Powermatic 2820 EVS drill press

[Jordan Lane]

Any thoughts on this drill press would be appreciated. I'm in the market for a drill press and this one is appealing to me but appears to be brand new. Thanks

[Jim Becker]

I wasn't familiar with it, but took a peek at the Powermatic site. Wow...they did a nice job with this one. Seems to be actually designed for woodworking. Most DPs are the same-old metal drilling designs relative to the included table setup.

You need to buy it and review for the SMC community. :) :D

[Larry Frank]

Looks good but also take a look at the Nova Voyager DVR which has a wider speed range.

[Jordan Lane]

hey Larry ... i did ...but they are on back order with unkown time frame ...the powermatic is available now

[Jordan Lane]

i stand corrected will be available middle of november

[Bill Dufour]

i stand corrected will be available middle of november


which one?

[Jordan Lane]

Bill....the Nova seems to be coming back in stock soon

[Mark e Kessler]

I too have been looking for a variable speed DP, was planning on the Nova but I just don't like all the extra electronics, just variable speed with a knob. I believe you can just ignore all the electronics in the nova and just use the variable speed but I hate thinking I paid for all these features but don't use them.

[Robert Mayer]

The Nova looks really sweet and priced pretty nice for a gear drive.

[Mark e Kessler]

It is a direct drive and not a gear drive, the way the motor is built with its sensors is what is unique about it.


The Nova looks really sweet and priced pretty nice for a gear drive.

[Joe Jensen]

There is a thread on the Felder Owners Group and several members have the Powermatic 2800 and are unhappy with the vibration and runout. I would make sure you buy a 2820 off the floor so you know you are getting a good one. The Nova seems to have favorable but I have not ever touched one.

[Jordan Lane]

Joe...the 2820 appears to be an all together different animal from the 2800 which is belt driven ...kinda of a Nova knock off so to speak

[Andy D Jones]

The Nova Voyager has a wider, continuous speed range, and a more powerful motor (helps with torque at low speed, for which the PM has two mechanical speed ranges.)

Both have electronic-enabled features beyond speed control, but the Voyager has many more than the PM.

The Voyager is considerably less expensive, and has a longer track record.

Full disclosure: I have a Voyager drill press and a Galaxi lathe (same basic drive system, different SW,) and am very pleased with both. The direct drive is smooth as silk.

-- Andy - Arlington TX

[Jim Becker]

Your last line, Andy, is a big key here...the NOVA folks have been doing these direct drive tools for a very long time now and have only made the whole DVR motor/drive even better over time.

[Alex Zeller]

I think you'll see a number of companies releasing lower priced EVS drill presses in the near future. The market is warming up to them like turners did for VFD lathes years ago. If nothing else the company making the Powermatic dp will most likely be selling one with green, white, and blue paint soon. I think I would hold off until a couple of people bought them to see a few reviews. For me I would like to know how rigid it is.

[Chuck Saunders]

I got rid of my 2800 and replaced with a Nova. Very Happy, have another on order. A lot of the electronic features are pretty gimmicky. It's basically a VFD and a three phase motor. I think the gimmicky features come from a development team member saying "All done but I've still got 8K of memory available, what else can we have it do?" It's a solid drill press. Hope Powermatic followed their lead because the 2800 was a steaming pile and an insult to the 1150 and 1200 models.
Chuck

[glenn bradley]

There is a thread on the Felder Owners Group and several members have the Powermatic 2800 and are unhappy with the vibration and runout. I would make sure you buy a 2820 off the floor so you know you are getting a good one. The Nova seems to have favorable but I have not ever touched one.

The 2800's have been a black eye for PM. Different makers have different strengths and the 2800B certainly addressed a lot of the problems with the 2800. PM still was unable to address the quality inconsistencies and the low speed issues at the time I stopped looking at them. The low end was never really low enough for large cutters but, the fact that I was not able to find one that actually even went as low as rated was disheartening. Not trying to beat a dead horse but, I guess I just lost faith in PM as a DP maker.

