Powermatic PM1800 (1791800) 18-Inch 1-Phase 230V 5HP Band Saw

Designed with an enormous 18-inch resaw, multi-step blade tension and precision blade guides, the Powermatic PM1800 (1791800) 5-horsepower band saw is built from high-quality steel and cast iron to handle your bandsawing needs effortlessly for many years to come. Driven by a tough 5-horsepower, 1-phase motor, the Powermatic 1791800 offers plenty of power to handle heavy workloads for hours on end.

PM1800 (1791800) 18-Inch Band Saw At a Glance: 5-horsepower motor with two-step drive pulley system Micro-adjustable, virtually tool-less bearing guide system for close blade control Blade tension lever with full tension, partial tension, and release settings for easy blade changes Large 24-inch-by-24-inch cast iron table Heavy-duty T-style rip fence with adjustable aluminum resaw fence One-year limited warranty

Power and Control

The Powermatic PM1800 (1791800) transmits power from its 5-horsepower motor to a two-step drive pulley system via a tough Poly-V belt, which is known for a smooth, slip-free transmission. Changing the belt between the 1,800 FPM (feet per minute) and 4,200 FPM blade speed pulley positions is easy thanks to the belt tensioning controls conveniently placed on the outside of the lower cabinet near the motor. The motor is controlled and protected by an industrial-style magnetic switch, which protects the motor from potentially damaging voltage variations as well as prevents it from restarting unexpectedly should the power be interrupted and then be restored.

Blade Wheels

The oversized 18-1/2-inch blade wheels are crafted from high-quality iron castings that are precisely machined, painted, and even fitted with the tires before they're computer balanced--ensuring optimal strength and smooth operation. Both the upper and lower wheels run on dual high-quality ball bearings to further ensure minimal drag and an extended life.

Precise Tensioning

The blade-tensioning system features a large cast-iron hand wheel that operates a special Acme threaded screw that moves the blade mount block up and down. The Acme thread design keeps effort low, with the motion smooth yet relatively quick. The 1791800 is equipped with a large arm that takes blade tension through three settings quickly and with minimal effort. The full tension position applies the full tension as currently set to the blade for making cuts, and the full release position lowers the upper wheel fully to make changing blades faster and easier.

Table and Fence System

The Powermatic 1791800 features a spacious 24-square-inch cast-iron table that is precisely ground to ensure flatness, and it can tilt 45 degrees to the right and 15 degrees left. A specially designed stop makes returning the table to level (90 degrees to the blade) fast and accurate. A unique moveable disc on the frame allows the sturdy table stop to pass into the frame, enabling the 15-degree tilt to the left without having to change the stop setting.

A precisely machined aluminum table insert surrounds the blade. Three leveling screws in the flange allow setting the insert dead flush with the table surface for smooth, catch-free cutting. A 30-inch-by-6.5-inch extruded aluminum fence slides along the fence arm on a steel guide rail, allowing it to be adjusted front-to-back as needed. The fence has rail guides in two positions so that it can be used upright or laying flat on the table for maximum utility.

What's in the Box

One Powermatic PM1800 (1791800) 18-inch band saw, and operating and assembly instructions.

Specifications Motor: 5 horsepower, 1 phase, 21 amp, 230 volt Cutting capacity: 18 inches (width and height) Saw blade: 1/16-inch minimum; 1-1/2-inch maximum Table dimensions: 24 square inches Table tilt: 15 degrees left, 45 degrees right Miter gauge positive stops: 45 degrees and 90 degrees Dimensions: 38 inches by 38 inches by 81 inches (assembled) Weight: 806 pounds Warranty: 1 year, limited

The large, extruded aluminum fence can be used lying flat on the table (left) or upright (right).