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Powermatic drill presses are of unparalleled quality, known for their precision, power, and durability. They are a favored tool in professional workshops and enthusiast garages alike for their exceptional build, versatile application, and significant performance enhancements. Delving into the Powermatic drill press market, though, can be quite the task due to the plethora of options. As such, selecting the best Powermatic drill press for your requirements is crucial to the quality of your work.
An excellent Powermatic drill press should offer stability, precision, and sufficient power for your particular tasks. It should come with an adjustable speed system, a robust and reliable motor, and various other features to ease your work. Choosing a subpar drill press could result in imprecision, tedious operation, and potential damage to your project.
For this reason, irrespective of whether your main activities revolve around woodworking, metalworking, or construction, you should take a careful grasp of the significant components and merits of each drill press model. By finding a solid balance between your unique needs and the available features, you can then select the optimal Powermatic drill press for your endeavors.
While preparing this guide, we have closely assessed various Powermatic drill presses across a spectrum of quality measures. As such, this article will lead you all the way as you navigate the selection process, giving you detailed insights into top-tier Powermatic drill presses available in the market. By the end, you will have all the necessary knowledge to opt for the best model capable of accommodating your work requirements seamlessly and efficiently.
Best Powermatic Drill Press
Selecting the most appropriate Powermatic drill press is instrumental to your work quality and efficiency. Your selection should be contingent on your specific needs, workplace setup, and the type of task the press will typically execute. With countless options on the market, making an informed decision can be challenging. Hence, we have meticulously evaluated and tested a gallery of Powermatic drill presses to help you get the best possible press for your workshop.
Powermatic 18-Inch Woodworking Drill Press, Variable Speed, 1 HP, 1Ph 115/230V (PM2800B)
If you’re looking for a powerful and versatile drill press, the Powermatic PM2800B is a great option.
Pros
- The 1 HP motor delivers plenty of power for even the toughest jobs.
- The 5/8″-20 spindle accepts a wide range of bits and accessories.
- The 5-1/8″ quill stroke provides ample depth of cut for mortising and other heavy-duty tasks.
Cons
- The worktable could be larger for more flexibility in working with larger pieces.
- The 110V motor may not be as efficient as a 220V motor for some users.
- The price point may be a bit high for those on a tight budget.
We’ve used the Powermatic PM2800B for a variety of woodworking projects, and it has always delivered excellent results. The 1 HP motor provides plenty of power, and the variable speed options allow for precise control when working with different materials.
One of the standout features of this drill press is the 5/8″-20 spindle, which accepts a wide range of bits and accessories. This makes it incredibly versatile, and we’ve been able to use it for a variety of tasks, from drilling holes to sanding and shaping.
The 5-1/8″ quill stroke is also a great feature, as it provides ample depth of cut for mortising and other heavy-duty tasks. This is especially useful for those who work with larger pieces of wood.
However, the worktable could be larger for more flexibility in working with larger pieces. Additionally, the 110V motor may not be as efficient as a 220V motor for some users. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for those on a tight budget.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful and versatile drill press, the Powermatic PM2800B is definitely worth considering.
Powermatic PM2820EVS Magnetic Tool Strip
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty magnetic tool holder that can keep your tools organized and within reach, the Powermatic PM2820EVS Magnetic Tool Strip is a great option.
Pros
- The high-grade neodymium magnets are super strong and can hold up to 110 pounds of ferrous tools and accessories.
- The tool holder is compatible with any magnetic tool holder accessory and can be expanded in both length and width.
- The heavy-duty steel construction is built to last a lifetime and the durable powder-coated paint finish is chip and rust-resistant.
Cons
- The tool holder is quite heavy, weighing in at 3 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The sticky tape that comes with the tool holder may not be strong enough to hold it in place on some surfaces.
- The tool holder may not be suitable for use with non-ferrous tools.
We’ve been using the Powermatic PM2820EVS Magnetic Tool Strip to keep our drill bits and other small tools organized while we work. The high-grade neodymium magnets are incredibly strong and can hold a surprising amount of weight, making it easy to keep our tools within reach without having to constantly bend down to retrieve them. The tool holder is also expandable, so we can add more accessories as needed.
One thing to keep in mind is that the tool holder is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around. However, we’ve found that the strong adhesive backing makes it easy to mount the tool holder to our workbench or other surfaces. The sticky tape that comes with the tool holder is strong enough to hold it in place on most surfaces, but it may not be suitable for use on very smooth or slippery surfaces.
Overall, we’re very impressed with the Powermatic PM2820EVS Magnetic Tool Strip and would highly recommend it to anyone in need of a heavy-duty magnetic tool holder.
Powermatic 15-Inch Variable-Speed Floor Drill Press, 3/4 HP, 115V (PM2815FS)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty floor drill press that can handle even the toughest jobs, the Powermatic 15-Inch Variable-Speed Floor Drill Press is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 3/4 horsepower, 115-volt motor provides plenty of power for drilling through even the hardest materials.
- The 5/8-inch, 15-inch, two-speed (1,725 and 3,450 RPM) belt drive system allows for quick and easy belt changes, and the 15-inch drilling depth provides ample clearance for even the largest workpieces.
