Powermatic PM1500 Band Saw Review

About 3 months ago, I was lucky enough to get my hands on the Powermatic PM1500 band saw for my shop. I use my band saw almost as much as my table saw, and this new saw is a truly great machine. I thought I would share with everyone the features and benefits of this saw since I keep getting asked a lot of questions regarding it.

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As always, I welcome your questions and comments!

To keep up with what I've got going on daily in the shop, follow me on Instagram - @guyswoodshop

[sannstuart]

*Perfect band saw for the hobby enthusiast **MyBest.Tools** Easy to set up and square. Had it running in 10 to 15 minutes. Quality of cuts will depend on the quality of the blades.*

[rogeranderson]

I agree, I've had mine a few years now and the safety interlock that does not allow the saw to start unless the blade is mentioned is a real help, to me anyway. I did replace the Powermatic blade guides with Carter guides....the supplied guides must have gotten sea water in them on the way over as they rusted out quite quickly....but that's no doubt an unusual problem. I also added a Carter magnetic fence....not for general use but for when I want to cut bevels....bandsaw fences do not seem to ever have the ability to move to the right hand side of the blade...so support for your workpiece is pretty much lacking. The magnetic fence sticks like gangbusters as the table is machined dead smooth. ONE thing to consider....though Powermatic states this saw will support up to a 1" wide blade, the sales guy admitted that 1/2" is pretty much the limit if you want the blade to last... I quit putting on 3/4" blades, I've not had one break since. Oh...the WoodSlicer blade from Highland woodworking is a gem of a blade and just shy of 1/32 thick. Smooth and Quiet!
I've been a beginner for about 7 years now....not likely to describe myself differently anytime soon. -Veteran '66-68

[tundrawhisperer]

At 7:15 you open the small door flap that covers the lower guide bearings. I just ran into a design flaw with this. Have you put a 1” blade on your saw yet? When you do this door flap won’t close all the way anymore. It hits the guide bearing that was adjusted further out for the new wider blade. I had to remove mine in order to shut the larger lower cabinet door.

[RORGuitars]

Looks like a dream saw, I've had a record BS 350 band saw and even though it does the job, there are so many things about it that are not thought out. The PowerMatic on the otherhand, looks fantastic!!

[Paul-mxyj]

Mine is being delivered this week. Would you please tell me the exact size of the base. I have the bolt pattern but the manual does not have overall dimensions. Making a base before it gets here.
Thank you

[HovingtonInstruments]

This looks indeed like an amazing saw... great addition to your shop Guy

[JamesPeeBIRDrd]

Love the bandsaw and the new shop cabinets! Looks great Guy!

[kevinalmeyda]

I really like that it won’t start unless the blade is tensioned. I’ve made that mistake a couple of times. Scary and frustrating mistake to make. Enjoy the saw, Guy!

[StuffIMade]

Yep wow! Quality! This model is now available in the UK, would love to own this beautiful machine!

[RichardMiller-wgjh]

Great review, which cemented my decision to buy this saw. Question - what mobile base is that? I can't seem to find one made specifically for the PM1500. Thanks!

[johngrabski]

Thanks for this, Guy. Mine goes on order today!

[toddpanabaker]

Just ordered mine. Great review! Looks like you’ve got a carbide resaw blade on it. What brand and how do you like it? Thanks Guy.

[ForwardGuidance]

Very nice although it isn't going to improve your woodworking, that is already perfect so motive was to make projects even easier. You are an amazing woodworker, Guy. You and that Alabama "Guy" makes woodworking appear so easy.

[stevecollins]

That is one nice band saw, Guy. Thanks for the great review.

[ronh]

Nice bandsaw Guy. Are you still woodworking and making videos? I haven’t seen anything recently. Hope you are doing well.
Ron

[daleellington]

Nice saw! Looks like some nice features.

[extremewoodworker]

Nice review Guy and congratulations on the new bandsaw. The tension handle looks like it could be a good head knocker if you aren't careful. Steve

[darrene]

After you’ve owned for a few years, have you figured out a way to lock the bottom thrust bearing? That lock ring is impossible to use. It’s the only complaint I have with this saw. It’s a fine piece of machinery. Thanks for the great review which helped with my decision to purchase.

[joeleonetti]

I've been doing hand tools only for the last 3 years. Been looking to get a band saw as its time consuming to thin stock by hand. I think this is the one I will be getting. Had considered the 18" Powermatic but I think the 15" here should be more than enough.

[samuelroberts]

Pretty cool!
Thanks for the review!
I have wondered about powermatic!