Powermatic 1660791K Model 66 10-Inch Left Tilt 5-Horsepower Cabinet Saw with 50-Inch Accu-Fence, 2 Cast Iron Extension Wings, Table Board, and Legs, 230-Volt 1-Phase
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Powermatic 1660791K Model 66 10-Inch Left Tilt 5-Horsepower Cabinet Saw with 50-Inch Accu-Fence, 2 Cast Iron Extension Wings, Table Board, and Legs, 230-Volt 1-Phase
Customer Review: If you insist on precision, this is the saw for you.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have a 5hp Powermatic 66 tablesaw that was built in 1988. The only difference I see between the new saws and mine is the motor cover (the new ones are plastic instead of metal) and the dust port location is raise a few inches on the new one.The first thing I noticed about this saw is how quite and smooth it runs. There is absolutely no vibration in this saw. The other thing I like about this saw is the quality of the construction. Compare the internal parts of this saw to others on the market and you can physically see the difference in quality.
You may have noticed my other reviews for Powermatic equipment - I own a model 60 jointer (built in 1960), a model 90 lathe (built in 1962) and the model 66 tablesaw (built in 1988) I would never consider trading any of them in for a new piece of equipment.
Customer Review: Mixed Experience -- You Decide
Summary: 3 Stars
When we decided to build a shop at our new home there was no doubt we would "Go Gold" all the way -- our experience with Powermatic at a previous friend's commercial shop was outstanding.As my wife and I assembled the saw we had a few problems: the surface of the main table has a gouge in it that you can feel -- I suspect it will scratch wood if given the chance (we had to travel and got this going the night before we flew out of town).
Also disappointing to us is that the support for the blade guard behind the saw actually snapped in half when I attached it. This is a seemingly solid piece of metal (about 3/4" thick) and as much as I'd like to think "I don't know my own strength", I doubt I could have pulled this off unless something was already broken/stressed.
Overall I'd say I'm mixed on opinion: my first Model 66 was a dream. This one is not quite so...obviously quality control had a day off when ours came off the line.
The image I had is tarnished. I do not look forward to the idea of getting this fixed -- it's the top of the table and I do not want to mess with this (if it's even possible) and I do not want to disassemble and ship back. But I need to do it...
As for the rest of the shop, I'm not so sure now. Will I get more Powermatic? Depends on how they decide to handle this, I guess.
Customer Review: Powermatic 66 the Rolls Royce of Table Saws
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased the 5 HP 1 Phase Model 66. Installation of the cast iron wings and the extension table was straightforward. The cast iron top was polished to a mirror finish and was dead flat. The saw blade was aligned with the miter slots to within 0.002 in. right out of the crate. The Accu-Fence, a Biesemeyer clone was easy to adjust and has been rock solid and very accurate so far. One of the best attributes of this saw is the lack of vibration due to the massive cast iron trunion. The 5 HP motor can easily digest thick hardwoods (I recently sawed a large amount of 12/4 curly cherry without a hiccup). The motor never bogs down. The stock blade guard is hopeless so I purchased an aftermarket overarm guard. I also recommend the Biesemeyer removeable splitter, but make sure that if you order this saw that you have Amazon order the new Biesemeyer splitter that has been redesigned for the Model 66's manufactured after August 2000. This saw is quiet, powerful, and very accurate. Without question this will be the last cabinet saw you will ever buy if you take care of it. The Powermatic 66 is truly the Rolls Royce of table saws.Customer Review: This Is The Last One You'll Need To Buy!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Since 1970 I've been fortunate enough to own several tablesaws. My first a Sears, then an old Delta construction, then a new JET construction, now the POWERMATIC 66 with the single phase 3HP moter. I don't think I've ever experienced a better built machine. The 50" fence is accurate, smooth, and easy to operate. I love the slick plastic fence rails. The moter is quiet and the fit and finish are 100%. I still can't believe the polish on the table top. I have a few complaints however. First the documentation is adequate but the tasks are all out of sequence, I can't believe they have not re-written it. Second, there were parts missing (the plastic pointer) for the accu-fence and there were references of a gauge and wrench which don't exist ( I called the company and asked). The company sent the pointer later. Finally, the switch is really tiny and the stop button protrudes, occasionally you might bump it. These are minor things which are quickly forgotten when you rip you first 8/4 red oak and it practically rips itself. Forget the extra money, this is the last one you'll ever need to buy.Customer Review: Powermatic Tops in it's Class
Summary: 5 Stars
I have owned several table saws and by far the Powermatic is the best of the breed. I chose the 5 HP engine because I wanted the additional horsepower for the hardwoods that I use in cabinet building. The Powermatic operates flawlessly with virtually no saw blade wobble to ensure 100% accuracy in cutting. Couldn't recommend the machine any higher, although if you will be working with large panels I'd recommend purchasing the Powermatic with the sliding table extension.
All in all, tremendous product.