Customer Reviews:
 PM1200 in a 1 car gara,.. I mean shop August 15, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
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.
Breath Easy August 14, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
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!
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