New Powermatic 3hp PM2000 or 1997 5hp 66?

[Alex Snyder]

I would say I'm torn on this decision, but "ripped" might be the better pun

So, a barely used 1997 Powermatic 5hp 1ph 66 has come to my attention. I'm enamored with the idea of going for the older all-America thunder of the 66 over buying a new PM2000 with 3 horses. But I'm split over the lack of a riving knife on the old 66.... this thread helps that argument though: http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...sing-something

I'm intentionally not stating price to keep the discussion more about the merits of the two saws. And please please please don't bring up SawStop.

[Darcy Warner]

I would choose the 66.

If I ever need a TS in a pinch, be the first one I would look for.

[Bradley Gray]

I have a somewhat older 66 that is a pleasure to use. Very fast set ups.

Mine is 3hp/3ph and has enough power but if I had been given a choice 5hp would be better.

I use a splitter installed past the blade in a zero clearance insert whenever possible.

[Mike Kees]

Alex I have no personal experience with powermatic saws but would lean towards the older 66 5 h.p. As for the issue of no riving knife ,check out options for aftermarket guards like a shark guard. Good luck in your decision, mike.

[Mark Carlson]

If the 66 is in good condition and the price is right, I'd get that given the two choices. Its a close call for me because I'd want the riving knife and the other safety feature on the saw we cant mention.

[Paul McGaha]

I'm kind of mixed but I think I'd pick the 66.

PHM

[Don Jarvie]

Basically the saws are the same. The insides are setup the same so the extra hp is worth it. As long as everything is the same, fence, extension table, etc you should be able to get the 66 much cheaper.

[Mike Manning]

I'd also vote for the PM 66 if prices were similar. A lot of saw.

[Van Huskey]

Technically the PM66 is a smaller saw having a smaller table but it is a very good saw. I replaced my 66 with a 2000 right after the 2000 came out primarily for the riving knife and I haven't regretted it. IME the 66 vs the 2000 is a lateral move with the riving knife advantage going to the 2000, now the PM72/74 is a different story and is a honest step up.

I personally see the 66 as the budget approach to getting a very good cabinet saw but I honestly can't think of a single thing I liked better about the PM66s I had over my 2000 except the cast iron extension wing (it is rare to find them) and and there are several things I prefer about the 2000 the biggest of which is the riving knife. One other thing about the PM66s they weren't all built to the same standard so year and paint color have an impact on desirability.

[Tony Joyce]

I have a somewhat older 66 that is a pleasure to use. Very fast set ups.

Mine is 3hp/3ph and has enough power but if I had been given a choice 5hp would be better.

If the motor ever burns out you can have the 3HP rewound to a 5HP.

After I burned mine up the second time the electric motor guy asked if I wanted to up the HP. 5HP was the max for the housing.

Tony

Actually I think mine was 3HP single phase and he made it 5HP three phase.

[Greg Parrish]

My 66 has a us made Leeson 3hp in it and I find it plenty of power so far. Same motor that is on my Oneida v3000. 5 may be better but would take a little larger circuit too.

[John K Jordan]

So, a barely used 1997 Powermatic 5hp 1ph 66 has come to my attention. I'm enamored with the idea of going for the older all-America thunder of the 66 over buying a new PM2000 with 3 horses. But I'm split over the lack of a riving knife on the old 66....

I had the same question when buying my saw. For me it was between a new PM66 with an established reputation, and the just released PM2000 with a lot of unknowns. I picked the PM66 and I've been very happy with it. The riving knife would be good but I use splitters. I also attached a used cast iron Robland sliding table to mine. Very handy.

JKJ

[Martin Wasner]

One other thing about the PM66s they weren't all built to the same standard so year and paint color have an impact on desirability.

This is the most important thing when buying a 66. They aren't all the same.

I have one I bought new in 2004. It's a piece of crap.

I have another one I bought used that is a 1998 model I bought in 2010, it a decent specimen of a 66.

I personally would take the 66 over the 2000

[Rich Riddle]

I own a Powermatic 66 after having many others including Delta models. It surpasses all other cabinet saws I owned. You won't be disappointed.

[Greg Parrish]

I'd take the PM66 also. Mine is a 1972 model.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthre...58#post2562858