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Stay away from machine that run at 36,000 RPMs (burn-burn-burn). I have used most of the other manufacturer's machines and the Powermatic outperforms them all. The Powermatic 6" belt/12' disc sander is the best choice of any similar machines on the market. The tables are large, accurately milled and easy to adjust. I like the motor being mounted in the base, which lowers the center of gravity of the machine and contributes to its smooth and vibration free running. The sanding speed of the disc and belt are perfectly matched for sanding wood and many other types of materials. It has an internal dust collection duct work that is easy to hook-up to your dust collection system. The belt tracking adjustments are easy to use and the belt will stays put when turning the machine on and off.
We run several 6x48 sanders commercially and have always favored Powermatic models, having ones from 70's, 80's and 90's. Our others have usually given us 20 years of service, than again they used to cost $1400. It runs smooth and the fit and finish is very good.
The ownership of the Powermatic company has bounced around many times, landing last with Jet. Why not 5 stars. We have a couple from the 80's that were finally wearing out and were concerned about what to replace them with.
Some details, such as the size of the table are better than the one we have from 1998. Given its connection to Jet and with production taken overseas (after this model evidently being discontinued for a while), we were not confident we were going to get the same quality machine we were used to. However, so far we are happy with the machine.
The last star will only be earned if the sander gives us at least ten years of good service. I wouldn't mind paying that again if they still made them in the USA.
Assembly and adjustment were a breeze. We purchased this sander for our commercial operation, and have not been disappointed. What a nice machine. One area of disappointment was that the base was shipped wrapped in a box (no packing) and arrived with some damage, this wasn't an issue, since we purchased the machine to perform and that it has done. The fit and weight of this machine are excellent. I especially like the cast iron tables. The head of the unit which arrived separate was packed very well. One other point that someone else mentioned, this unit can make some dust, some type of dust collection should be used.
If you are going to buy this tool I recommend that you get a dust collector. Our shop purchased this tool about 18 months ago. Sanding with this tool produces large amounts of very fine dust that will cover everything in your shop. It is well made and has been a great addition to our inventory. It is one of those tools that once it has been in your shop for a while you can't remember how you ever got by without it. The sander is only second to our table saw in dust production. A bargain for the money.
I bought my machine from a local merchant and I am very impressed. The machine sands extremely well, smooth and there is no lack of power. I think this is a good machine and I am sad to hear that Powermatic is difficult to deal with. The tables are cast iron and their mounting is rock solid, the belt table can be easily removed or positioned parallel to the belt for many different applications. The Powermatic is heavier, has larger tables. The dust collection works extremely well also but Powermatic recommends a dust collector with at least 400 cfm. Fit and finish are excellent, the sander is heavy and there is almost no vibration. The belt tracks well (after a little fussing at first).
Fortunately mine is much bigger than that. I also like the capability to sand metal with the machine. I have other Powermatic machines and so far they have all worked very well. I would definitely buy this machine again.
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