| Review by 3fingerpat | posted 69 days ago | 534 views | 0 times favorited | 10 comments |  |
- Powermatic PM2800 18-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press
- Brand: Powermatic | Category: Drill Presses
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This Drill Press was a present to myself for a lot reasons; one of which was putting up with an old 8” Delta Benchtop Drill Press that just wasn’t getting the job done anymore. If you are not used to working with assembling parts and equipment, than ask someone for help. The owner’s manual’s procedures left out two items which I have copied from an email I sent the manufacturer:
“Your Assembly Instructions left out one key item. It failed to address the fact that the Worm Gear (Item H); for the large handle to raise\lower the table, is not installed yet. Your directions do not tell you install the Worm Gear; someone who is not used to working with mechanical devices would definitely have problems. Also, your directions for installing the Table Bracket did not work. I had to insert the Rack into the Table Bracket and engage the Rack teeth with the gears, then slide the whole assy down the Column. Without engaging the Rack teeth with the Table Bracket gearing, I could not get the Table Bracket to slide down the column and engage the Rack teeth. Following the directions on page 8 failed to engage the Table Bracket gearing with the Rack teeth. On another note, the Lasers were perfectly aligned and required no adjustments. I am enjoying using the Drill Press so far.”
Once assembled, the Drill Press work great! No adjustments were necessary, this thing is feature laden. I wanted to get the Delta, but it was just to damn big for my small shop. One last issue is that the table tilt adjustment is not user friendly, but overall, I love this Drill Press and wouldn’t hesitate in buying it again.
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10 comments so far
GaryK
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8250 posts in 390 days
posted 69 days ago
Nice review. Size wise it looks to be the same size as my Delta.
-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.
Scott Bryan
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7968 posts in 224 days
posted 68 days ago
Thanks for the review. I am considering upgrading my benchtop model and I like the Powermatic line of tools. This has been informative and useful.
-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.
Chris
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986 posts in 393 days
posted 68 days ago
Very nice, concise review. I really like the table on that drill press; it looks like it was designed with woodworkers in mind instead of machinists.
-- Chris
3fingerpat
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36 posts in 70 days
posted 68 days ago
I viewed both the Delta and this Powermatic side by side at my local Rockler and the Delta’s head and base were larger by a considerable margin.
The table has several great features: the sides easily slide out to expand it’s size, there are T slots built in, the fence has slots and an integrated vacuum port to boot; just more reasons to love this Drill Press.
Grumpy
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4025 posts in 253 days
posted 68 days ago
I can never understand companies that make a good product are too lazy in the assembly instruction department. There is nothing more frustrating than stupid instructions. Grumpy has had his gripe for the day.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
Kipster
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741 posts in 155 days
posted 68 days ago
Which model is this PM drill press. I bought Pm 2800 which is an 18” variable speed model. I have used it the passed year extensively and have had no problem with it. I do remember a little confusion with instructions during the assembly process but were easily overcome. This is a good concise review thank you for posting. I have a picture of the PM2800 in my workshop post. I don’t think it is the same model as yours.
-- Kip Northern Illinois ( If you don't know where your goin any road will take you there) George Harrison
3fingerpat
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36 posts in 70 days
posted 68 days ago
Kip, yup we have the same model, mine looks just like yours.
Karson
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11923 posts in 802 days
posted 68 days ago
Great review. And i agree on your complaints about the customer directions. I’ve send many notes to MFG’s about changes to their instructions. I got a note from one that they appreciated my noting it to them.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com
Woodshopfreak
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315 posts in 144 days
posted 66 days ago
I consider this drill press one of my favorites. Just the looks of it compared to anything else on the market makes me want it!!!! lol
-- Tyler, Illinois
againstthegrain
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70 posts in 154 days
posted 58 days ago
OK, I am envious. I have been eyeing that machine for quite a while. Congrats on the new tool purchase!!!!
-- Anchul - Warrensburg, MO: As a Pastor, I am just trying to get closer to Jesus. He was a woodworker too.