Photo Index - Powermatic Machine Co. - Model 81 Bandsaw

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:	Sam Rhodes

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Model 81 Bandsaw
Date of Manufacturer:	1981
Serial Number:	8181115
Last Updated	12/8/2024 11:25:39 AM

Comments:

I purchased this Powermatic Model 81 Bandsaw from an Abilene (Tx) Independent School Dist auction in Jan of 2023 for $ 1200 (it cost $ 1824 list price in 1982). It was in real good shape and had been warehoused for approx 15 years. I replaced bearings in the Carter guides, door and operating knobs, high speed sheave and belts. It has a 2hp Baldor single please motor. The BS fired up and ran right away. The tires were still good and are still in use. I wanted to add a fence to it but could not find one to fit the existing 24" square table. I looked at almost every fence maker and of all the places I found a Jet Fence that would work if I added 7" to the left side of the table. The fence and table extension worked out well and are in use today at the end of 2024. Thanks for the advice from OWWM and Lumberjocks forums!!

Photo 1:

Comments: Powwrmat 81 bandsaw auction site photo
Source: Rene Bates auctions

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Photo 2:

Comments: Powermatic 81 badge and Inventory decal
Source: My Google Pixel 6a Camera

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Photo 3:

Comments: Table extension first mockup
Source: My Google Pixel 6a Camera

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Photo 4:

Comments: Machine complete and ready to make sawdust
Source: My Google Pixel 6a Camera

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Photo 5:

Comments: Machine ready to work
Source: My Google Pixel 6a Camera

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Photo 6:

Comments: Carter guides were an option that year, glad they bought them.
Source: My Google Pixel 6a Camera

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