Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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.
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Powermatic PM1200 1791330 Air Filtration SystemThe Powermatic PM1200 Air Filtration System uses a two-step filtration process to trap up to 99% of five-micron particles and 85% of one-micron particles. This unit can be operated at the cabinet or with the included remote radio frequency transmitter. It includes necessary hardware for mounting to the ceiling and comes with filter guards that can be installed and removed without tools.
Traps 99% of Five Micron and 85% of One-Micron ParticlesDesigned to strike the proper balance between air flow and filtration, the PM1200 is ideal for the professional woodworking shop, where dirt and debris can compromise air quality. The PM1200 uses two filter stages: the outer filter captures large particles and the inner filter catches the smaller particles that pass through the outer filter.
The electrostatic, disposable outer filter removes 99% of five-micron particles, while the inner filter captures 85% of one-micron particles and has high-mesh pockets that can be blown clean.
Readily-Available, Durable FiltersFor easy maintenance, the PM1200 uses intake filters measuring 24.0 x 12.0 x 1.0 inches (WxHxD), a readily available size. The exit filter does not require replacement and can be periodically cleaned with a vacuum or compressed air to ensure efficient operation.
Both the inlet and outlet filter guards are easy to install and remove without tools. The system grilles are secured via simple, finger-operated catches--they come off easily but stay securely in place during use.
Full Set of Controls to Save EnergyBecause woodworking shops have fluctuating levels of dust, the PM1200 features a full set of controls, all of which are conveniently located both on the system itself and on the included remote control with easy-to-read LCD screen. Set one of the three available speeds--Low (547 CFM), Medium (706 CFM), or High 1,196 (CFM)--to match current conditions and save on energy costs.
To ensure long-term performance, the PM1200 also boasts a programmable timer with nine settings for up to nine hours of operation, a re-settable pop-out fuse that protects the unit in case of a power surge, and a "change filter" light that automatically comes on after 200 hours of use.
The PM1200 is backed by a five-year warranty.
What's in the BoxAir filtration system; remote control with mounting bracket; nine-volt battery; four eye bolts; four hex nuts; four flat washers; manual; and warranty card.
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