As recommended, if you go this way be sure to try and buy the floor model that you actually put your hands on. Watch for table adjustment issues, vibration and run out as these seem to go from "no problem" all the way to "I'm returning it". I truly hope the 2820 is PM's redemption for their past attempts. A great company that just hasn't been so good at drill presses IMHO. At $2K the thing should be near perfect. Drill presses just aren't that complicated that a decent one should command such prices . . . . OK, now I'm just whining. Maybe I woke up on the wrong side of the drill press :o :).

[David Kumm]

Actually I'd argue that a good drill press is more complicated than you would think. The thrust load while maintaining low runout at speed takes some engineering and decent bearings. Good boring machines used high precision angular contact bearings with a high preload. None of that comes cheap. While wood working isn't nearly as demanding, the issues with most drill presses comes from cheapening the spindle and bearing design. I'd want to see an exploded view of the assembly before I decided on a purchase. Distance between the bearings, their size, and precision, diameter of quill, etc. Dave

[Andy D Jones]

I got rid of my 2800 and replaced with a Nova. Very Happy, have another on order. A lot of the electronic features are pretty gimmicky. It's basically a VFD and a three phase motor. I think the gimmicky features come from a development team member saying "All done but I've still got 8K of memory available, what else can we have it do?" It's a solid drill press. Hope Powermatic followed their lead because the 2800 was a steaming pile and an insult to the 1150 and 1200 models.
Chuck

Actually the Nova DVR products are powered by Variable Reluctance (aka Switched Reluctance) motors, which are somewhat like a stepper motor, but with fewer poles. They can provide more torque at low RPM than similar-power 3 phase AC motors, though the type of VFD control scheme can make a considerable difference, especially when paired with an inverter duty motor (generally better insulation and cooling).

The Nova Galaxi and Voyager power and/or torque can be increased by simply replacing the power cord plug and plugging them into 240VAC.

-- Andy - Arlington TX

[Chuck Saunders]

Cool, thanks for the detailed info Andy. Learn something new everyday.
Chuck

[Jordan Lane]

Hi David here is a document that is the manual with an exploded view of the parts of the drill ....if you have time could you take a look and let me know your opinion? thanks
https://content.powermatic.com/assets/manuals/1792820_man_EN.pdf

[Andy D Jones]

Hi David here is a document that is the manual with an exploded view of the parts of the drill ....if you have time could you take a look and let me know your opinion? thanks
https://content.powermatic.com/assets/manuals/1792820_man_EN.pdf

While it is impossible to tell how well something is manufactured from such an exploded diagram, it is possible to see some trade-offs made in its design.

The lack of reverse capability leads to simpler drive electronics and a simple (apparently brushed) DC motor. Reverse on a drill press is not often useful, unless incorporated into semi-automatic thread tapping, which I have not tried on my Voyager.

The PM speed range is 150 to 3600 RPM in two overlapping speed ranges, compared to 50-5000 RPM in 1 continuous range for the Voyager.

The PM has a 1 HP DC motor, compared to the 1-3/4 HP DVR motor on the Voyager. If the power cord is replaced, and the Voyager is plugged into 240VAC, the Voyager has 2 HP.

Offsetting the limited speed range (at useable torque) of the PM's DC motor/control is a 2-speed mechanical gear transmission, with two additional shafts, each with gears, bearings and seals, housed in a machined casting.

The PM has an automatic shut-off if the transmission speed lever is moved (or is not in either detent) during operation, but no solenoid to lock the lever in place while operating.

The PM's spindle socket taper is MT-2, the same as the Voyager.

The PM swing, at 20", is 2" more than the 18" swing of the Voyager (The PM has 1" more clearance from spindle center to column).

The PM table design is innovative, allowing additional, replaceable table inserts to provide extra features, while preserving the factory fence mount.

The PM also includes LED lights and laser cross-hair projectors, which the Voyager lacks.

Both the PM and the Voyager require electronics and SW to function. Nova chose to put more into electronics and SW, and reduced their manufacturing complexity/costs, while providing more features (some arguably not that useful) at less cost.

