Drill presses by Powermatic are renowned for their precision, durability, and robust performance. Designed to cater to both home and professional workshops, they utilize modern technology to ensure optimal efficiency. However, selecting the right drill press depends on various factors such as particular project needs, the type of materials to be drilled, budget limitations, and more. Ultimately, the best choice is largely determined by the user’s specific requirements.
It’s essential to acquire the correct Powermatic drill press for your projects. The ideal drill press should be durable, powerful, accurate, and should come equipped with safety features. Using the wrong drill press can lead to inefficiency, inaccurate drilling, and potential safety hazards.
When purchasing a Powermatic drill press, it’s critical to consider factors like swing, drilling depth, spindle travel, horsepower, and the number of speed variations. Moreover, the drill press should come with a secure, adjustable worktable, and maintainable chuck and belt-tensioning system. By ensuring that these features are present in your chosen drill press, you can be assured of its effectiveness, precision, and reliability.
In this article, from rigorous testing and meticulous study, we’ll guide you through choosing the best Powermatic drill press to fit your needs and budget. Our comprehensive research will help shed light on the best options that promise superior performance and durability. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to make an informed decision on the best Powermatic drill press that will take your woodworking or metalworking projects to the next level.
Best Powermatic Drill Presses
Selecting the right Powermatic drill press is crucial to your work’s precision, speed, and overall productivity. Delivering on these factors, Powermatic offers a diverse range of drill presses that will cater to various needs and budget ranges. Due to this extensive range, choosing the most suitable one for your intended projects can be a daunting task. In this article, we have gathered and tested an array of the best Powermatic drill press options on the market, factoring in their technical features, user-friendliness, and durability to help you make the right choice.
Powermatic 20-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press, 1Ph 120V (PM2820EVS)
If you’re looking for a drill press that offers a wide range of speed options, the Powermatic 20-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press is a great choice.
Pros
- The 3/4 HP motor provides plenty of power for most drilling tasks.
- The 5-1/8″ quill stroke offers greater depth of cut capability.
- The cast-iron base provides stability and durability.
Cons
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious buyers.
- The weight of the machine may make it difficult to move around.
- The lack of a work light may make it difficult to see small details.
We’ve used the Powermatic 20-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press for a variety of projects, and we’ve been impressed with its performance. The motor provides plenty of power, and the wide range of speed options (ranging from 170 to 4,000 RPM) allows for precise control and smooth operation.
The 5-1/8″ quill stroke is also a nice feature, as it allows for greater depth of cut capability. This is especially useful when working with thicker materials.
The cast-iron base provides stability and durability, which is important when working with heavy materials. The belt-drive system also helps to reduce vibration and noise.
While the price point may be a bit high for some buyers, we believe that the Powermatic 20-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press is a solid investment for those who need a reliable and powerful drill press. The weight of the machine may also be a consideration for those who need to move it around frequently.
Overall, we highly recommend the Powermatic 20-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press for those who need a powerful and precise drill press for their woodworking projects.
Powermatic PM2820EVS Magnetic Tool Strip (1792822)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty magnetic tool holder that can keep your workspace organized, the Powermatic PM2820EVS Magnetic Tool Strip might be a good choice for you.
Pros
- The 40″ length of the tool holder allows you to hang an impressive amount of tools, making it perfect for large workspaces.
- The extra-large 1″ x 4″ x 40″ magnet can hold up to 60 lbs of tools, ensuring that everything stays in place.
- The 40 magnets distributed throughout the tool holder provide a strong grip, preventing your tools from slipping off.
Cons
- The tool holder is quite heavy, weighing in at 10.8 pounds, which might make it difficult to move around.
- The magnet is quite strong, which means that it can damage your credit cards or other magnetic media if they’re left near the tool holder.
- The tool holder is quite expensive, which might make it a bit of a luxury item for some users.
We’ve been using the Powermatic PM2820EVS Magnetic Tool Strip for a few weeks now, and we’ve been impressed with its durability and strength. The tool holder is made from high-quality steel, which means that it’s built to last. The extra-large magnet is also quite impressive, as it can hold a huge amount of tools without any problems.
One of the things that we really like about this tool holder is the fact that it’s modular. You can remove the individual strips and rearrange them to suit your needs. This makes it incredibly versatile, and it means that you can customize the tool holder to suit your specific requirements.
Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty magnetic tool holder that can keep your workspace organized, the Powermatic PM2820EVS Magnetic Tool Strip is definitely worth considering. It’s a bit expensive, but it’s also incredibly durable and strong, which makes it a great investment for anyone who needs to keep their tools organized.
Powermatic 18-Inch Woodworking Drill Press, Variable Speed, 1 HP, 1Ph 115/230V (PM2800B)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty drill press, the Powermatic PM2800B is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The cast iron base provides excellent stability and reduces vibration.
- The 1 HP, 1-phase, 115/230V motor delivers plenty of power for even the toughest jobs.
- The 5-1/8″ bore spindle with 1/2″ and 5/8″ collets accommodates a wide range of bits and accessories.
