Photo Index - Powermatic Machine Co. - Model 81

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Powermatic Machine Co.
McMinnville, TN; La Vergne, TN

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Band Saw
Machine Size:	20"
Submitted By:	Stephen Davis

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Model 81
Date of Manufacturer:	July 1969
Serial Number:
Last Updated	2/27/2004 12:00:00 AM

Comments:

This PM81 20" bandsaw came up for sale in the local classified ads in the fall of 2003, but I didn't buy it until the end of February 2004. I was surprised that it was still available. The seller lowered the price from $1300 down to $1150 and included free loading, delivery (about 30mi), and unloading. This thing is really heavy and difficult to move, so the extra help was really great. I asked him why he was having trouble selling it and he said when he told people the price they would say, "Well, I could get a brand new Grizzly 20" bandsaw for that price". Most people apparently don't appreciate vintage machinery. That's good news for us.

This 20" bandsaw was made in 1969 and is built like a tank with lots of heavy cast iron and plate steal. It has a 1-1/2 HP single phase motor. The cast iron table is 24" x 24", which makes the table on my Delta 14" Bandsaw look like a toy. As usual with older equipment, the paint is kind of scuffed up and faded, but it is in great mechanical shape. It is missing a few blade guards, which I plan to get from Powermatic and it needs a new brake shoe assembly for the foot actuated brake. The tires have a little life left in them before they need replacement.

Thanks to Bob Vaughan for his assistance.

Photo 1:

Comments: Moved into my shop, rewired, and ready to go minus a few blade guards.
Source: S. Davis

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Photo 2:

Comments: Top wheel. Notice the counter weighted blade guide assembly. Prevents the blade guide from crashing down into the table when the lock is released.
Source: S. Davis

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Photo 3:

Comments: Under the table. Notice the large, heavy trunion. This saw has replacement Carter blade guides.
Source: S. Davis

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