In the end, it probably depends on the user's comfort level with electronics and SW vs mechanical systems, and price. But like I said above, both of these machines require their SW and electronics to function.

I already have a Voyager, and do not see anything on this PM model that would change my purchase decision were I to do it over again. The chances that a project needs more than 9" clearance to the column of the Voyager, but less than the 10" of the PM, is pretty remote, but not zero. It is more likely that a project beyond the capacity of the Voyager would need a radial drill press anyway.

If you completely discount the value of the additional SW-provided features of the Voyager, and its wider, continuous speed range, the choice boils down to whether the PM's 2" of additional swing, table features, and light/lasers are worth the $300 price premium over the Voyager.

-- Andy - Arlington TX

[Malcolm Schweizer]

I bought the Rikon variable speed drill press and love it. It has a 1.5hp motor and I have to caution friends that come to the shop not to hand hold stuff because it will break your thumbs if it binds. The variable speed really makes it easy to switch to a large Forster bit without having to move belts around. I must report one issue, however: the digital readout is now stuck on zero, and it appears to be the sensor. I have not tried to fix it yet. It may be the sensor just came loose and moved out of range.

I think I paid around $1000 for the Rikon. It is not gear driven, but it works well, and the metalworker who shares a shop with me really has been impressed with it as well.

[Charlie Stickney]

I checked out the 2820EVS. Workmanship quality is below my standards for a $2000 machine. Table only tilts left and right. (My delta also tilts forward). Table doesn't have an indexing pin to assure returning to 90 degrees so you need to adjust it square every time you move the table. (My 1970 Craftsman has an indexing pin at 90 and 45). I had the store rep power up the drill press and it is noisy and vibrates. I am very disappointed with Powermatic.
I have looked at the Nova also, but not impressed.
I will stick with my 10 year old Delta with reeves drive. Works just fine.

[Joe Jensen]

Joe...the 2820 appears to be an all together different animal from the 2800 which is belt driven ...kinda of a Nova knock off so to speak

Yes, but given the feedback on the 2800 and the fact that the 2820 is new, I would definitely want to buy one off the floor where I could verify things like runout before the sale.

[Mike Wilkins]

Very happy with my Nova Voyager. You have to read the instruction manual to get the most use out of it. I like that the machine will allow you to select the correct speed for the bit and material you are working with.
Almost like alien technology.

[Derek Cohen]

The more one uses the Voyager, the more intuitive it becomes. I my case only a handful of features are used, but they make all the difference: instant variable sped and the ability to dial in a range of drill bits into different materials; the depth gauge and the automatic reverse (when switched on); I get 2 hp from the motor, and with huge torque. Run out is non-existant. The 18" swing is greater than anything else on the market except the 20" of the PM - frankly, I cannot imagine having more than 18", not when the average is around 6"! The extra 2" of the PM is a non-event.

Criticisms: It should have come with a laser X. I added the Wixey, which solved that issue.

https://i.postimg.cc/BZk3R6PL/fence1.jpg

Regards from Perth

Derek

[Mark Levin]

I plan on getting the Powermatic 2820EVS. The Powermatic is about 50 pounds heavier than the Nova, the table is a little larger and it's a 20" vs. the Nova 18" which is a major issue for me. Before I pop for it I'm waiting for the Powermastic southwest rep to assure me that if this units has problems like the PM2800, I can just ship it back and not go thru the warranty dance where they send parts to fix a problem. If the rep puts that in writing , I'll go ahead with the purchase. I do believe this is Powermatic's redemption for the disatrauous PM2800 drill press. If it does come together, I'll follow up with a review on the machine.

Mark

[Jordan Lane]

Look forward to your review Mark i am still on the fence about this drill press and the Nova is on back order again!!!

[Tom Bender]

Just looking at the website i have a couple of concerns.

Lots of special pieces, motor, and gears, that can only be repaired by installing Powermatic replacements. With a little luck it will run a lifetime without problems.

