combination of power and features, this saw is hard to beat for hobbyists.

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