Question on Powermatic 66 back rails


Embarrassed Newbie

Recommended Posts

I have purchased a used powermatic 66 to put in my new workshop that will be built over the next couple of months.  I'm planning to build a side extension table with router and an out feed table.  The powermatic is currently disassembled (fence, front, and back rails removed) and sitting in a corner of my garage.  In looking at the saw and planning the side extension and out feed tables, I see the back rails that should be on the on the saw.  But the Biesmeyer fence only seems to attach to the front rail.  Is there a reason that I need the back rail?  If I attach the back rail, that would be about a 2 inch gap between the saw and the out feed.  Can I just skip the back rail and make the out feed flush to the saw.  It would also help with the design of the side router table.  Is the back rail needed for additional rigidity?  Thanks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't have a PM66, but from pictures and my experience with other cabinet saws the back rail helps hold the extension wings straight and flat. Without that back rail I'd worry about the un-attached corner dipping or deflecting. Can you include an overhang on your outfeed to cover the gap?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The Biesmeyer system uses a angle iron at the back, and you can have an outfeed table with no gap.   If you still have the round 66 rail back there, it's not needed.  The PM round rail fence uses one both front and back, but they aren't used with a Biesmyer fence.  I have one of each.  If you don't have the back angle iron, you can probably get plans to make one if you can't buy just that back angle.

The back angle with the Biesmyer is just to be able to tie the side extension table to it.  I have an outfeed table sitting on that angle.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Who's Online   0 Members, 0 Anonymous, 25 Guests (See full list)

    • There are no registered users currently online
  • Forum Statistics

    31.2k
    Total Topics
    421.7k
    Total Posts
  • Member Statistics

    23,756
    Total Members
    3,644
    Most Online
    FaithMoody
    Newest Member
    FaithMoody
    Joined