Powermatic 1792000K Model PM 2000 3 Horsepower Cabinet Saw with 50-Inch Accu-Fence, 2 Cast Iron Extension Wings, Table Board, and Legs, 230-Volt 1 Phase

The saw arrived promplty in numerous boxes, all solidely mounted on top of a pallet. The carrier that tool king used did provide a lift gate at no charge. After unbolting the saw from the pallet, I was able to use the built-in caster system to roll the saw all the way to its final location. Bringing the castor down is a little tedious as each turn of the wheel doesn't do much but this was am effortless manouver. It took me 2 days to completely setup the saw, run the electrical and the dust collection. The hardest part was aligning the front rail accurately. The only tuning I had to do on the saw was to level the insert with the top of the saw and to setup the fence. All other settings where dead accurate right out of the box (at least to an 0.01 accuracy). Running the saw is a real pleasure. It is not loud and there is absolutely no vibrations. I didn't find any piece of wood in my shop that provided any kind of resistance. Everything cuts like butter and the cuts have a glass smooth finish ready for glue up. My best surprise was the dust collection. It works much better than I expected. With my setup, the only time I see some dust is when removing a small shaving or when using a zero clearence insert. Changing blade is definitively an easy operation with the blade lock and the massive wrench provided. I read some review complaining about how difficult it is to put the instert back when the riving knives are in place. I would have to disagree, this is a very simple operation. I have very few complaints. The dust collection port is at the back of the cabinet making it impossible to install my HTC folding outfeed table. I would also have liked a dust collection port on the guard. Finally, leveling the insert or adjusting the riving knife holder call for a 3mm allen wrench which of course was the one missing from my collection. Providing the wrench would have saved me a trip to the store.

THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE PRODUCT ONLY After all the reviews I read I was concerned about potential QC issues. I am happy with what I received and happy is not easy for this critical old man. First thing was to set parallelism blade to miter slot. Got my jig all set up using a digital indicator. Several measurements with the same results: .0000 or -+/-.0005 Yes that's 0 or 5/10,000 from the factory. I don't know call me crazy but that's close enough. As far a table flatness goes the extension lined up very nicely. Laid out a straight edge looks darn good to me. No I did get out the feeler gauges. This is wood working not aerospace. Runs quiet, smooth and almost non existent vibration. Nickel test, nickel did even move. I'll have to get used to how long it takes for blade to spin to a stop. Riving knife adjustment was time consuming and for some reason the riving knife and blade guard splitter don't like the same settings. Switching between the two requires adjustment. I am using thin kerf on both. Purchased separately. Factory 90 degree stop was spot on as well. Did not bother with the 45 degree stop. I like the retractable wheels. Nice to not have to compromise stability when using a mobile base. Accu-Fence is very nice. Flat on both sides not wavy in the least. Measuring indicator is easy to read. Do have few purely cosmetic things. Incredibly minor, you have to look really hard to find them. The extension legs. Folks have complained they tear out from the particle top. I lined up the bracket with the side rail and drilled through so the bracket has one bolt securing directly to the side rail front and back. The Top is an MDF with a slick top surface. The underside is a torsion box like framing of plywood. Satisfactory for purpose in every respect.

I give this saw 5 stars because it’s an excellent machine, in almost every way. The problems I’ve had with it are 1) the extension table was difficult to fit, so that it will be flush with the cast iron table, then, since it’s made out of fiberboard (particleboard covered with something like Formica), the table now sags on those screws, up to 1/4” below where it started out. One day I’ll have to tackle re-setting it. 2) The arbor lock is crap. Mine broke within a week, i.e. before it had been used a half-dozen times. I got a new one, and when I installed it, when I removed to old one, I could see what the problem was, that the lock is very poorly made. The lug that engages the arbor is held in place by 2 tiny welds! It is not mortised or dovetailed into its base, in a way that would give it strength, but merely tack-welded on! Welds are usually mild steel, and they are not very strong. Powermatic has not upgraded that part since, as far as I know (it’s definitely needed). Now that I understand the problem, I make allowances for it, it has survived so far, but it is BOUND to break again. 3) The motor-cover door won’t stay closed. Other than that, this PM2000 is everything a good tablesaw should be. Despite its peccadilloes, I feel no need, or any desire to replace it. It’s a keeper.