Cons
- The belt guard can be a bit difficult to remove for changing belts.
- The motor mounts are a bit thin and may not be as durable as other parts of the press.
- The price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious shoppers.
We’ve had the opportunity to use the Powermatic PM2800B in our shop, and we’re impressed with its performance. The cast iron base provides excellent stability, and the 1 HP motor delivers plenty of power for drilling through even the toughest materials. The 5-1/8″ bore spindle with 1/2″ and 5/8″ collets accommodates a wide range of bits and accessories, making it easy to switch between different tasks.
One potential downside to this drill press is the belt guard. While it does a great job of protecting the belts, it can be a bit difficult to remove for changing belts. Additionally, the motor mounts are a bit thin and may not be as durable as other parts of the press. Finally, the price point may be a bit high for some budget-conscious shoppers.
Overall, we would recommend the Powermatic PM2800B to anyone in the market for a heavy-duty drill press. Its powerful motor, stable base, and wide range of bit options make it a great choice for any woodworking project.
Powermatic Tilt Table Mortiser, 1″ Chisel, 10-3/4″ Stroke, 1Ph 115/230V (Model 719T)
If you’re looking for a mortiser that can handle heavy-duty tasks, the Powermatic Tilt Table Mortiser is a great option.
Pros
- The cast iron base and trunnions provide stability and durability, making it suitable for professional use.
- The 1″ chisel and 10-3/4″ stroke length allow for versatility in cutting various types of wood.
- The tilting table design makes it easy to change bits and provides a better view of the workpiece.
Cons
- The machine is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The price point may be higher than some other mortisers on the market.
- The 1/2 HP motor may not be suitable for the toughest jobs.
We’ve used the Powermatic Tilt Table Mortiser for several projects and have found it to be a reliable and efficient tool. The cast iron base and trunnions provide stability and prevent vibration during use, making it easy to make precise cuts. The 1″ chisel and 10-3/4″ stroke length allow for versatility in cutting various types of wood, from hardwoods to softwoods.
The tilting table design is also a great feature, as it makes it easy to change bits and provides a better view of the workpiece. This can save time and make the job easier, especially for larger projects.
However, the machine is quite heavy, which may make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the price point may be higher than some other mortisers on the market. Finally, the 1/2 HP motor may not be suitable for the toughest jobs, so it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing this machine.
Overall, if you’re looking for a mortiser that can handle heavy-duty tasks and provide precision cuts, the Powermatic Tilt Table Mortiser is a great option to consider.
Powermatic 15-Inch Variable-Speed Benchtop Drill Press, 3/4 HP, 115V (PM2815BT)
If you’re looking for a powerful and precise drill press for your woodworking projects, the Powermatic PM2815BT is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 3/4 HP motor delivers plenty of power for drilling through hardwoods, and the 15-inch swing capacity provides ample clearance for larger workpieces.
- The adjustable 5/8-inch spindle travel allows for a range of 1/8- to 1/2-inch holes, and the 150 RPM belt hookup provides additional versatility.
- The cast iron base and steel column construction ensure stability and accuracy, while the 55-pound weight makes it easy to move around the shop.
Cons
- The maximum speed of 3,600 RPM may not be fast enough for some users, and the lack of a work light can make it difficult to see what you’re doing.
- The lack of a belt guard can be a safety concern, and the absence of a built-in dust port may require additional cleanup.
- The price point may be a bit steep for some budget-conscious shoppers.
Overall, we found the Powermatic PM2815BT to be a solid performer for general-purpose drilling and light milling tasks. The adjustable work light and 1/2-inch drill bit are nice touches, and the 5-year warranty provides added peace of mind.
If you’re looking for a reliable and precise drill press that can handle a variety of woodworking projects, the Powermatic PM2815BT is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best Powermatic drill press, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models, and here are the key features to look for:
Power
The power of the drill press is an essential factor to consider. The more powerful the drill press, the easier it will be to handle tougher jobs. Look for a drill press with a motor that ranges from 1 to 3 horsepower. This range is suitable for most DIY projects and small-scale professional work.
Speed
The speed of the drill press is another important factor to consider. Look for a drill press with adjustable speed settings. This feature allows you to match the speed of the drill press to the material you are working with. A drill press with a variable speed range of 500 to 3,000 RPM is suitable for most DIY projects.
Table Size
The table size of the drill press is also an essential factor to consider. Look for a drill press with a table size that is large enough to accommodate the size of the material you are working with. A table size of at least 12 inches by 12 inches is suitable for most DIY projects.
Spindle Taper
The spindle taper of the drill press is another important factor to consider. Look for a drill press with a spindle taper that is compatible with the bits you plan to use. A drill press with a standard Morse taper is suitable for most DIY projects.
Ease of Use
Finally, consider the ease of use of the drill press. Look for a drill press with easy-to-use features, such as a conveniently located power switch and adjustable depth stop. A drill press with a clear view of the work area is also beneficial.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best Powermatic drill press for your needs.
