Powermatic 64b VS pm1000 | Features, Performance, and Price Comparison

The Powermatic 64B and Powermatic PM1000 are both high-quality woodworking machines popular with professional woodworkers and hobbyists. Both saws are known for their precision, performance and durability, but they have some differences that may make one the better choice for your specific needs.

The Powermatic 64B is a 10-inch table saw designed for accuracy and ease of use. It features a powerful 1-3/4 horsepower motor and a solid cast iron table that provides a stable cut surface. The saw also features a built-in dust extraction system that keeps your work area clean and a variety of adjustable features that allow you to customize the saw to your specific needs.

The Powermatic PM1000 is also a table saw, with a 10-inch blade. Like the Powermatic 64B, it has a powerful motor, a solid cast-iron table, and a dust extraction system. One of the PM1000’s standout features is its Accu-Fence system, which allows you to make precise cuts with ease. The saw also has various adjustable features that allow you to customize it to your specific needs.

The Powermatic 64b and the pm1000 are of equal quality, but you have to choose one. Each device has its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will present and compare the features of the two saws. This way, each table saw can be used best for your interests.

Powermatic 64b

The Powermatic 64b features a left tilt arbor and 1-3/4 horsepower in dual voltage for a professional contractor. Its transparent blade guard has independent leaves, and the quick-release riving knife reduces the chance of kickback. 

It features a low-profile riving knife for non-through cuts and an arbor lock above the table that eliminates the need for dual-blade wrenches. The T-slot miter gauge has a rack-and-pinion angle setting, positive stops, and an extension plate for expanded workpiece support. 

The Powermatic 64B has a cast iron table, wings with a front edge bevel, and a larger working area with a melamine-surfaced wood extension table. The exclusive Accu-Fence system is available in 30 or 50-inch rip-cut capacity. Storage hooks on the stand keep your accessories within reach.

Pros

• Large working area
• Visibility
• Stationary
• Powerful
• Minimal kickbacks

Cons

• Large

Overview of the Powermatic Pm1000

The Powermatic PM1000 is affordable, and its design resembles the 64B closely. It is ideal for smaller hobbyist wood shops. If you do not want to spend a fortune but still want the quality and features of a cabinet saw, the pm1000 is the ideal cabinet saw.

The table top is made of cast iron and has a rip capacity of 30 inches, extendable up to 50 inches. The PM1000 accepts blades up to 10 inches, which results in a maximum cutting height of over 3 inches. 

For safety, it comes with two riving knives. The standard blade guard can be mounted, and a low-profile one. They rise and fall, and tilt according to the blade.

These riving knives can be removed and attached without tools. An arbor lock allows for one-handed blade changes using minimal tools. Its precision-ground cast iron work surface features a beveled edge for smoother operation. It has a toolless guard assembly with independent side leaves, which is easy to use. 

Pros

• Affordable 
• Ease of use
• No vibration
• Precise
• Smooth

Cons

• Sometimes it has alignment issues

Features of the Powermatic 64b

Fence system

Accu-Fence locks to rail without risking safety and precision. Powermatic Accu-Fence is for accurate, repeatable cuts and the fence is straightforward. It makes use of a simple lever to lock and unlock it. Moving the lever to the top allows you to remove the fence system.

Fences are not always properly aligned, meaning any fence system has to be fully adjustable. The Accu-Fence can be finely adjusted and set up to the miter slot and blade. Powermatic provides detailed instructions for this in their manual. 

Blade guard

Blade guard and riving knife have quick release for toolless mounting and removal. Its transparency gives you more visibility during operation.

Dust port

A built-in dust port increases dust collection efficiency.

Trunnion

Cast iron trunnion ensures smooth blade positioning, heavy-duty box trunnion, and concave teeth on the trunnion gears promote easier raising and tilting of the saw blade.

Handwheels

Chrome-trimmed handwheels are ergonomic, making the lathe tool comfortable to use. 

Miter-gauge

Micro-adjust miter gauge with extension plate offers wider crosscut support. The ironwork surface features a beveled edge for smoother operation.

Riving knife

The Riving knife maintains close blade proximity to reduce the chance of kickback. Riving knives are for safety when operating a table saw. standard riving knives do not allow through cuts because they stick above the saw blade.

 The Powermatic 64B is different because it comes with two riving knives: a standard one which the blade guard mounts, and a low-profile one. They rise and fall, and tilt according to the blade.

Cast-iron Tables

The tables of the Powermatic 64B are solid cast iron, which makes contractor-style table saws. The edges are beveled to allow workpieces to slide across the table. Cast iron tables are more likely to stay flat. When they arrive at your shop, always check this when you first get your machine. They also do not suffer much from wear and tear, adding extra weight to the saw, and making it more stable.

Features of Powermatic pm1000

Motor

It features a 1.75HP motor which is wired standard at 115V but can be rewired for 230V. Follow the instructions provided in the manual. 

Fence 

The Accu-Fence comes with HDPE sides, and a steel center, riding on a steel extrusion mounted to the side of the tabletop. 

Riving knives

The Powermatic PM1000 comes with two riving knives, one which can fit the blade guard, and has a low profile. It works on through cuts dados, and grooves. 

Closed base and  dust collection

The Powermatic PM1000 has a closed stand which helps to add rigidity and stability. The dust collection has also been improved.

Blade

The blade on the Powermatic PM1000 is surrounded by a dust shroud which catches most dust falling underneath the saw blade. That is how it ends up with a high-quality dust collection.

Switch

The PM1000 has an easy-to-reach, hands-free emergency off-switch. Turn it off by pressing the big red switch with your sides. That is handy if your hands are holding a workpiece on top of the table. That is an improvement, and it keeps your fingers safe by turning the machine off in time.

What could have been better?

Powermatic 64b

• It could have been smaller.

Pm1000

• Alignment issues could have been dealt away with. 

Similarities

• They have the same Accu-fence.
• Both have two riving knives.

Differences between Powermatic 64b and Powermatic PM1000

• The PM1000 has a closed stand, unlike the Powermatic 64b.
• The PM1000 has an easy-to-reach, hands-free emergency off-switch which the Powermatic 64b does not have.

The verdict

Powermatic 64b has cast-iron tables, a good fence, and is adjustable. These features are rarely found on other competing models. Combined with the other features mentioned above, it is available at an affordable price, making it a potential tool. If you are a small hobbyist, you can opt for the Powermatic pm1000. Overall, the Powermatic 64B and the Powermatic PM1000 are excellent table saws that can handle various cutting tasks. The main difference between the two is the size of the saw blade. The PM1000 has a larger saw blade better suited for cutting larger materials. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your specific needs and preferences.