Powermatic 1791279K Model 54A 6-Inch 1-Horsepower Jointer, 115/230-Volt 1-Phase
by Powermatic
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Product Details
Manufacturer: PowermaticModel: 1791279K
Product features:
- Oversized 66-inch adjustable infeed and outfeed cast-iron tables support long work pieces
- 1-horsepower, single-phase, 115/230-volt motor provides solid power
- Cast-iron fence assembly features positive stops at plus/minus 45 degrees
- Patented controlled chip three-knife cutterhead design provides smooth cutting
- 1-year limited warranty
- Jet 708801 JJ6-K 6-Inch Jointer Knife Set
- Powermatic 2042374 Mobile Base
- HTC HSB-2855 Mobile Base For Powermatic 54A Jointer
- Empire Manufacturing TSS-8D The Complete TopSaver System
- Empire Manufacturing TOOL-6D The Complete ToolSaver System
Tools and Hardware Reviews of Powermatic 1791279K Model 54A 6-Inch 1-Horsepower Jointer, 115/230-Volt 1-Phase
Customer Review: A blue-chip woodworking investment
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm in the process of remodeling my tool-buying mentality from "see how little you can spend" to "invest in the highest quality you can afford". The Powermatic 54A is my first purchase under that concept, and I'm really pleased.
The jointer is packed well and despite its massive weight, had no damage. The beds are dead flat and machined to a beautiful surface. Hey, not since my first car have I had such a nice expanse of shiny metal to polish and wax -- a form of Zen relaxation.
Setup was straightforward, but here are a couple of tips. First, when you set the head unit on the base, before tightening the bolts, jump forward in the manual and check the pulley alignment. You may save yourself having to adjust the pulley, by moving the entire head unit on the base - it has about 1/8" play. I did have to lower the motor to increase belt tension, and move the motor pulley inward 1/8" for alignment. But none of the bolts were excessively tight, and Powermatic includes the wrench needed to get into the tight spaces around the motor. Good thinking, PM!
Next, setting the knives -- I didn't have a dial indicator so I lowered the outfeed table a tad and used the trick of seeing how far the knives move a block of hardwood as you rotate them past (just move the fence back far enough so you can manually turn the cutterhead pulley). You want those movements to be equal at each end of the knife, and for all three knives. I had to raise just one end of one knife. When that's set, raise the outfeed table just enough to remove the last trace of contact at TDC. I agree with others that the quick-set cam adjust system would be better if you knew where the cam was, so when I need to change the knives I'm going to put a dot of white-out on the cam screw head at it's highest setting. Then I'll know rotating toward the dot will raise the knife, and vice versa.
I also had to adjust the infeed table zero setting - easy, just back out the limiter stop screw, set the table coplanar with the outfeed, readjust the limiter stop screw and tweak the red depth pointer. The fence angles needed adjusting too, but it was equally easy. I plan to add some UHMW 'slick tape' to the fence base at the point it rubs across the jointer beds, in hopes it will prevent scratching.
Once set up, the machine really delivers. The motor (I switched it to 220 so the shop lights don't dim from the start-up surge) purrs, there's no vibration, and all the stock is coming out dead straight and glass smooth.
The Powermatic 54A is made in China, as most home shop tools are today, but the retailing profits go to the American company (WMH) that markets it. You'll decide for yourself how you stand on that.
Even if woodworking is 'only a hobby', try thinking of tools as an investment in your own satisfaction. Used tools appear to hold their value better than most manufactured goods, from cars to computers, and the prices of steel and labor - especially in China - are going up fast. This tools is already up 20% over what I paid a month ago. So I'm heading back to the shop now to enjoy working with this high-yield investment.
More Powermatic 1791279K Model 54A 6-Inch 1-Horsepower Jointer, 115/230-Volt 1-Phase Customer Reviews:
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