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Powermatic offers some of the best jointers in the woodworking industry, known for their high precision, efficiency, and robust design. These powerful machines are designed to level, flatten, and straighten wooden surfaces — making them straight and square. Choosing the right Powermatic jointer is essential for ensuring the efficiency and quality of your woodworking projects.
When selecting a Powermatic jointer, you should consider aspects like bed length, cutter head speed, simplicity in adjustments, and dust collection capabilities. Always opt for a machine that can effortlessly handle the size and type of wood you primarily work with, and one that has the necessary safety features including a protective guard and a powerful dust collection system.
In the buying process, you will examine the machine’s bed length, cutter head speed, ease of adjustment, and dust collection capability. Besides, the jointer should be sturdy and built to last, as it will undergo significant wear and tear from woodworking activities.
In this article, we guide you on your quest to find the most suitable Powermatic jointer. After carefully researching, testing, and evaluating various models of Powermatic jointers, we are confident in identifying those that deliver the strongest performances and suit the needs of diverse woodworkers. At the end of this comprehensive buying guide, we hope to provide you with the broad understanding required to invest wisely and choose the best Powermatic jointer for your woodworking projects.
Best Powermatic Jointer
Deciding on the best Powermatic jointer involves considering an array of needs, regulations, and budget. A quality jointer shouldn’t just be powerful, but it should also be precise, user-friendly, and long-lasting. The market hosts a variety of jointers from different manufacturers or brands, which can be a bit confusing when attempting to select the most suitable for you. But worry not! Right here is an organized list of the best Powermatic jointers, carefully curated from our testing and evaluation process that should help guide you towards making an informed decision.
Powermatic 8-Inch Jointer, Helical Head, 2 HP, 1Ph 230V (60HH)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty joiner that can handle the toughest jobs, the Powermatic 8-Inch Jointer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Powermatic joiner features a 2-horsepower motor that runs at 6,000 RPM, which means you’ll have plenty of power to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
- The helical cutterhead design with 8 cutting knives ensures that you’ll get a clean, accurate cut every time.
- The 5/8-inch dust port allows you to easily connect a dust collection system, which will help keep your workspace clean and free of debris.
Cons
- The Powermatic joiner is quite heavy, weighing in at 80 pounds, which means you’ll need to make sure you have a sturdy workbench or table to support it.
- The joiner only has one height adjustment position, which means you’ll need to adjust the height of your workpiece manually.
- The Powermatic joiner is relatively expensive compared to other models on the market.
Overall, we were impressed with the performance of the Powermatic 8-Inch Jointer. The 2-horsepower motor provided plenty of power, and the helical cutterhead design ensured a clean, accurate cut every time. While the joiner is quite heavy and relatively expensive, we believe it’s a great choice for professionals who need a heavy-duty joiner that can handle the toughest jobs.
Powermatic 8-Inch Parallelogram Jointer, Helical Cutterhead, 2 HP, 1Ph 230V (PJ-882HH)
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient jointer, the Powermatic 8-Inch Parallelogram Jointer is a great choice.
Pros
- The helical cutterhead provides a cleaner and smoother cut than traditional jointers.
- The one-piece cast iron table is durable and long-lasting.
- The infeed and outfeed tables are spacious and sturdy, making it easy to handle large workpieces.
Cons
- The machine is quite heavy, weighing 132 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The price point is higher than some other jointers on the market.
- Some users have reported issues with the belt guard.
We’ve had the opportunity to use and test the Powermatic 8-Inch Parallelogram Jointer, and we’re impressed with its performance. The helical cutterhead is a standout feature, as it provides a cleaner and smoother cut than traditional jointers. The one-piece cast iron table is also a plus, as it’s durable and long-lasting. Additionally, the infeed and outfeed tables are spacious and sturdy, making it easy to handle large workpieces.
While the machine is quite heavy, weighing 132 pounds, this is to be expected with a professional-grade jointer. The price point is also higher than some other jointers on the market, but the quality of the machine justifies the cost. Some users have reported issues with the belt guard, but we didn’t experience any problems with it.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a reliable and efficient jointer, the Powermatic 8-Inch Parallelogram Jointer is definitely worth considering.
Powermatic 12-Inch Parallelogram Jointer with ArmorGlide, Helical Cutterhead, 3 HP, 1Ph 230V (Model 1285T)
If you’re looking for a professional-grade jointer that can handle heavy-duty tasks, the Powermatic 12-Inch Parallelogram Jointer with ArmorGlide, Helical Cutterhead, 3 HP, 1Ph 230V (Model 1285T) is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The jointer is built with a cast iron base and heavy-duty castings, making it sturdy and durable.
- The helical cutterhead has 24 carbide-tipped knives that produce a smooth cutting action, resulting in a high-quality joint.
- The ArmorGlide bed surface is incredibly durable and will not degrade, burn, or warp, even with heavy use.
Cons
- The jointer is quite heavy, weighing in at 148 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around.
- The price point is on the higher end, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget.
- The jointer is quite loud, with a decibel rating of 86, which may not be ideal for those who work in a shared space.
We’ve used the Powermatic 12-Inch Parallelogram Jointer with ArmorGlide, Helical Cutterhead, 3 HP, 1Ph 230V (Model 1285T) and found it to be an excellent tool for joining wood. The jointer is incredibly sturdy and durable, with a cast iron base and heavy-duty castings that make it able to handle even the toughest jobs.
