Powermatic Air Filtration System, 5-Micron Filter, 1196 CFM, 115V 1Ph (Model PM1200)

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!

The Powermatic PM1200 is an impressive addition to my shop that relieves concerns about asthma interfering with my woodworking hobby. It moves an enormous volume of air, is vibration-free, and has an excellent remote control. But although well-engineered for the most part, I must point out (in the hope that someone at Powermatic reads this review) two problems:1. The shipping carton is wholly inadequate, consisting of a cardboard box, a thin layer of foam, and even thinner plywood panels; a mere gesture toward protection. Consequently, when I unpacked my unit I discovered extensive damage to the housing. One side was badly dented. However, the unit still operated normally, so, because of the difficulty of returning such a large and heavy item that had already been unpacked, I opted keep it.2. The removable front and rear panels covering the filters and diffuser (they are not at all difficult to remove, as mentioned in other reviews) are held in place by plastic tabs that are part of the plastic cover panel and intended to flex to exert light pressure against the steel housing. Of course, sooner or later the flexing will fatigue the plastic and the tab will break off and, in my case, it was sooner. One may have been broken during shipment and the second broke off the first time I removed the cover. I think that magnets embedded in the plastic cover would provide a more durable means of holding it in place.

I received my unit and from the outside the box appeared to be fine. Initial inspection of the case and two grills looked fine as well.Following the instructions, I removed the filters and I came across my first concern. The remote and mounting hardware are packaged in the inner filter. The mounting hardware shifted around enough during shipping to damage the inner filter. I figure no big deal, I'll get powermatic to ship a replacement filter and continued to unpack.After the inner filter was removed I can see the 4 Styrofoam blocks loosely tossed in the chassis. These should have been protecting the fan blower and motor. But they were doing nothing. While pulling those blocks out, I found the big issue. All four mounting bolts for the fan motor were laying loose in the chassis. They were not even screwed into the fan. The damage to the blower appears too severe to attempt to repair.Now I'm torn with whether I want to try another Powermatic unit or look for another manufacturer.One other problem with the unit is the front grill (inner grill inside the plastic grill) is missing a screw and is dented. I dont see how this unit could have received so much damage in shipping and have so little damage to the shipping box. I believe this is a serious manufacturing problem within Powermatic. Someone is seriously disgruntled on the manufacturing line.