Powermatic PM1500 15-Inch Woodworking Bandsaw:
The Powermatic PM1500 15-Inch Woodworking Bandsaw has 12 speeds which range from 340 FPM up to 2300 FPM.
The FPM might actually range as high as 2400, but I don’t know for sure.
I do know that this thing has POWER! It never bogged down even once.
when cutting through hardwoods! The only time it even thought about slowing down was when I tried to cut a 2-1/2″ thick piece of walnut.
That is a very large blade diameter and it just couldn’t quite cut through it yet, so I had to turn up the speed one more notch before cutting again.
I have been reading over other people’s reviews on bandsaws and they all complain about kickback or vibrations or something else negative about these machines.
Well, let me tell you now: there is NO PROBLEM with this bandsaw.
This bandsaw is VERY solid and there are zero vibrations! It feels like you’re just gliding through the wood on a cloud.
The cast-iron case makes it extra quiet, the riser block makes the cut very straight, and all of the tensioners are in great working order.
There are NO BEARINGS! The table moves back & forth perfectly smoothly because of these bearings which are made out of some kind of resin material.
I have seen similar bearings on my grandfather’s Craftsman circular saw when I was really young, but they were always dry or dusty.
Pros
- Cast Iron Construction
- 12 speeds (anywhere from 340 FPM – 2300+ FPM)
- No vibrations, very solid feel
- Smooth table movement because of the resin bearings instead of steel ball bearings.
Cons
- The miter slot is only 2 inches wide
- No laser alignment system for the miter gauge slot.
Features:
Ball Bearing Guides:
The ball-bearing guides on this bandsaw are really nice and smooth.
I can’t even feel the blade running through them.
They do such a good job of keeping the blade straight that it will actually bog down.
when cutting too fast because the blade wants to stay in one place instead of going all the way through.
The Guide Blocks:
The upper & lower guide blocks get set up almost completely by the factory and the only thing you really need to do is dial them in with a caliper or ruler.
They come almost completely set up already, but they aren’t perfect because the guide blocks are made out of cast iron and not machined steel (which requires no extra set-up).
The upper block also tilts up to 45 degrees for angled cuts.
Blade Speed:
The blade speed on this machine will blow any other bandsaw.
I know off! If it cut through 3″ thick mahogany like nothing, then 2-1/2″ thick pieces of walnut shouldn’t be much more difficult, right?
Well, it didn’t bog down at all when cutting wood that thick either.
There were times when I was cutting so fast that the blade would literally fly right through the wood, all the way through to the other side without stopping! That’s power!
Blade Tracking:
This bandsaw has an adjustable tracking knob that lets you adjust how straight or crooked your cut will be, depending on your preference.
All you have to do is loosen this knob all the way, adjust your blade with a pair of calipers or ruler, and then tighten it back up.
The Tracking Knob:
This bandsaw has an adjustable tracking knob that lets you adjust how straight or crooked your cut will be, depending on your preference.
This bandsaw is so accurate that the factory may have even measured each blade with a ruler to get it just right.
The Blade Tensioner:
This bandsaw has an adjustable blade tension knob that comes almost completely set up, but it is also very easy to adjust.
The tensioner itself actually works really well because of how large and heavy the machine is.
When you turn this knob to tighten or loosen the blade, the entire table shakes slightly.
which lets you know that it’s working really well (if there was no shaking then I would say that it needs adjustment).
Table & Table Tilt:
This bandsaw has a tilting table which is really nice for cutting small pieces at different angles without having to make any special jigs.
All you have to do is loosen one knob, tilt your table by tapping on the marble block with a rubber mallet, and then tighten the knob back up.
The table moves smoothly, but it can be a little difficult to move because of how heavy this machine actually is.
Price:
There is no better way to save money than by making your own sawdust! I recommend this bandsaw to any serious woodworker for almost all types of woodworking projects.
This bandsaw is very accurate and it can cut through 3″ thick pieces of hardwood with ease because it has a 15-amp motor that puts out 5 HP.
If you want a great cut every time, then THIS IS THE SAW FOR YOU!!!
Experts Opinion For This Bandsaw:
The band saw is an extremely useful piece of equipment for any woodworking shop.
The band saw allows the user to cut curves and other contoured shapes in wood, plastic, or metal.
Most commonly used for cutting lumber, melamine, plywood, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), bandsaws can also be used to create custom jigs and fixtures.
The Powermatic Model 115830 15-inch Bandsaw is a precise machine that will provide years of dependable use cutting various types of materials up to 3 inches thick.
It features an accurate ground cast iron table that tilts 45 degrees left or right for angled cuts.
There are four T-slot miter gauge slots that allow for both mitered and beveled cuts.
A 3-inch wide blade capable of cutting through a 3-inch thick piece of wood is a standard feature on this bandsaw.
The band saw also has the following features:
- 5 HP, 220V / 208V motor with two speeds (1560 and 2970 FPM)
- Coolant System – For chip and coolant separation
- Cast Iron Frame – Resists deformation
Final Thoughts:
I think it’s very easy to claim that this bandsaw is probably the best, most reliable bandsaw that is available on the market today.
There is nothing cheap about this machine at all; everything has been built with quality in mind and there were no shortcuts taken.
If you’re looking for a high-quality bandsaw that will last you a lifetime ( maybe even longer), then this is a great bandsaw to get.
I give this two thumbs up and 5 stars! It’s a great machine and I will enjoy having it in my workshop.
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