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Powermatic 1791279K Model 54A 6-Inch 1 Horsepower Jointer, 115/230-Volt 1 Phase | 
| Brand: Powermatic
Category: Home Improvement
This item is no longer available
Rating:  35 reviews
Sales Rank: 41066
Media: Tools & Hardware
Shipping Weight (lbs): 248
Dimensions (in): 70 x 25 x 12
MPN: 1791279K
Model: 1791279K
UPC: 662755414848
EAN: 0416840001365
ASIN: B00005NMU3
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| Features:
| • | Oversized 66-inch adjustable infeed and outfeed cast-iron tables support long work pieces | | • | 1-horsepower, single-phase, 115/230-volt motor provides solid power | | • | Cast-iron fence assembly features positive stops at plus/minus 45 degrees | | • | Patented controlled chip three-knife cutterhead design provides smooth cutting | | • | 1-year limited warranty |
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| Accessories:
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| Customer Reviews: Read 30 more reviews...
 A blue-chip woodworking investment March 9, 2007
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I'm in the process of remodeling my tool-buying mentality from "see how little you can spend" to "invest in the highest quality you can afford". The Powermatic 54A is my first purchase under that concept, and I'm really pleased.
The jointer is packed well and despite its massive weight, had no damage. The beds are dead flat and machined to a beautiful surface. Hey, not since my first car have I had such a nice expanse of shiny metal to polish and wax -- a form of Zen relaxation.
Setup was straightforward, but here are a couple of tips. First, when you set the head unit on the base, before tightening the bolts, jump forward in the manual and check the pulley alignment. You may save yourself having to adjust the pulley, by moving the entire head unit on the base - it has about 1/8" play. I did have to lower the motor to increase belt tension, and move the motor pulley inward 1/8" for alignment. But none of the bolts were excessively tight, and Powermatic includes the wrench needed to get into the tight spaces around the motor. Good thinking, PM!
Next, setting the knives -- I didn't have a dial indicator so I lowered the outfeed table a tad and used the trick of seeing how far the knives move a block of hardwood as you rotate them past (just move the fence back far enough so you can manually turn the cutterhead pulley). You want those movements to be equal at each end of the knife, and for all three knives. I had to raise just one end of one knife. When that's set, raise the outfeed table just enough to remove the last trace of contact at TDC. I agree with others that the quick-set cam adjust system would be better if you knew where the cam was, so when I need to change the knives I'm going to put a dot of white-out on the cam screw head at it's highest setting. Then I'll know rotating toward the dot will raise the knife, and vice versa.
I also had to adjust the infeed table zero setting - easy, just back out the limiter stop screw, set the table coplanar with the outfeed, readjust the limiter stop screw and tweak the red depth pointer. The fence angles needed adjusting too, but it was equally easy. I plan to add some UHMW 'slick tape' to the fence base at the point it rubs across the jointer beds, in hopes it will prevent scratching.
Once set up, the machine really delivers. The motor (I switched it to 220 so the shop lights don't dim from the start-up surge) purrs, there's no vibration, and all the stock is coming out dead straight and glass smooth.
The Powermatic 54A is made in China, as most home shop tools are today, but the retailing profits go to the American company (WMH) that markets it. You'll decide for yourself how you stand on that.
Even if woodworking is 'only a hobby', try thinking of tools as an investment in your own satisfaction. Used tools appear to hold their value better than most manufactured goods, from cars to computers, and the prices of steel and labor - especially in China - are going up fast. This tools is already up 20% over what I paid a month ago. So I'm heading back to the shop now to enjoy working with this high-yield investment.
 Two Years Later August 12, 2006
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
It has been two years since this tool entered my life. The fence was warped.. no problem PM replaced it after just one phone call. It runs smooth and quiet. Now I need new knives which is only natural and expected. It seems to me that the fence falls out of square after prolonged use. So, when doing serious work I keep checking it. My greatest lament is that I did not get the 8" version.
Great Tool, Poor Manual July 21, 2006
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
I have owned my Model 54A for about two years and it has been everything I expect from Powermatic. Apparently mine was built during the time of the transition because the biggest problem I had was with the owner's manual which was obviously in the middle of change.
The machine came in two boxes; one for the base cabinet and one for the jointer body itself. I also purchased the Powermatic mobile base. The mobile base went together in minutes. With the base cabinet mounted on the mobile base, the tailgate of my pickup accommodated a fairly easy slide of the body from pickup to the base - some grunting but I was able to do it myself (I do, however, recommend a helper). While the machine assembled fairly easily, I started finding discrepancies between the book and the machine. Some were substantial. During this time I stopped assembly and looked at some basic procedures such as rabbiting. That section was obviously wrong because the illustration was there with only part of the text. There were also some assembly instructions in error. I muddled my way though the assembly and the machine has been perfect since then.
I contacted Jet regarding the book errors and initally got a very defensive answer. Within days I received a second email and also a call apologizing for the state of the manual. Apparently a version was released during a wholesale conversion to Jet formatting. They assured me it would be corrected.
Again, the machine is perfect. It has had a lot of walnut, Oak and other hardwoods run through it and it works flawlessly. It is smooth and relatively quiet. I purchased the plastic exhaust fitting but removed it. Without dust collection hooked up it just plugs up the exhaust chute. Without the fitting shavings clear the machine nicely. I have had to remove blades once and realigning them was about as much fun as most jointers. I recommend buying a jointer pal or similar tool when you buy the jointer.
I rate the machine itself with 5 stars. However, discrepancies with technical data concerns me enough that I dropped my overall rating to 4 stars
great buy!!! February 13, 2006
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
I do alot of woodworking from cabinets to furniture.
I've had this jointer for about 4 years now and have been very pleased with it.You can't go wrong with this jointer.
When looking for a jointer you want to get the longest and widest bed you can afford.
I buy all my wood in kiln dried rough cut form from the sawmill and my jointer had over 10,000 bdft run threw it over the 4 years Ive had it.
It does an excellant job preparing the wood before going into my planer and edging for all my glue ups.
If your serious about woodworking and want to do quality work this machine will do nicely in your shop.
The very best you can buy....... January 11, 2006
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
This is simply the best! Don't waist you time and money on any others. The machine came in two boxes. One contained the base with motor and such. A big long box had the "Head" and other heavy stuff. Please note: Unless you like to see how macho you are, you better get a helper to unload and unpack the "Head" box. The assembly was very simple. After cleaning the light oil off of the tables and fence I ran through the set up procedure and found NOTHING that required adjustment. I made a lot of saw dust and everything works great. I stood a nickel on edge with the machine running and it never moved! I bought mine at the local Woodcraft store.
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