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It has an internal dust collection duct work that is easy to hook-up to your dust collection system. Stay away from machine that run at 36,000 RPMs (burn-burn-burn). The tables are large, accurately milled and easy to adjust. The Powermatic 6" belt/12' disc sander is the best choice of any similar machines on the market. The belt tracking adjustments are easy to use and the belt will stays put when turning the machine on and off. 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. I have used most of the other manufacturer's machines and the Powermatic outperforms them all. The sanding speed of the disc and belt are perfectly matched for sanding wood and many other types of materials.
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. The last star will only be earned if the sander gives us at least ten years of good service. 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. Our others have usually given us 20 years of service, than again they used to cost $1400. Why not 5 stars.
We run several 6x48 sanders commercially and have always favored Powermatic models, having ones from 70's, 80's and 90's. It runs smooth and the fit and finish is very good. I wouldn't mind paying that again if they still made them in the USA.
The ownership of the Powermatic company has bounced around many times, landing last with Jet. However, so far we are happy with the machine.
The head of the unit which arrived separate was packed very well. Assembly and adjustment were a breeze. 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. What a nice machine. One other point that someone else mentioned, this unit can make some dust, some type of dust collection should be used. The fit and weight of this machine are excellent. We purchased this sander for our commercial operation, and have not been disappointed. I especially like the cast iron tables.
If you are going to buy this tool I recommend that you get a dust collector. The sander is only second to our table saw in dust production. 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. A bargain for the money. 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.
I have other Powermatic machines and so far they have all worked very well. The dust collection works extremely well also but Powermatic recommends a dust collector with at least 400 cfm. The belt tracks well (after a little fussing at first). I also like the capability to sand metal with the machine.
I bought my machine from a local merchant and I am very impressed. The Powermatic is heavier, has larger tables. I think this is a good machine and I am sad to hear that Powermatic is difficult to deal with. Fit and finish are excellent, the sander is heavy and there is almost no vibration.
The machine sands extremely well, smooth and there is no lack of power. I would definitely buy this machine again. 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. Fortunately mine is much bigger than that.
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