At Powermatic, we have a woodworkers intuition which drives our design process. We look for every opportunity to raise the workshop experience to new levels of performance and functionality. So when we set out to redefine what it means to use a Powermatic Drill Press, we wanted it to be as easy and as intuitive as possible; to allow you to focus your creative energy on the tasks that make woodworking so rewarding. The PM2800B is the culmination of our efforts. The PM2800B brings simplicity to your shop. An ease of use that is truly unique. A level of mechanical elegance that you’ll only find in a Powermatic. As with every product Powermatic builds, the PM2800B pushes the limits of design, innovation and durability.
- Mechanical variable speed allows for full range of speeds with no belt changes
- 6 of quill travel with 1 revolution of the handle
- Fence system adjustable for a perfect 90° relationship to the table and for rapid alignment of stock
- Adjustable material stop makes repetitive actions accurate and quick
- Digital RPM readout allows user to optimize the spindle speed to the application
- Laser guides provide an accurate indication for tool point
- Includes 5/8 in. keyed chuck
- Reversible handles can be mounted on either side of the machine for more comfortable working of the quill
- 2 independently adjustable LED work lights eliminates shadows
- Work table can be rotated to a full 90° position
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including arsenic, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
Rodrick Kutch (verified owner) –
I have had this drill press for seven years with no issues at all. I appreciate all of the features that are included with this drill press. I do think it is important and follow the instructions and only adjust the speed while the drill is running, That may be part of me not having any issues. My only nit is I wish that the stop switch turned it off completely. I added a switch to the outlet to accomplish that.
Alexis Bergstrom (verified owner) –
Great Drill press. easy to change speeds, long travel, etc. Over all great drill press. Only issue I had is it draws a ton of power when starting. I have a 20 amp circuit in my garage with 15 year old breaker and it blows it as soon as you turn the power on. I tried another circuit in the kitchen (Long ext cord) that is a newer 20amp circuit and it runs off of that. So will need to rewire power to my shop area to run this beast.
Franco Ritchie (verified owner) –
Powermatic has well built products and this PM2800B Drill Press is well thought out with many features designed for woodworking. Only thing I wish they would have added is a digital depth gauge. I ended up adding the Wixey drill press digital depth gauge to it.
Garett Beahan (verified owner) –
Bought this drill press for our university scene shop about two years ago. Worked FANTASTIC for a year and a half. Then, the rpm seemed to suddenly be limited to 1800 rpm tops, the drive shaft to the chuck would sometimes stop turning altogether, and there would be significant loss of power upon material entry (way more than normal). Upon investigation, it seems it is the same issue many other users have encountered. Because of the ingenious design of the variable speed (not being sarcastic, it’s wonderful to not have to do it manually!), it does have some drawbacks. It puts a TON of strain on the belts causing a bunch of belt particles to deposit all over the inside of the housing (1/8″ thick at least). Some of these particles apparently get trapped between the center spindle and the center double belt drive pulley, causing it to freeze up when it is supposed to move up and down that spindle to keep better tension on the belts. Spoke with a tech from jpw industries and they are sending someone out to repair it under warranty. Their techs gave me a call back both times within an hour or two and were very knowledgeable and helpful. Again, because of the auto tension feature, this seems to be a minor setback that might be addressed in development if some type of seal were installed into the pulley to keep particles out. Even with this issue, it is way less time to clean off that spindle once or twice a year than to manually adjust a tensioner to change speeds between differing materials every single time.
Vicky Parisian (verified owner) –
This is one heavy monster so be ready to have help mounting the drill head. Quality is outstanding!