Finally decided to pull the trigger to upgrade my jointer and planer and Powermatic got the vote. Now, the wait for equipment from overseas. I got a mobile base for the jointer and it shipped from Tennessee the next day. The first one arrived with the box intact but it had significant paint loss and a dent. Going through the dealer for remedy got a response from Powermatic they would ship a replacement after I provided proof the defective one was destroyed. So, I cut it up and sent the dealer a photo ... then UPS showed up 3 hours later with the replacement. Same issues with 2nd one as first.
It's obvious to me the prep (degreasing and priming) for painting was lacking and the packing was inadequate. This could become a do loop, so I am getting a quote to have it powder coated. The bigger issue for me is the response from Powermatic lacked contrition and put additional burden on me to the point I am thinking about canceling the whole thing. Hoping my experience is the exception rather than the rule and am interested if others have had positive or negative experience with Powermatic. Thanks in advance for your time.