Powermatic PM1200 1791330 Air Filtration System

by Powermatic

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The Powermatic PM1200 Air Filtration System uses a two-step filtration process to trap up to 99% of five-micron particles and 85% of one-micron particles. This unit can be operated at the cabinet or with the included remote radio frequency transmitter. It includes necessary hardware for mounting to the ceiling and comes with filter guards that can be installed and removed without tools.

The PM1200 Air Filtration System At a Glance: Double filtration system traps particles as small as 1 micron Remote control operates on radio frequency for wider range Includes timer with 9 settings for up to 9 hours of continuous operation Includes 4 eye bolts for suspension from shop ceiling Indicator lights up after 200 hours to remind user to replace filters

The PM1200's two-step filtration system captures particles as small as one micron. View larger.

The exit filter disperses clean air, providing you with a debris-free work environment. View larger.

Traps 99% of Five Micron and 85% of One-Micron Particles
Designed to strike the proper balance between air flow and filtration, the PM1200 is ideal for the professional woodworking shop, where dirt and debris can compromise air quality. The PM1200 uses two filter stages: the outer filter captures large particles and the inner filter catches the smaller particles that pass through the outer filter.

The electrostatic, disposable outer filter removes 99% of five-micron particles, while the inner filter captures 85% of one-micron particles and has high-mesh pockets that can be blown clean.

Readily-Available, Durable Filters
For easy maintenance, the PM1200 uses intake filters measuring 24.0 x 12.0 x 1.0 inches (WxHxD), a readily available size. The exit filter does not require replacement and can be periodically cleaned with a vacuum or compressed air to ensure efficient operation.

Both the inlet and outlet filter guards are easy to install and remove without tools. The system grilles are secured via simple, finger-operated catches--they come off easily but stay securely in place during use.

Full Set of Controls to Save Energy
Because woodworking shops have fluctuating levels of dust, the PM1200 features a full set of controls, all of which are conveniently located both on the system itself and on the included remote control with easy-to-read LCD screen. Set one of the three available speeds--Low (547 CFM), Medium (706 CFM), or High 1,196 (CFM)--to match current conditions and save on energy costs.

To ensure long-term performance, the PM1200 also boasts a programmable timer with nine settings for up to nine hours of operation, a re-settable pop-out fuse that protects the unit in case of a power surge, and a "change filter" light that automatically comes on after 200 hours of use.

The PM1200 is backed by a five-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Air filtration system; remote control with mounting bracket; nine-volt battery; four eye bolts; four hex nuts; four flat washers; manual; and warranty card.

The on-board panel and remote control allow you to use the PM1200 from anywhere. View larger.

Product Description

Includes PM1200 1/4 HP Air Filtration System - 1791330

See all Product Description

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 33 x 25 x 13 inches ; 65 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 65 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00169Q74M
• Item model number: PM1200
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,031 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #25 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Dust Collectors & Air Cleaners

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent quality and performance!, September 1, 2010

By 

rob45 - See all my reviews

This review is from: Powermatic PM1200 1791330 Air Filtration System (Tools & Home Improvement)

Most people who read these types of reviews are attempting to make a decision as to which brand or model to purchase. These units all have the same objective- move air through a filter.
I already had the JET AFS1000 installed in my shed, and it has performed well.

This past spring (March 2010) I set up an additional shop in the house basement in order to reduce shed utility costs during hot summer and cold winter months. For a while, I simply relocated the JET unit, but this did not last long before I decided to invest in an additional air filtration unit.
Originally, I intended to simply purchase another JET; however, after comparing the two I decided to order the Powermatic.
This is not so much a comparison to state which unit is better, but rather why I am very pleased with the PM1200.

COST: The JET unit wins here. When I purchased the AFS1000, it was a display model (last one in store) and I received a slight discount. To be fair, I need to compare stock pricing between the two.
At the time of my purchases (less than a year between the two), I paid more (about 15% more than the JET) for the PM1200. That said, the PM1200 is still worth every extra penny. If the budget is tight, the JET still gets the job done, albeit with more "quirks".

PACKAGING: The PM1200 arrived VERY well packaged. The box itself was constructed with thick, durable cardboard, and the foam shell was very high density. A nice touch is the fact that the foam motor supports inside the unit were sealed in plastic to avoid having to clean little pieces of foam out of the housing. (Note: My JET unit was purchased as a display model. It went from the store shelf to the back of the truck without packaging, so I cannot comment on packaging for it. But I suspect that it would be packaged similar to the PM.)

PERFORMANCE: AT high speed, the PM1200 is supposed to move more CFM than the JET AFS1000. I have not measured actual airflow between the two to determine this, as either unit is more than sufficient for my small shop needs.
However, I have the strong suspicion that the Powermatic has a better motor and fan design, because it is much quieter than the JET. I'm not going to disassemble each unit to actually see if they are the same or if there is a difference.
Were I to do measured tests between the two (I have not), I would suspect that the PM1200 moves an equal or greater amount of air with less noise and would also use less power to do it. Maybe someone else has already measured performance of these two units, but for now my time is better spent getting work done, and I am satisfied with my subjective comparison.

Whenever I moved the JET unit to the basement, I had problems with the remote. I have been told by others it is due to the fluorescent lighting. I do not have these problems with the PM1200. Being someone who considers himself "electronics technology impaired", I do not know if the remotes have different types of operation or if it is another cause, but I DO know that I have had no remote problems with the PM. So the JET stays in the shed with incandescent lighting, and the PM resides in the basement with the fluorescent lights.