As with most DPs the table could go lower if the base were designed differently. I sometime want more capability and end up swinging the table out of the way and blocking up from the base.

With a VFD the power available is dependent on rpm. This machine may dissapoint at low rpm in either gear. 3 or 4 gears would be better though more complex.

[Jordan Lane]

Mark Levin did you purchase this drill press yet? if so what are your impressions??

[Mark Levin]

I’ve had the Powermatic 2820EVS for a couple of months. It replaced my old Powermatic 1200 drill press which was a 600-pound beauty. One can’t even compare any of the current drill presses to it, be it any of the Taiwanese-tin manufacturers, Nova, Jet, Powermatic, Grizzly, etc. to the Powermatic 1200. It was made in the day when they were in doubt they just added more cast iron and Baldor motors were de rigueur.


I purchased the 2820EVS because I needed the 20” capacity. I do large work where it is common to bore large 3” to 4” diameter holes using Forstner bits. That was my first and most critical test for the machine and it passed with flying colors. There is no comparison between the 2800 model when it first came out that had belt slippage, a keyless chuck, and digital speed adjustment that had a mind of its own. They did address all the issues with the model 2800B.

The design of the 2820 EVS table is nice in that the middle section comes out and you can put in one of their accessories or make your own top, which I did because I needed a much larger table.

It has both a low gear (150-870 RPM) and a high gear (600-3600 RPM). To change from the low to high and vice a versa, you simply turn the lever on the left side of the head. I read a review where one person returned the machine because he found it difficult to switch gears. Powermatic did leave out a very important bit of information in the manual about switching gears. As you are switching the gear lever, simply turn the spindle slowly about a quarter of a turn at the same time and it easily engages the gearing and then dial the speed in that you want. I think they did this so there is no chance of slippage.

The lasers are very easy to adjust and there is a laser adjustment on each side of the spindle head. The reason for this is that you can put the spindle handles on either the left or right side and you use the laser adjustment on the side without the handles. It’s a nice touch by Powermatic.

The work light is very bright, and I don’t need any additional lightning like the iGaging Zoom LED light.

The most impressive feature for me is their ingenious depth-stop adjustment. It’s elegant and very simple to dial in your boring depth. There’s two ways to do this, but I wouldn’t get into it here for it is well covered in the manual.

They did an amazing job of designing the packaging for the machine. It deserves an Industrial Design award. You do need at least two people the head on the column. We have a mobile gantry so it wasn’t an issue.to put

JPW, the parent company of Powermatic, Jet, Wilton, Baileigh Industrial and others does listen to their customers. I also purchased the Powermatic Powermatic OES9138 230V Edge sander at the same time. The old reviews on Amazon were frightening. I called the JPW rep and discussed all the issues and he reminded me that I can return if it doesn’t meet my expectations and that they addressed every one of the negative points. They did and I’m happy I bought the machine.

The Nova was never in the running. It’s physically such a diminutive machine, it’s hard to take it seriously.

FWIW

Mark Levin

[Larry Frank]

I am glad that you like the PM drill press and it is a good machine. However, I do not understand calling the Nova Voyage a diminutive machine. The PM does have a slightly larger table and a 2" larger swing. However, it is also under powered compared to the Nova Voyager and lacks many of the electronic controls. The overall size and weight of the machines are similar.

Please see the thread that I posted which gives a comparison table of the two machines.

[Mark Levin]

When you get down to it, either drill press will do the job for 90% of users. As persuasive as your table is, it does not address the complete ownership picture.

First, my background, I’ve had a shop for over 40 years interspersed as a woodworking machine technician at Baer Supply Company and then promoted to the Department Head of the Woodworking Machinery Division. I was also a Product Manager at Woodworker Supply as well as the Store Manager.
Over the years, I've bought and sold numerous machines and rebuilt many from the ground up for my various shops. I’ve owned 8 band saws, 6 jointers, 5 planers, 7 table saws and various other machines plus installing more Byrd Shelix heads that I can remember. Though I plan to retire in 6 years, I continue to sell machines and upgrade. Because of this background there are other factors that come I to play when purchasing.

