Powermatic PM2800B 18" VS drill press

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WOOD magazine rating

Variable speed with 6" stroke

4.3

out of 5

Brand:

Powermatic

Model:

PM2800B

Price:

$1,400

Description

Details
• Mechanical variable speed allows for full range of speed with no belt changes
• 6” of quill travel with one revolution of the handle
• Fence system adjustable for a perfect 90 degree relationship to the table, for rapid alignment of stock
• Adjustable material stop makes repetitive actions accurate and quick
• A digital RPM readout allows user to optimize the spindle speed to the application
• Laser guides provide an accurate indication for tool point
• Keyless chuck makes bit changes easier
• Reversible handles can be mounted on either side of the machine for more comfortable working of the quill
• Two independent LED worklights eliminates shadows
• Work table can be rotated to a full 90 degree position
• Replaceable square table insert with leveling screws make it flush with the top of the table
• Oversize cast iron base for added stability
• Safety key prevents accidental starting

Swing (In.) 18
Spindle Travel (In.) 6
Number of Spindle Speeds Variable
Spindle Taper MT-2/JT-3
Spindle Distance to Table (Max.) (In.) 27-3/8
Spindle Distance to Base 46-1/4
Table Size (L x W) (In.) 20 x 14
Table Tilt (Deg.) 0 to 90
Fence Size (L x H) (In.) 19-13/16 x 2-11/16
Chuck Distance to Base (In.) 43-13/32
Chuck Distance to Table (In.) 24-1/2
Chuck Size (In.) 5/8
Column Diameter (In.) 3-1/8
Base Size (In.) 13-3/8 x 20
Motor Power (HP) 1
Motor Phase 1
Motor Voltage (V.) 115/230
Prewired Voltage (V.) 115
Motor Current (Amps) 15/7.5

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WOOD magazine review

Variable speed with 6" stroke

Reviewed by: WOOD Magazine

Review Summary

We really like a variable-speed drill press because we're more likely to actually change speeds to match bits. This PM2800B has a smooth-turning handwheel to change the spindle speed, ranging from 250 to 3,000 rpm, and the digital readout lets you know the exact speed. Each turn of the handwheel adjusts the speed 20 rpm, so it can take a while for large adjustments.

…

The powerful 1-hp motor generates more than enough spindle torque to bore 3" holes in white oak with a Forstner bit without stalling. You get 6" of up-and-down travel in one rotation of the quill-feed handle, which can be positioned on either side of the machine. (Lefties will appreciate that.) The 14×20" table provides ample workpiece support, holds solidly without flexing, and comes with easy-to-clamp-to edges and parallel T-slots for securing the fence (included) and hold-downs (not included). Although the table tilts 90° to each side, there are no positive stops and the scale proved unreliable. Plus, you need a hex wrench to loosen the table bolt, and it’s not included. Twin LED lights in front and back of the chuck light up the work area well, and crosshair lasers make pinpoint accuracy possible. The keyless chuck works nicely with small bits, but high-torque drilling had a tendency to lock large bits in the jaws. We had to use adjustable pliers to loosen the chuck’s jaws to free the bits.

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