Powermatic 18-Inch Floor Drill Press, Variable Speed, 1 HP, 115/230V 1Ph (Model PM2800B)

$2,449.00

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Reviews

8 reviews for Powermatic 18-Inch Floor Drill Press, Variable Speed, 1 HP, 115/230V 1Ph (Model PM2800B)

    LS
    March 2, 2026
    Heavy duty There are 2 version of this model. The newer version has a wheel to change speed instead of a lever and a different table. Also the newer version has a keyed chuck not a keyless one. This is a heavy duty drill press. Assembly is straight forward. Be warned that the head/motor is very heavy, and will take 2 people to lift in place. Plenty of youtube videos. Make sure your watching the videos for the newer version.
    Andrew H
    March 2, 2026
    But it is several degrees of magnitude better than the bench top model I used for years ... A big splurge for me to buy this, but it is several degrees of magnitude better than the bench top model I used for years and hated every time I turned it on. This machine - every time I turn it on, I'm amazed by the power, the smoothness, and the impressive quality of engineering that went into it.
    Charlie
    March 2, 2026
    Sturdy machine with plenty of power This is a great drill press with plenty of power. In addition ot the fact that I like the Powermatic brand, I purchased this particular version due to the ability to change speed without adjusting a belt. To test this drill press out, I used a 2 1/2" forstner bit and drilled through 3" thick hard maple with no issues. The fence, connected to machined tracks in the table is a nice feature as well. The only thing I do not like is the laser sight. Powermatic blew it on this design. In my opinion, it is totally useless. I can lightly tap the cover over each laser mechanism and the line jumps 1/4" to 1/2" from where it was. I think Powermatic needs to redesign this feature and provide retrofits to those who have purchased this feature. That's why I gave it 4 vs. 5 stars.You will definitely want a second pair of hands, but if you are in a rush like I was, here is a trick: Attach the column to the base and then cut away the edge of the styrofoam around the base of the motor assembly. Lay the base/column on it's side and engage into the housing and TIGHTEN it!!! The, use a chain host to slowly lift the unit into the upright position (see attached picture)
    Tom N
    March 2, 2026
    Great Drill Press Powematic makes a great product! This drill press is no exception. Definitely take two to assemble, so have a strong friend nearby.
    John Gravely
    March 2, 2026
    I was wrong, these things are junk. Variable speed belt tensioner was the draw but it is a total failure, bought 2, no good Have never tried the Powermatic before and we stand impressed with it's performance, ease of speed change, lighting and accuracy in drilling. No more moving belts to change speed, how nice is that ? One excellent machine. We ordered one to try and it was here in 4 days !!
    Paul Steffen
    March 2, 2026
    QUALIY in design and workmanship. This drill press says QUALITY in workmanship and design. I should probably have given it only 4 stars but everything else about it is so superior it earned the extra. Why would I deduct a star, because the table doesn't have an added "X" pattern for additional hold downs of the work and the existing hold down slots for the fence should take standard hold downs like Infinity and many others. The speed control is so easy to use that I now understand how deficient I was with my old unit in changing speeds, the result is better holes and increased bit life. The two work lights are perfect with no shadows and the laser cross works with pin point accuracy. It is a heavy beast so bring along 2 strong friends for assembly so you can properly direct them. A tip, put the head on a bench and tilt the stand it lines up rather easily with less muscle power needed.
    Neil J. Stalker MD
    March 2, 2026
    An excellent drill press In the market for a new press as my Rigid developed some problems I didn't want to address. Came down to a choice between Delta and Powermatic. After I ordered the Powermatic, I ran across a couple seriously negative reviews about this machine and fretted that I had made the wrong choice. It arrived quickly and was quite heavy, required three of us to get it out of my truck. I attempted initially to assemble it myself. Bad choice. You need at least one strong assistant as the head requires lifting to set it onto the post. The rest goes together easily although I would recommend waiting until later do have a couple beers. The large table is nice and the fence excellent. Both the laser cross hairs and the bright work light make visualizing and drilling at a specific point a breeze. The speed adjustment is so much easier than changing belts that I actually do change speeds. The keyless chuck is also a nice feature but the way it moves makes inserting small drill bits a challenge as they do not always go in exactly straight. Overall, an excellent machine.Update: didn't realize I've had this machine for six years. Still going strong and I have had zero issues with it.
    Woodshop
    March 2, 2026
    This is a beast This is replacing a craftsman bench top press. I'm paralyzed from the chest down in a chair. I bought this for the speed changes which works great. I reluctantly cut six inches off the top to be able to reach the crank. Worked out though. This was an easy assemble. Especially for me but I had two friends to lift while I lined it up to drop the head over the shaft. Makes it a lot easier with a third set of eyes. The only tricky part was getting the table and crank shaft on together but wasn't bad. They said the head was very heavy. The 6 inch crank distance is really nice to have along with the bottom and top stoppers. Bright LEDs and a very powerful motor. The chuck is also easy to use. the table and fence are very sturdy . I don't like to get machines made in China. They always seem to be cheaply made but this one is surprisingly high quality. Only downside is the price but that's powermaticThis was a great purchase. I'd highly recommend
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