Powermatic PM2800B Drill Press

[Paul McGaha]

I hope they fixed their drill press.

Sure looks like a beast doesn't it? $1,400.

http://www.tools-plus.com/powermatic-1792800b.html

[Jon Fiebing]

This drill press has some nice features; the table, the DRO, the keyless chuck. The theory of the Variable speed. I know the last model had numerous complaints and problems.
Open question to anyone who owns the new b model.

Do you like it?

Is it quiet?

How does the drive work?

Thanks in advance for any answers to the questions...maybe write a review for the forum?

[glenn bradley]

There are other threads (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?201328-Powermatic-PM2800B-Drill-Press-Review) on the continuing saga of this latest version of this DP. Doesn't sound like the previous complaints were addressed. Build strength, speed adjustments, vibration, etc. still get bashed. When, oh when will someone make a decent woodworking DP?

[Mike Heidrick]

Delta has a very decent drill press and so does steel city. The old drill presses from PM and delta are great too.

My advise though, now that I have bought one recently, skip them all and buy a Rong Fu RF30 import round column mill. They have 5" quill travel, great speeds, huge bearings, R8 MT4 so you can use chucks and collets - most tools from bridgeports, Huge XY table, fine feed quill lowering, awesome quill lock. They sell for under $1000 used all day long and new not much more. It is a bench/stand model so you dont get quite the full table height of a floor DP but the head will turn 360. You can even find them with power X feed ($300 add on you can add too later) and some even have power down. They are about 750 pounds and the cabinet is another 70.

Better yet full Bridgeport but that is for another shop/day :)

Here are some specs and aprox costs of add ons

Motor: 2 HP Available in 110 v 1 ph. or 220 v 3 ph.
Made in Taiwan
Pulley design Spindle Speed Changes
Swing - 13.38"
Column quill dia. - 4.5"
Spindle speeds - 150 to 2,500 RPM
Drilling cap. - 1.25" mild steel, 1.25" cast iron
Overall dimensions - 32L x 15W x 45"H w/o stand
Approx. net weight - 595 lbs w/o stand

Specifications:
Table size 28.7x8.2"
Long. travel w/o power feed 16.9"
Cross travel 7.28"
Spindle taper R8
Spindle speed: 150 - 2500 RPM
Quill travel 5.1"
Spindle motor 2 HP, either single phase or 3 ph
Net weight 595 lbs w/o stand


Optional Equipment:
Floor Stand - $140.00-$300
Power Longitudinal Table Feed - $250-$375.00
2-Speed Motor (220 v 3 ph only) - $450.00 (special order)
Quill Power Downfeed - $650.00

Here is my Menards RF30 clone from 1987.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e169/BloomingtonMike/Craftsman%2012%20Metal%20Lathe/0532dda8-bf07-4cc2-87bc-f58d567a68f7_zpsbc9f7bc0.jpg

[Peter Aeschliman]

Regarding delta... I've been reading a lot of posts about parts being unavailable recently. Also, they've gone through ownership changes over the recent years. Both are risk factors one should consider before buying new machines from them.