- The cast-iron base and machine head provide superior stability and rigidity, while the oversized worktable with 1-1/2-inch-diameter drill hole and 2-1/2-inch clearance under the table allow for easy clamping of workpieces.
Cons
- The price point may be a bit high for those on a tight budget.
- The machine is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around once it’s set up.
- Some users have reported issues with the spindle lock, which can make it difficult to change bits.
We’ve had the opportunity to use the Powermatic 15-Inch Variable-Speed Floor Drill Press, and we can confidently say that it’s a top-notch machine. The 3/4 horsepower motor provides plenty of power for even the toughest jobs, and the 5/8-inch, 15-inch, two-speed belt drive system makes it easy to switch between speeds and change belts as needed. The cast-iron base and machine head provide superior stability and rigidity, while the oversized worktable with 1-1/2-inch-diameter drill hole and 2-1/2-inch clearance under the table make it easy to clamp workpieces in place.
One thing to keep in mind is that the machine is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around once it’s set up. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the spindle lock, which can make it difficult to change bits. However, overall we would highly recommend the Powermatic 15-Inch Variable-Speed Floor Drill Press to anyone in need of a heavy-duty drill press.
Powermatic Benchtop Mortiser, 3/4″ Chisel, 5-1/2″ Stroke, 1Ph 115/230V (Model PM701)
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient mortising machine, the Powermatic Benchtop Mortiser is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The cast iron base provides stability and prevents tipping, even during heavy-duty applications.
- The automatic worktable feed and reverse feature allows for quick and easy mortising with minimal effort.
- The adjustable worktable with locking clamps makes it easy to adjust the height of the workpiece to achieve the desired mortise depth.
Cons
- The 1/3 horsepower motor may not be sufficient for some heavy-duty applications.
- The machine is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The machine may produce a lot of dust during operation, which may require additional cleaning.
The Powermatic Benchtop Mortiser is a versatile and efficient machine that can handle a variety of tasks, from cutting mortises in solid hardwood to cutting mortises in oak, maple, cherry, and other woods. The cast iron base provides stability and prevents tipping, even during heavy-duty applications, while the automatic worktable feed and reverse feature allows for quick and easy mortising with minimal effort.
One of the standout features of this machine is the adjustable worktable with locking clamps, which makes it easy to adjust the height of the workpiece to achieve the desired mortise depth. This feature saves time and ensures that the mortises are cut to the correct depth every time.
However, the 1/3 horsepower motor may not be sufficient for some heavy-duty applications, and the machine is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the machine may produce a lot of dust during operation, which may require additional cleaning.
Overall, the Powermatic Benchtop Mortiser is a reliable and efficient machine that is well-suited for a variety of tasks. If you’re in the market for a mortising machine, this one is definitely worth considering.
Powermatic 20-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press, 1Ph 120V (PM2820EVS)
If you’re looking for a drill press that can handle heavy-duty tasks, the Powermatic 20-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press is worth considering.
Pros
- The drill press has a cast iron base that ensures stability and reduces vibration.
- The variable speed range of 50-3600 RPM allows for precise control of the drilling process.
- The 5/8-inch, 16-spline, reversible belt drive system allows for easy belt changes and offers a range of drum and arbor sizes.
Cons
- The drill press is quite heavy, weighing in at 140 pounds.
- The price point is higher than some other drill presses on the market.
- The motor power is 1 horsepower, which may not be enough for some heavy-duty tasks.
We’ve used the Powermatic 20-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The cast iron base is sturdy and reduces vibration, making it easy to make precise drills. The variable speed range is a great feature, as it allows us to adjust the speed to the material we’re working with. The belt drive system is also a plus, as it makes it easy to change the belts and offers a range of drum and arbor sizes.
One thing to note is that the drill press is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the price point is higher than some other drill presses on the market, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. Finally, the motor power is 1 horsepower, which may not be enough for some heavy-duty tasks.
Overall, we think the Powermatic 20-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press is a great option for those looking for a drill press that can handle heavy-duty tasks. Its sturdy base, variable speed range, and belt drive system make it a great investment for those who need a reliable and precise drill press.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best Powermatic drill press, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key features to look for:
1. Drill Press Type
There are three main types of drill presses: benchtop, floor-standing, and compact. Benchtop models are the most affordable and compact, but they also have the least amount of power and workspace. Floor-standing models are more expensive, but they offer more power and workspace. Compact models are a good option for those with limited space.
2. Horsepower
The horsepower of a drill press determines how much power it has to handle heavy-duty tasks. For most woodworking projects, a drill press with at least 1 horsepower is recommended. However, if you plan to work with harder materials, you may want to consider a drill press with more horsepower.
3. Spindle Speed
The spindle speed of a drill press determines how fast the drill bit can spin. A higher spindle speed is generally better for cutting through hard materials, but it may also increase the risk of breakage. It is important to choose a drill press with a spindle speed that is appropriate for the materials you will be working with.
4. Worktable Size
The worktable size of a drill press determines how much workspace you have to work with. A larger worktable is generally better for larger projects, but it may also take up more space in your workshop. It is important to choose a drill press with a worktable size that is appropriate for your needs.
5. Accessories
Many drill presses come with accessories such as different drill bits, clamps, and worktable attachments. It is important to consider which accessories are included with the drill press and whether they are appropriate for your needs.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best Powermatic drill press for your needs.