SUPPORT. Powermatic has a much deeper reach than Technatool-Nova. Powermatic/Jet have more territorial reps in the field that have helped me as an owner of their products and helping customers as a store manager. When I needed support for a customer problem, Technatool-Nova was less fluid in resolving the situation. There was no local rep to help and the part wasn’t in stock. Out of fairness to Technatool-Nova, this was 2019, they may have addressed these issues since then.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS and RESELL VALUE: I put together one of the Nova Drill Presses for the showroom floor. This was 2019 and I believe the column wall is thinner than the Powermatic, though as you stated, the Nova column has a larger diameter.

The Nova was next to other Powermatic and Jet drill presses in the store. The initial impression of the Nova by customers was negative. We sold 4 Jet/Powermatic drill presses to every one Nova. The negative first reaction was because of the size of the head. You could explain the electronic motor mechanism, horsepower, pull out the marketing materials with diagrams and they wouldn’t budge. Perception is everything.

If Nova is smart, they would design a much larger shroud, even if it would contain nothing but air or better yet storage above and behind the motor the assembly and design a depth stop that seems not to be an afterthought. The depth adjustment is something I use all the time and I mentioned in another post, the Powermatic solution, which is patent pending, is ingenious and moves the machine to the top of the list compared to Nova, Grizzly or any other drill press in that approximate price range.

At Bear Supply we sold Ramco Wide Belt Sanders and our competition sold Timesavers. They outsold us 3 to 1. I made a table like yours and showed customers how much better, point by point, the Ramco was. Didn’t matter, Timesavers had the name. Again, perception is everything.

I guarantee you, becuase of the above, the resell value of the Nova will be less than the Powermatic. One of the better ways to determine the value of a new machine is to look at the value of the machine on the used market.

PRICE: IMO, the worst thing you can do is make a purchasing decision based on price, especially a few hundred dollars.

And in the end, it doesn’t really matter. As stated in the beginning, either one will work for most users.

Good woodworking to all,
Mark Levin

[Mark Levin]

Larry Frank,

I didn't mention the power because there was no loss of power. In one of my first posts on the subject I mentioned I used a 3" and 4" Forstner bit as my first test of the machine and it never stalled or hesitated in the least. The difference in speed ranges is irrelevant to me-I don't need high speeds. I also worked with both Techntool and JPW while at Woodworker's Supply. Please see my previous post for further explanation.

As important as machines are, and they are, it’s more important what you are making with it. I’ve seen woodworkers with the most expensive equipment turn out A-1 crap and those with DIY machines turn out heirloom quality work.

As a side note, one of the first things Tage Frid would do in his woodworking beginning class is pull out an old bow saw and cut out perfect dovetails without even laying them out to make the same point. It ain’t the tool, it’s the person using the tool or in this case, the machine. It’s not worth losing sleep over. ( I did not study under Tage Frid, a friend of mine did and told me the story).


Mark Levin

[Alex Zeller]

As someone who is looking to replace my current DP with a new one in the next 12 months I've looked at both (but not in person since nobody around me has them on a showroom floor). Before the PM came out it wasn't much of a decision. The Nova was it. But now it's a toss up. It'll most likely come down to me putting my hands on both of them and deciding which one I think I like better. So far the honest reviews on some of the features of the Nova look like things I wouldn't use. For example the "auto stop" feature that shuts off the motor once it reaches a set depth. Since there's no instant brake it doesn't sound that precise.

First, the speed, even the Nova doesn't expect anyone to use more than 3000 rpm since to do it you have to go into the setting and change it. So that leaves the low end. Each one achieves it in a different way even though both use a VFD. With the Powermatic's 2 speed gear box it doesn't need as large of a motor. I thought 250 rpm seemed a little fast for the lower speed but after looking at my current DP it only goes down to 330 rpm so if it's never been an issue yet I doubt it ever will be. The only time I could see a problem would be with a very large hole saw. I'm not a fan of (or against) either brand so I'll wait to reserve my final judgement. I think this is the future of drill presses as dealing with belts is no longer needed for all but the least expensive units. I would guess that other brands will start to offer models too.

