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Type of machine

Jointer

Manufacturer

Powermatic

Designed in

United States

Production status

New

Prices from

$8799.99

Specifications
Jointing width: 298 mm Power: 2237 W
Max jointing depth: 19 mm Tables length: 2133 mm
Type of Cutters: 42 helical head cutters Fence Tilt: -45 to 45 °
Fence length: 1200 mm
See detailed specs

Machine overview

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The Powermatic 1285 Helical Head is a 12-inch jointer and the second most expensive machine among Powermatic’s jointers. It is nearly identical to the Powermatic 1285 jointer, except for having helical head cutters instead of standard straight blades.

Two Versions

It is available in two versions: One with a single phase, 230V motor, and one version with a three phase motor that can be wired for 230V or 460V. So make sure your shop has the right electrics set up to handle the specific model you’re interested in.

Helical Head Cutters

The Helical Head model is about 20% more expensive than the 1285 with normal blades. Helical head cutters are quieter, last longer, easier to replace, and are better at handling difficult grain. This makes the upgrade quite attractive, especially considering that the standard 1285 has classic blades and not even quick-set standard blades.

Powermatic-1285-Jointer-Helical-Head-Cutterhead
The Helical or Spiral Cutterhead of the 1285HH

Rabbeting Ledge

In contrast to the smaller Powermatic jointers with helical head cutters, on the 1285 it is actually possible to use the rabbeting ledge. On the smaller models this is usually only possible on straight blade models.

Replacement Carbide Inserts: You can find replacement carbide cutter inserts for the Powermatic 1285HH on Amazon, or eBay. Ebay sells them a little cheaper, even though they seem to be exactly the same product.

Machine Atlas Verdict

Good build quality and helical head cutters. One of the best jointers of this size and price.

Value for money

A

Quality

AA

What we don't like

  • Setting accurate fence angles is finicky

What we like

  • Helical head cutters (quieter, last longer)
  • Long cast iron tables
  • Long, heavy, sturdy base
  • Parallelogram design (easy to change height of the tables)
  • Rabbeting possible

Prices

Find the lowest prices for the Powermatic 1285 Helical Head Jointer, updated daily

StorePrice
$8799.99
United States

Prices last updated: 2 year(s) ago

Discussion

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Detailed Specifications

All the specs and options for the Powermatic 1285 Helical Head Jointer

General
Weight (standard configuration)345 kg
Total height1117 mm
Total width965 mm
Motor
Motor Voltage3x 230V 1x 230V 3x 460V
Extra Features and Options
Rabbeting ledgeIncluded
Jointer
Jointing width298 mm
Max depth of cut19 mm
Tables length2133 mm
Type of cutters42 helical head cutters
Fence length1200 mm
Fence tilt-45 to 45°

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