Old Powermatic 66 question

[Jason White]

How are the older, green PM66 tablesaws (built in the 60's, 70's & 80's) different from the newer, yellow-colored ones?

I know the newer ones have the Biesemeyer-style fences, but what else is different? Will the snap-in type splitters work on the older models? Are the motors the same?

Just wondering. I see the older green ones pop up on Craigslist from time to time and wonder whether they're worth a look.

Jason

[Ben Martin]

Jason,

You will probably get a better answer for the particular differences if you post this question over at the forums OWWM. Also, what green are you talking about? There were two version, pea green which was 50's-60's and metallic green with the white racing stripe late 60' thru the 70's. I have 2 Powermatic machines, not 66s, but I am sure the quality is the same, I have a 1979 60 jointer and a 1984 1150 Drill Press, you would be hard pressed to find a machine of better quality.

Ben

[Chris Rosenberger]

The 60s & early 70s saws had wider trunion supports. The front trunion on the older saws was larger. The older saws had 3 belts. The newer saws have 2 belts.
With that said, I have in my shop a 1967 PM66 & a 1991 PM66 (new style). I can tell no difference in the saws when using them.

[Jason White]

Well, my understanding is that the Powermatic "66" came out in 1966. So that would rule out the 1950's.

I guess I'm thinking more of the darker green one with the racing stripe, as that's the older one I'm more familiar with.

Jason


Jason,

You will probably get a better answer for the particular differences if you post this question over at the forums OWWM. Also, what green are you talking about? There were two version, pea green which was 50's-60's and metallic green with the white racing stripe late 60' thru the 70's. I have 2 Powermatic machines, not 66s, but I am sure the quality is the same, I have a 1979 60 jointer and a 1984 1150 Drill Press, you would be hard pressed to find a machine of better quality.

Ben

[Jason White]

Interesting. Are they both left-tilt?

Jason


The 60s & early 70s saws had wider trunion supports. The front trunion on the older saws was larger. The older saws had 3 belts. The newer saws have 2 belts.
With that said, I have in my shop a 1967 PM66 & a 1991 PM66 (new style). I can tell no difference in the saws when using them.

[Ben Martin]

Well, my understanding is that the Powermatic "66" came out in 1966. So that would rule out the 1950's.

I guess I'm thinking more of the darker green one with the racing stripe, as that's the older one I'm more familiar with.

Jason

Haha, oops, yeah, I was thinking of some of the pea green 65s that I have seen.

[Brian Kerley]

I've got a 1966 PM66, with the racing stripe, and it cuts well. Yeah, it probably could use some cleaning up, but I've had it for the last 2 years and the thing is an ox. Not sure if its the original motor still, but I couldn't ask for a better saw, especially as it is my first TS I ever owned. Heck, it's almost 20 years older than I am :)

[Chris Rosenberger]

Interesting. Are they both left-tilt?

Jason

All the PM66s were left tilt. The darker green saws have the narrower trunion supports like the newer saws. The darker green saws have 3 belts as does my 1991 gold saw.

[Jason White]

I like the racing stripe!

Reminds me of the old muscle cars back in the 60's!

JW


I've got a 1966 PM66, with the racing stripe, and it cuts well. Yeah, it probably could use some cleaning up, but I've had it for the last 2 years and the thing is an ox. Not sure if its the original motor still, but I couldn't ask for a better saw, especially as it is my first TS I ever owned. Heck, it's almost 20 years older than I am :)

[Jason White]

Will the older models (1960's-1980's) take a snap-in splitter like the Biesemeyer?

JW

[Frank Drew]

I know the newer ones have the Biesemeyer-style fences

About the only thing I didn't like about my older Powermatic (Model 68? 70?) was the stock fence (Unisaw's wasnt any better, IMO); I got an aftermarket Biesmeyer just as they became available and it got my vote as the greatest improvement in woodworking machinery since the electric motor.

[Chris Rosenberger]

Will the older models (1960's-1980's) take a snap-in splitter like the Biesemeyer?

JW

Yes the Biesemeyer splitters will work in the PM66. I have them on my saws. There are 2 styles. One style fits saws made before 1978 & saws built after Oct 2000. The other style fits saw built between 1978 & Oct 2000.

Shark Guard also has a very nice splitter for the PM66. It comes with several splitters & it attaches with a lever bolt instead of a spring loaded pin. It has the same model year styles.

[Richard Precht]

All the PM66s were left tilt. The darker green saws have the narrower trunion supports like the newer saws. The darker green saws have 3 belts as does my 1991 gold saw.


By chance do you have a owner's / parts manual for your 1991 with the three pulley drive? I would love to get a copy or at least the parts list and the diagrams for the trunnion and stand assemblies. If you PM me I will give you my email so you can scan or photo them off to me? Thanks! Richard

[Dave Cav]

The Bies snap-in splitter will also work on a PM-65. It does on mine, anyway.

[Gregory King]

Richard: you are asking a question to an old thread. Not sure if any of the guys are still members and/or posting.

[Matt Day]

9 year old thread resssurection - impressive!

To answer your question, check out the vintagemachinery website.