Powermatic PWBS-14 - Manual (Page 2)

To help capture dust from above the table we developed a special
insert plate with a grid of through holes. This creates a vacuum
source surrounding the blade at the table surface to catch much
of the dust other bandsaws leave on the surface.
A perforated insert surrounds the
blade with dust collection ports.
We also added a dust brush that helps keep the lower drive wheel
tire clean. This simple device limits the amount of dust that
transfers on the blade to the upper wheel tire and cabinet. The
result is cleaner, cooler-running blades and less dust
contamination of the drive wheel tires.
To help keep the cut line clearly visible we added an integral air pump that supplies pressurized
air to a nozzle attached to the upper blade guide. The air nozzle can be adjusted to keep dust
from obscuring cut lines to allow you to work more accurately with fewer stops.
Power and Drive
The POWERMATIC PWBS-14 Bandsaw is powered by a 1 1/2HP TEFC (totally enclosed fan
cooled) industrial-style motor that comes wired for 115V operation but can be converted to
230V. Because POWERMATIC motors are rated at the continuous duty horsepower they
produce and not a “peak” or “developed” number, blade speed remains stable and effective.
The motor power is delivered through a set of precision-machined multi-groove pulleys, driven
by a Poly-V belt, known for it’s smooth, efficient transmission of power with very little
temperature buildup. These qualities also give Poly V-belts a very long life.
Both wheels ride on power-
saving, high-quality ball bearings
that keep them tracking straight
today and for many years to
come.
The substantial motor power of
the POWERMATIC PWBS-14
Bandsaw allows using cast iron
drive wheels rather than
aluminum or cheap pot metals.
The additional weight of cast
iron wheels absorbs blade-
generated vibrations and imparts
a flywheel effect that stabilizes blade speed when the cutting gets tough.
The motor (left) is pre-installed in the enclosed base and sends its power
through machined pulleys and an ultra-reliable Poly V-belt. The 9-spoke
cast iron drive wheels (right) are fully machined, painted and fitted with
tires before being dynamically balanced.
Both cast iron drive wheels are fully machined, painted and fitted with high quality tires and then
dynamically balanced to insure smooth operation. The tires have a special crown shape that helps
stabilize blade tracking. The drive wheels turn on high-quality ball bearings for a long, smooth
running life.