The Powermatic 87 is a heavy-duty 20-inch vertical bandsaw designed for both metalworking and woodworking applications. Built with a rugged cast iron frame, this industrial-grade machine is known for its exceptional rigidity, smooth cutting performance, and long service life. Whether cutting steel, aluminum, plastics, hardwoods, or composite materials, the Powermatic 87 delivers the versatility required in machine shops, fabrication facilities, tool rooms, and custom woodworking shops.
One of the standout features of the Powermatic 87 is its integrated blade welder and grinder, allowing operators to repair and fabricate blades directly on the machine. Combined with its infinitely variable blade speed transmission, large precision-ground tilting table, and heavy-duty trunnion assembly, the Powermatic 87 remains one of the most respected industrial vertical bandsaws ever built.
1. Heavy-Duty 20-Inch Vertical Bandsaw
20-inch throat depth provides generous cutting capacity.
Suitable for contour cutting, profile cutting, tool making, and production work.
Handles both metal and wood with equal efficiency.
Tip: The large throat allows operators to machine oversized workpieces without repositioning.
2. Industrial Cast Iron Construction
Heavy cast iron frame minimizes vibration.
Provides excellent cutting stability and long-term accuracy.
Built for continuous industrial use.
Tip: Rigid construction significantly improves blade life and cutting precision.
3. Integrated Blade Welder & Grinder
Built-in blade welder repairs broken blades quickly.
Integrated grinder prepares smooth, strong blade welds.
Ideal for making custom-length blades and internal contour cuts.
Tip: On-machine blade welding minimizes downtime during production.
4. Infinitely Variable Blade Speed
Blade speed adjustable from 40 to 4,500 FPM.
Covers both slow-speed metal cutting and high-speed woodworking.
Speed adjustment via convenient hand-wheel control.
Tip: Select lower speeds for hardened metals and higher speeds for wood and plastics.
5. Two-Speed Gearbox
High and low transmission ranges.
Optimizes torque and cutting performance across various materials.
Smooth transition between operating ranges.
Tip: Low gear improves cutting efficiency on thick steel and stainless steel.
6. Quik-Set Speed Selector
Adjust blade speed without stopping the machine.
Fast and precise speed adjustment.
Enhances operator productivity.
Tip: Fine-tuning blade speed improves surface finish and blade longevity.
7. Large Precision Tilting Table
Table Size: 24" × 24"
Tilts 45° right and 15° left
Supports bevel cutting and complex fabrication work.
Tip: Large work surface improves support for oversized materials.
8. Excellent Blade Compatibility
Uses 151-inch blades.
Accepts blade widths from 1/8" to 1".
Supports everything from intricate contour work to heavy straight cuts.
Tip: Narrow blades are ideal for tight-radius curves, while wider blades maximize straight-cut accuracy.
9. Powerful Industrial Motor
Available with 1.5 HP to 2 HP motors.
Heavy-duty versions equipped with motors up to 5 HP.
Delivers consistent cutting performance under heavy loads.
Tip: Higher horsepower models excel in continuous industrial production.
10. Heavy-Duty Electrical System
Operates on 230/460V, 3-Phase power.
Designed for commercial and industrial facilities.
Reliable electrical performance for demanding applications.
Tip: Three-phase power ensures smoother motor operation and improved efficiency.
11. Dust-Proof Enclosed Base
Fully enclosed cabinet protects internal components.
Reduces contamination from dust and metal chips.
Simplifies maintenance.
Tip: Clean drive components extend machine lifespan.
12. Heavy-Duty Single-Action Trunnion
Supports the work table securely.
Maintains alignment during heavy cutting.
Improves long-term accuracy.
Tip: A rigid trunnion helps maintain precise bevel cuts.
It is a heavy-duty 20-inch vertical bandsaw designed for both metalworking and woodworking.
The Powermatic 87 offers a 20-inch throat capacity.
Approximately 12 inches under the blade guide.
It uses a 151-inch bandsaw blade.
Blade widths from 1/8 inch to 1 inch.
Yes. Its variable speed transmission allows cutting a wide variety of materials.
Infinitely variable from 40 to 4,500 FPM.
Yes. It features an integrated blade welder and grinder.
Typically a 24" × 24" precision-ground work table.
Yes. It tilts 45° right and 15° left.
Most machines feature 1.5 HP to 2 HP, while some industrial versions use 5 HP motors.
230/460 Volt, 3-Phase electrical supply.
Approximately 1,250 lbs (567 kg).
Machine shops, fabrication facilities, tool rooms, pattern shops, and woodworking manufacturers.
Its cast iron construction, integrated blade welder, variable speed drive, and industrial durability have made it one of Powermatic's most respected vertical bandsaws.
| Blade Length inches | 151" |
| Min/Max Blade Width | 1" to 1" |
| Machine Type | Combo |
| Throat Capacity | 20 in |
| Maximum Cutting Height | 12 in |
| Blade Length | 151 in |
| Blade Width Range | 1/8" – 1" |
| Blade Thickness | Depends on application |
| Blade Speed | Infinitely Variable (40–4,500 FPM) |
| Gearbox | 2-Speed Transmission |
| Speed Adjustment | Quik-Set Variable Speed Selector |
| Table Size | 24" × 24" |
| Table Tilt | 45° Right, 15° Left |
| Motor Power | 1.5–2 HP (up to 5 HP on heavy-duty models) |
| Voltage | 230/460V |
| Phase | 3-Phase |
| Blade Welder | Integrated |
| Blade Grinder | Integrated |
| Trunnion | Heavy-Duty Single-Action |
| Base Construction | Fully Enclosed Dust-Proof Cabinet |
| Approximate Weight | 1,250 lbs (567 kg) |
| Applications | Metalworking, Woodworking, Tool Rooms, Fabrication, Pattern Shops |
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