[Doug Dawson]

Mark Levin,

Your comment about the PM EVS presses substantially outselling the Novas would explain why we’ve seen so many horrid reviews of the previous such PM, and none for the Nova. Based on them, I might try the newer PM if you _gave_ me one... :^)

The thing I think you’ve missed here is that the PM EVS presses are a tiny bit of JPW’s business, so they can take them or leave them. OTOH, the Nova is one of the main things that Teknatool does, so they have a much stronger incentive to support it.

If somebody thinks the PM is better because it has a larger head, maybe they should go out and buy a Buick or something. :^)

[Mark Levin]

Alex,

In one of my previous posts I addressed drilling large holes with the PM2820EVS. I cut a lot of 3" and 4" diamtere holes using Forstner bits. It's the first thing I did as soon as I had the drill press together. The Powermatic 2820EVS cut through the ash without smothly and without hesitation. FWIW

[Mark Levin]

You need to define which PM drill press you are comparing the Nova to, the 2800 which had a lot of initial problems or the 2800B that addressed and resolved the problems. Secondly, the Nova drill press is not Technatools main product, their lathes and accessories are their biggest and best sellers. I know this from the time I was Product Mangager and saw all the PO's we sent to Technatool and my conversations with Technatool. The JPW data I had available to me while a Product Manager clearly showed that drill presses were their third best selling segment. They also spent a great deal of time and money totaly revamping all the Jet drill presses and the whole Jet line in general. IMO, the Jet drill presses are some of the nicest looking ones on the market, but too light duty for my needs. JPW spendd a fortune on constantly updating and improving their machines. FWIW, Mark Levin

[Alex Zeller]

The 2800 is belt driven variable speed (reeves drive I assumed). I assumed that this was mainly talking about VFD speed controlled drill presses.

[Larry Frank]

The old PM drill press was a belt reeves drive and there were problems with it that resulted in significant complaints. PM did a good job and designed a new one with a DC motor and gear box. I think it will be an improvement and time will tell. The are not many reviews so difficult to tell much yet.

Teknatool was well known over quite a few years for their variable speed lathe using the Striatech digital variable reluctance motors. They adapted this to the drill press and it has no belts or gears. It gives a wide range of speed control. In comparing the two drill presses, the Nova Voyager is 1.75 hp versus 1 hp on the PM. Will this make a difference? In most cases, probably not, but I would opt for more power. There are quite a few reviews and one complaint is about doing the software update. I had some difficulty but Teknatool took care of my issues.

This thread has caused a bit of controversy. There are some who are opposed to electronics in machinery and that is fine. If you are considering either the PM or Nova drill press, please take a look at the comparison table that I put in another thread.

[Charles Coolidge]

The design of the 2820 EVS table is nice in that the middle section comes out and you can put in one of their accessories or make your own top, which I did because I needed a much larger table.


Mark is the table middle section cast iron or aluminum? Appreciate your input on this drill press, I'm really leaning towards the 2820 EVS vs the Nova now.

[Mark Levin]

Charles, It's cast iron.

[Charles Coolidge]

Excellent that's the answer I was looking for. I had purchased a Delta "woodworking" drill press some years ago, total junk. The table was so weak and flexible I deemed it useless and sold it. I'm hoping the table on this one is much stiffer and doesn't flex.

[Andy D Jones]

A couple of clarifications about the Nova Voyager:

Nova DVR lathes and drill presses use Digital Variable Reluctance (DVR) motors. The variable speed drive electronic unit is NOT a VFD. A VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) creates 3 phase AC voltage at variable frequency and voltage, to drive a 3 phase induction motor at variable speed. Most use a Volt/Hertz algorithm, but other algorithms are also available, with higher performance and more computational and sensing requirements. DVRs provide more available torque at low speed than do VFDs & 3 phase induction motors, and are same or better at higher speeds.