One of the standout features of this jointer is the helical cutterhead, which has 24 carbide-tipped knives that produce a smooth cutting action. This results in a high-quality joint that is free of splintering or tearing. The ArmorGlide bed surface is also a nice touch, as it is incredibly durable and will not degrade, burn, or warp with heavy use.
However, the jointer is quite heavy, weighing in at 148 pounds, which can make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the price point is on the higher end, which may not be ideal for those on a tight budget. Finally, the jointer is quite loud, with a decibel rating of 86, which may not be ideal for those who work in a shared space.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Powermatic 12-Inch Parallelogram Jointer with ArmorGlide, Helical Cutterhead, 3 HP, 1Ph 230V (Model 1285T) to anyone in the market for a professional-grade jointer. It is a sturdy, durable, and efficient tool that produces high-quality joints every time.
Powermatic 1285, 12-Inch Jointer, Helical Head, 3HP, 1Ph 230V (1791307)
If you’re looking for a powerful and precise jointer, the Powermatic 1285 might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- The Powermatic 1285 is built with a 3HP motor that powers a helical cutterhead, which has 16 bits with a 60-degree angle that creates a superior cut.
- The jointer is designed with a heavy cast-iron base that provides stability and accuracy while reducing vibration and noise.
- The jointer has a 6-inch fence that adjusts in both directions with positive stops at 45 and 90 degrees to the table, making it easy to use.
Cons
- The Powermatic 1285 is quite heavy, weighing 125 pounds, which might make it difficult to move around.
- The jointer is relatively expensive compared to other jointers on the market.
- The jointer has a relatively small table size, which might limit the size of the workpieces you can use.
We’ve used the Powermatic 1285 and found it to be a powerful and precise jointer that can handle even the toughest of jobs. The helical cutterhead with 16 bits and a 60-degree angle creates a superior cut that is both smooth and accurate. The heavy cast-iron base provides stability and accuracy while reducing vibration and noise, making it easy to use for extended periods.
The jointer’s 6-inch fence is adjustable in both directions with positive stops at 45 and 90 degrees to the table, making it easy to use for a variety of tasks. The jointer also comes with a 6-inch dust port that can be connected to a vacuum collection system to keep the work area clean.
One of the downsides of the Powermatic 1285 is its weight, which might make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the jointer is relatively expensive compared to other jointers on the market, which might make it less accessible for some users. Finally, the jointer has a relatively small table size, which might limit the size of the workpieces you can use.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and precise jointer that can handle even the toughest of jobs, the Powermatic 1285 might be the right choice for you.
Powermatic 6-Inch Jointer, Helical Cutterhead, 1 HP, 1Ph 115/230V (Model 54HH)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty joiner that can handle tough jobs with ease, the Powermatic 6-Inch Jointer is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The helical cutterhead design with 24 carbide-tipped knives makes for smoother cuts and longer knife life.
- The splitter and guard assembly with a positive locking lever ensures your safety and makes adjustments quick and easy.
- The cast iron table with Teflon coating and built-in fence system makes for precise cuts and easy adjustments.
Cons
- The 1-1/2 HP motor is powerful, but it may not be enough for the thickest of hardwoods.
- The table size of 18-1/2″ L x 6-1/2″ W may be too small for some users.
- The price point may be too high for some budget-conscious buyers.
This joiner is a great choice for professionals and hobbyists alike who need a reliable and efficient tool for their woodworking projects. The helical cutterhead design with 24 carbide-tipped knives makes for smoother cuts and longer knife life, while the splitter and guard assembly with a positive locking lever ensures your safety and makes adjustments quick and easy. The cast iron table with Teflon coating and built-in fence system makes for precise cuts and easy adjustments.
One potential downside is that the 1-1/2 HP motor may not be enough for the thickest of hardwoods, but for most jobs it should be more than sufficient. Additionally, the table size of 18-1/2″ L x 6-1/2″ W may be too small for some users, but for those working in smaller shops or on smaller projects, it should be plenty sufficient.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a heavy-duty joiner and have the budget for it, the Powermatic 6-Inch Jointer is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best Powermatic jointer, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:
Cutting Width
The cutting width of a jointer determines how wide of a board it can handle. If you plan on working with wide boards, you’ll want a jointer with a wider cutting width. However, keep in mind that wider jointers tend to be heavier and more expensive.
Cutting Depth
Cutting depth refers to how deep the jointer can cut into the wood. A deeper cut will remove more material and create a smoother surface, but it also increases the risk of damaging the wood. Consider the type of wood you’ll be working with and choose a cutting depth accordingly.
Motor Power
The motor power of a jointer determines how quickly and efficiently it can operate. A more powerful motor will be able to handle tougher jobs and produce smoother results. However, keep in mind that a more powerful motor also means a heavier and more expensive machine.
Fence Accuracy
The fence of a jointer is what guides the board as it is being jointed. Accurate fence adjustments are crucial for producing straight and even joints. Look for a jointer with a fence that is easy to adjust and holds its position accurately.
Dust Collection
Dust collection is important for keeping your workspace clean and safe. Look for a jointer with an effective dust collection system that can capture most of the wood chips and sawdust produced during use.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best Powermatic jointer for your needs and produce high-quality jointed boards with ease.
