Powermatic 54A 6" Straight Knife Jointer with Quick Set Knives - PM9-1791279DXK
Creating flat, straight surfaces is crucial in the quest to build elegant projects. Virtually all forms of joinery and the tools that cut them depend on straight edges and square cuts. The Powermatic 54A 6" Jointer makes it easy to achieve the high levels of accuracy you need in this always-crucial operation.
The 1 HP, 1Ph, 115/230V motor (pre-wired 115V) is factory-mounted within the base cabinet and can be converted to use 230V power should that be desirable. The motor is on a special mount within the base cabinet that allows the user to adjust belt tension should that become necessary. The base also contains the dust collection chute that evacuates debris from below the cutterhead. The chute guides that debris to the exterior 4" diameter port near the floor.
The Powermatic 54A Jointer features a 3-knife cutterhead fitted with adjustment cams that make setting critical knife height easy and extremely accurate. Each knife is 6-1/16" long, 3/4" tall and 5/64" thick and made from high quality steel. The knives are secured by a set of 4 gib screws and a gib plate.
At 7-1/4" wide and 66" long, the cast iron Powermatic 54A Jointer table is one of the longest available in this class and provides plenty of support for even large work pieces. The tables are precision-ground to insure flatness and each is mounted on dovetailed ways that keep them perfectly aligned through height changes.
The all cast iron 4" tall by 38" long fence system is, like the tables, precisely ground to assure straightness. The fence tilts up to 45° towards and away from the tables. Fully adjustable stops at 90° (vertical) and each 45° position make setup fast and help keep the 54A accurate with minimal maintenance.
The Powermatic 54A Jointer has been designed and built to make your wood straightening tasks easy and accurate. The heavy duty construction and materials mean that this machine will remain an important part of your woodworking shop for many years to come.
Features
- 66" long adjustable infeed and outfeed tables provide more working surface
- Built-in ledge for 1/2" rabbeting capacity
- Enlarged sheet metal stand provides a sturdy base
- Extra-long 38" two-way tilting fence with positive stops provides quick positioning for 90° or bevel cuts
- Fence controls are center mounted for convenience
- Fine/quick adjustment lever on infeed table for precision cuts
- Push button switch is lockable to prevent accidental starting
- Cutterhead features three high speed steel auto-set knives that automatically align themselves in the cutterhead
- Outfeed table height can be adjusted via handwheel
- Infeed table height adjusted using a unique lever system
Specifications
| Style (Type) |
Jointer |
| Cuts Per Minute |
18,000 |
| Cutterhead Diameter |
2-1/2" |
| Cutterhead Speed |
6,000 RPM |
| Cutting Capacity (W × D) |
6" × 1/2" |
| Table Dimensions (L × W) |
66" × 7-1/4" |
| Fence Dimensions (L × H) |
38" × 4" |
| Dust Collection Minimum Required |
600 CFM |
| Dust Port Outside Diameter |
4" |
| Infeed Table Length |
32-1/2" |
| Motor Amps |
13/6.5 Amps |
| Motor Phase |
1 Phase |
| Motor Power |
1 HP |
| Motor Voltage |
115/230V |
| Prewired Voltage |
115V |
| Number of Knives |
3 |
| Rabbeting Capacity |
1/2" |
| Type of Cutterhead |
Helical Style |
What our Experts Think
- The Powermatic 54A 6" Straight Knife Jointer with Quick Set Knives is a dependable choice for woodworkers who need accurate edge jointing, durability, and easy setup.
- The three auto-set high-speed steel knives align automatically in the cutterhead, helping reduce adjustment time and making knife changes faster.
- The 1HP motor with non-slip V-belt drive provides steady cutting power for everyday woodworking tasks and hardwood preparation.
- The 66" adjustable infeed and outfeed tables offer excellent support for longer boards, improving accuracy and control during jointing.
- The 38" tilting fence with 90° and 45° positive stops allows quick, repeatable setups for square and bevel cuts.
- The fine/quick depth adjustment system makes it easier to achieve precise material removal without slowing down workflow.
- The built-in rabbeting ledge and 4" dust port add versatility and support cleaner, more efficient shop operation.
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Expert verdict: A solid professional-grade jointer offering Powermatic reliability, convenient knife changes, and the precision needed for furniture and cabinetry projects.
Q&A
Q: What is the Powermatic 54A 6" Jointer?
A: The Powermatic 54A is a professional woodworking jointer designed for flattening boards, straightening edges, and preparing stock for precise joinery.
Q: What motor does the PM9-1791279DXK use?
A: It features a 1 HP, single-phase motor with 115/230V capability for dependable woodworking performance.
Q: What is the benefit of Quick-Set knives?
A: The three auto-set knives align quickly in the cutterhead, allowing faster blade changes and easier maintenance.
Q: What cutting capacity does this jointer offer?
A: It provides a 6-inch cutting width with up to 1/2-inch depth of cut for accurate surface preparation.
Q: How large is the jointer table?
A: It includes a 66-inch long adjustable infeed and outfeed table for improved support when working with longer boards.
Q: Does the fence provide accurate adjustments?
A: Yes, the 38-inch tilting fence includes positive stops at 90° and 45° for precise edge jointing and bevel cuts.
Q: Can this jointer create rabbets?
A: Yes, it includes a built-in rabbeting ledge with up to 1/2-inch rabbeting capacity.
Q: Does it support dust collection?
A: Yes, it includes a 4-inch dust port for efficient chip and dust removal.
Q: Is the Powermatic 54A suitable for professional workshops?
A: Yes, its heavy-duty construction, precision controls, and powerful motor make it ideal for serious woodworking applications.
Q: Why choose the Powermatic 54A Jointer?
A: It combines reliable power, quick knife setup, accurate adjustments, and durable construction for consistent woodworking results.
Maintenance Tips
- Clean dust, chips, and debris regularly from the chuck, spindle, table, and column.
- Keep the drill table and column clean and dry to prevent rust and maintain smooth adjustments.
- Inspect drill bits, chuck, and spindle regularly; replace worn accessories for accurate drilling.
- Lubricate moving parts, quill, and adjustment mechanisms to ensure smooth operation.
- Check the laser guide and alignment system periodically for accurate drilling placement.
- Keep speed controls and adjustment components clean for reliable performance.
- Inspect belts, motor parts, power cord, and electrical connections for wear.
- Tighten bolts, handles, and mounting hardware regularly to reduce vibration.
- Maintain a clean work area and proper ventilation around the drill press.
- Store the machine in a dry workshop environment when not in use.
Damage 
Loss 
Theft 