Both of these units are supposedly sized to take standard "house furnace" filters for the outer filter. They slip right into the Powermatic; with the JET, I had to bend (read: mangle) the lips of the housing to accept the house filters. Perhaps my particular JET unit was slightly out of tolerance, but it is nice that I did not have to modify the Powermatic in any way.

AESTHETICS: Pick your favorite color. My shops are littered with all of them- gold/black, white/red, blue, green, red, etc. Some people are OCD about keeping all equipment the same brand, and that's OK, but I'm not. I simply purchase what I feel is the best that I can afford at the time I need it.
I DO like the black grilles on the PM1200. Sort of the difference between looking at a truck with a nice grille, and then looking at one with just the radiator. In this case, no impact on performance, but just presents a better image to me.
I suppose if one is working under similar conditions as mine (clumsy person working with long boards in tight confines), then the grilles can be thought of as extra protection to the filters, but other than that, they just "look" better.

SERVICE: Other than the fluorescent light problem with the JET mentioned above, I have not had any significant problems with either unit. I know that Powermatic has the best warranty (5 years). I have consulted with both companies in the past regarding other equipment, and have always received prompt, courteous service from each.

In conclusion, I am extremely satisfied with the PM1200. I feel it is definitely worth the money.
If I had to make another purchase, I would choose the PM1200 based on the reduced noise alone.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breath Easy, August 14, 2008

By 

Joseph Natishan (Stockton, NJ USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Powermatic PM1200 1791330 Air Filtration System (Tools & Home Improvement)

I purchased this particular air filtration unit because I respect Powermatic's reputation for selling good tools. I was not disappointed in any way.

(NOTE: This is my first and only air filter unit so I can't compare to other brands/models).

Delivery: CEVA trucking did a fine job with the delivery (although I think UPS would have been 2 days faster). The box arrived with no damage.

Packaging: Highest marks here. Enough styrofoam was used to protect the plastic end pieces and the styrofoam surrounding the motor was wrapped in plastic to help avoid having those incredibly annoying tiny pieces of styrofoam clinging to the tool walls (very smart). There was a large, fluorescent orange sticker detailing the unpacking steps on the plastic bag covering the unit. The manual was between the folds of the box which made it easy to find but it could easily be cut up if you're knife crazy.
The remote box and eyebolt bag were tucked inside the inner filter.

The tool: I was very impressed by the heftiness of the two removable plastic covers - nothing cheap there. The filter media also seemed to be of high quality and the paint finish was very good. Leave the filters and covers off until you hang the unit (it's lighter that way, makes it easier to lift the tool, and avoids damaging those parts). After installing the eyebolts on the tool, I was able to hang the unit from four 5/16 hooks using four stainless steel double clasps (dont' remember the proper name but they're rated for 130 lbs, got them at Lowes near the rope/chain stuff, about $6 each). Don't skimp on the hangers.
The unit weighs in the neighborhood of 60 lbs (slightly less without the covers/filters) and is best installed with help (I couldn't wait for my wife to come home but I was able to get it up anyway). An extra 2 feet of cord would have been nicer, but it was enough for my installation.

Operation: The remote is intuitive - power/fan speed/timer. The fan was very nicely balanced and quiet on the low setting not so bad on the high setting when it's really moving air. The high setting is 1196 cfm. For my home shop (25' x 20' x 8', approx. 4000 cu ft)that means an complete air change/filter every 3-4 minutes which compares pretty well with the OSHA compliant chemistry lab that I work in where the air changes about every 5-6 minutes through fume hoods. Sure its a particulate dust vs organic vapor comparison, but it's the only one that I've got.

Overall, 5 stars to Amazon for the sale (although I paid $379 on 8/5/08 and the price on 8/13/08 was $445), top marks to CEVA trucking, and highest marks to Powermatic.

Now, I just hope it lasts 10+ years! Gotta go make some walnut dust!

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PM1200 in a 1 car gara,.. I mean shop, August 14, 2008

By 

CDub (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Powermatic PM1200 1791330 Air Filtration System (Tools & Home Improvement)

I just got this air filtration unit. I did a lot of research after finally getting tired of a nagging cough after a few hours in the shop. My shop is a one car garage. I looked at two types in consideration of the space. The smaller bench-top units like the Jet AFS-500 and the smaller grizzly. I also looked at the larger traditional ceiling mount style, like the Jet-AFS 1000 and the JDS. I originally ordered the Jet AFS-400, which is unavailable by most vendors. The new Jet is smaller than the AFS-500 and moves 400 cuft per minute. I thought that would be a good compromise. Then the vendor told me they don't actually have the item and didn't know when they would. I didn't want to wait any longer. So I took that as a sign. Don't compromise on your health. So back to the bigger ceiling mounted units. When I looked at the specs on the PM, the Jet and the JDS the PM seemed the best. The dB rating was 50 on low and up to 60 on high. The jet was rated at 60 on low. I like quieter. Then I looked at the air movement. The PM moves more air than the Jet and JDS. And in my 10'x20' shop that means I can air changes every 2 minutes or so. The PM can use standard 12x24x1 outer filters. That was a big win over the Jet when you consider the price of Jet's filters. At the time the PM was 20 bucks more than the JDS and 100 more than the Jet. Normally I would go for the Jet as a price compromise. The PM was $379, which I figured would go up at any time, which it did. So I ordered the PM based on specs, reputation and value at the time.

As with the previous reviewer shipping was quick and solidly packed. The remote is nice and it is quiet on low, a little quieter than a dishwasher. I happen had both running at the same time. I put on my dust mask and kicked up some old settled dust and I could see the air around the lights clear up in a few minutes. It's probably more machine than I technically need for my shop, but considering it's for my lungs this was the time not to compromise. I'll just have to shop a little smarter for the next tool purchase.