Customer Reviews

Powermatic PM1200 1791330 Air Filtration System

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

The PM1200 works great and is a really heavy duty system. I would have given it 5 out of 5 stars if I hadn't gotten a defective unit the first time around.

The first unit I received was clearly damaged before it was even boxed up. The damage had nothing to do with shipping and can only be attributed to poor quality control on Powermatic's part. The metal flanges on the blower motor mount were bent which prevented several of the screws from properly attaching the motor assembly to the outer shell. In fact I found two of the mounting screws rolling around inside the unit.

Other than the bent motor mounts, I was impressed with the quality of the construction and decided to give Powermatic one more chance and ordered a replacement. I'm glad I did because I'm very happy with the new air cleaner.

Received subject system via UPS. No visual damage to the packaging or to the unit itself. During my test run, there was excessive vibration and metal to metal scrapping noise. I completely disassembled the unit and discovered the fan assembly was not running true. There was about 1/4inch "out of true" wobble.

Called Powermatic and they sent me a replacement fan in 3 days. Excellent service. Installed the new fan and all noise and vibration stopped. Managed to cut my finger when handling the fan assembly as it has many sharp edges. Used gloves when installing the new fan and had no problems.

Mounted the fan to the ceiling.....used 3"extension springs in the ceiling connection. Not sure this was necessary but there is absolutly no vibration or noise transmitted thru the ceiling to the bedroom above.

Have cleaned the filters twice in 1 month of operation and the filters were filthy....so the unit is working well.

So far an excellent purchase. I found it strange that the mounting holes were 15 1/8" by 24 1/2". That doesn't fit standard joists which are 16" on center either way you hang it. I ended up drilling new holes (15 1/8" by 16") in the end opposite the blower motor so I could hang it across the joists. Seems to work okay. Sure don't understand the reason behind the way they spaced the mounting holes.

I wanted to leave this review on the power matic air cleaner because when i was looking to buy one there are many mixed reviews i read on all other air cleaners in theis price range. I cant speak for other air claeners since i never used any of them but i couldnt be happier with this one.

first off the packaging was grea, very srong box and styrofoam. It was extreamly simple to hand and hook up, i had it up and running in about 30 minutes from the time i opened the box. I hung it on two pieces of unistrut with 8 inch heavy duty chains and it worked out well.

after i got it running i decieded to give it a work out, just a couple days before i got my first dust collector so needless to say i had a serious amount of dust in every corner and crevus of the shop, truly it was really bad. So i threw on my mask and a pair of goggles and fired up the air compressor and blew out ever bit of dust i could find. It was so bad i couldnt see 5 feet in front of me. I closed the doors set the cleaner to hi and came back about 15 minutes later and the air was cleaner than its ever been. very little settled back down, did it agian and since the the shop really is dust free.

Overall :

the filters are easy to change, the sound on hi is not bad at all, the RF remote is great and it truly does a great job.

If you need a air cleaner just buy this and call it a day!!!

Receive unit undamaged, packing was good, one corner of shipping carton was damaged but the air filter undamaged.

The unit appears well made, love the remote control and 3 spd control setting and the timer. Easy to hang with supplied hardware, (eyebolts), you must supply chain or cable. Filter system will be easy to change.

Was a little disappointed it was made in Taiwan, would prefer USA.

I would recommend to anyone.

I've looked for a workshop air filter for a long time. My dust collection unit is located outside (in a shed) so I've been reluctant to invest in an air filter, but I was wrong to wait. The dust collector does not move the air as effectively, and does not collect from open air anywhere near as well.

On first use I used my air compressor to blow off dust and sawdust that always settles on everything (with my respirator and goggles). The foggy workshop cleared in under 5 minutes! And I mean CLEAR. The air seemed cleaner than it ever had been. Also great was I didn't see any re-settling of dust. I guess the volume of air movement combined with the in-shop exhaust keeping the air moving really did the trick. The shop was even cleaner than when I use a blue max 6" blower vented outside. (Still use that for VOCs.). I especially like having the exhaust filter which dissipates the air blast, but is removable.

As large as the unit is, it is lighter than I expected (relatively, anyway). Very strong build. Good thickness of steel. The front and rear grills are very thick and heavy plastic. I can't see any type of incidental impact damaging this thing. I think the second biggest surprise was the lack of vibration. As fast as this motor runs at max speed I expected some rumble and vibration. Nothing. Very stable and quieter than expected. And, finally, the RF remote is full function and is very convenient since you don't have to aim it.

In this price range I think this is clearly the superior unit, and I highly recommend it.

The air filter works great for my basement shop but the packaging was skimpy and it arrived with dents on both sides. Not Powermatics fault but I wish I'd waited and bought it at a woodstore on sale and not have to live with dents our ship it back.