Powermatic 2042335 Mobile Base

Our price:	$199.99
Manufacturer:	Powermatic

Average user rating: Average user rating: 3

Not the latest version

My latest toy is a Powermatic Model 66. This is one fine machine! However, for my particular shop arrangement I required the ability to move it around a bit. After researching the various manufacturers of mobile bases I decided upon the Powermatic version. For me, the real selling point was the improvement they had made to the wheel locking mechanism. The older style of lock was simply a bolt that you screwed into the surface of the wheel - not great- because it eventually galls the wheel. The new design incorporates a top positioned adjuster and tension band that allows a firmer capture of the wheel, without the former galling problem. I ordered what I thought was the newly designed base through Amazon but when I opened the box I discovered they had shipped the older, inferior version. On top of that the shipping box had a large hole in one side, one of the light weight plastic adjuster knobs was broken and one of the frame bolt sets was missing. I guess that's what I get for ordering a piece of equipment through the blind ended Amazon type of system. I should have purchased the base directly from a Powermatic distributor.

Powermatic Mobile base for the Mod 66 Tablesaw

There were 2 numbers for the mobile base for the PM Model 66. Even Powermatic could not tell me the difference!!. Anyway one was discontinued and Amazon[.com] sent the current base. Unfortunately if your saw is made BEFORE 1998,(mine is 1993)... you've got a problem!! You'll have to build a platform 1-1/2" high for the saw to sit on as pre-1998 saws are equipped with a rear dust port that prevents the cabinet from sitting down into the mobile base! PITA!.... My base also arrived with a broken wheel brake handle and a torn carton. The base you receive also will come in 2 pieces to be bolted together. Setting the saw in the base is NOT a one man project and it is helpful to have an engine hoist available as well. The wheels at the base of the saw are fixed and allow only side to side movement...this limits the usefullness of the base considerably. If I had known all this in advance, I would have had a base made locally using all swivel casters. I am considering returning the base.

Not as pictured

I have had this mobile base for approximately one year and have been very happy with it, but there are some failings. The mobile base I got from Amazon was not the one pictured. I guess they have a version that is easier to ship, but it is not all welded construction. The stand pictured above is cut in half and you have to insert four bolts to connect the left and right sides. I have heard of problems with long stands like this sagging in the middle, so the four bolts make a convient place to attach feet to stabilize the stand. Overall it has worked out well.