However, VFDs and 3 phase AC motors are cheaper to produce than DVR drives and motors. However, to provide DVR-equivalent torque over a wide speed range, a VFD/3-phase motored machine needs an additional multi/variable speed mechanical transmission, at additional cost, weight, size and mechanical complexity.

It should also be noted that Nova DVR drill presses and lathes run on either 120VAC or 240VAC, by simply changing the plug on the end of the power cord. No internal jumpers or re-wiring is necessary. Furthermore, when powered with 240VAC, they are capable of producing more power (2 HP vs 1.75 HP).

I can't help if some consumers are unable to accept that a smaller motor/housing can be more powerful than a larger one. Nor would I want a larger, hollow machine (much less with additional weight just to make consumers think they're getting a better machine.) That would be the epitome of marketing idiocy over sound product development.

Disclosure: I am the very satisfied owner and user of a Nova Galaxi lathe and a Voyager drill press.

-- Andy - Arlington TX

[Chip Seltzer]

I have had the Nova Voyager for about a year now and I use it a fair amount (for a hobbyist). I am constantly disappointed in the lightweight connection between the table and the column. The amount of deflection you get when you loosen the clamp is evidence of a poor (under engineered) design. Recently I came across another issue that I was lucky not to learn about the hard way. If you engage the depth stop with the button in the wrong position, the support web will actually depress the button as you drop the quill thus releasing the stop. It would have been so easy to avoid this in the design phase. I love this drill press and really wish I could have paid $25 more for the small amount of extra iron it would have taken to make it exceptional from top to bottom.

[Doug Dawson]

I have had the Nova Voyager for about a year now and I use it a fair amount (for a hobbyist). I am constantly disappointed in the lightweight connection between the table and the column. The amount of deflection you get when you loosen the clamp is evidence of a poor (under engineered) design. Recently I came across another issue that I was lucky not to learn about the hard way. If you engage the depth stop with the button in the wrong position, the support web will actually depress the button as you drop the quill thus releasing the stop. It would have been so easy to avoid this in the design phase. I love this drill press and really wish I could have paid $25 more for the small amount of extra iron it would have taken to make it exceptional from top to bottom.
Putting the head unit aside, the base, column and table of the Nova appear to be exactly the same as on a $700 Grizzly press, last time I looked. I bought my Nova back when it was on sale for $1100 a few years ago, and when I went to look at what they’d done to justify raising the price to $1700+, I expected to see that they’d upgraded that. I was surprised to see they had not.

If they offered the option of a better substructure, I might take them up on it, even now. What they have currently is not all that.

[Charles Coolidge]

Well alright then FINE stop badgering me I ordered the Powermatic 2820 EVS. Honest honey I wasn't going to buy it but these guys on the forum.

[Bernie Kopfer]

Well alright then FINE stop badgering me I ordered the Powermatic 2820 EVS. Honest honey I wasn't going to buy it but these guys on the forum.
I’m going to have to remember that line.

[Larry Frank]

Some of the comments in the thread are confusing considering the specs.
Just for info, the column of the Nova is larger than the PM2820 and the base is also slightly larger. The PM is 20 pounds heavier but likely is the extra weight of the gear box.

The price on all equipment has gone up. Last I checked the PM was $250 more than the Nova.

[Michael Burnside]

I've had the PM2820EVS for about 9 months and have used it several times. I absolutely love it. Anything from super hard woods and aluminum to MDF and plywood, it does great. The plunge stop (or hold) is unlike any other I've used and it is a joy to use. It seriously just works and is better/faster than anything I've had previously. I've even used it as a spindle sander, using the accessory downdraft insert, and it worked incredibly well. I also like that I could use one of the handles on the left side with two remaining on the right, giving me the ability to plunge left or right handed as needed. This is something I've never had and now that I do, I don't think I could go back.

Besides leveling the cast iron table, it needed zero adjustments. The runout on the included chuck, using quality bits (something people never seem to mention), is minimal. I will say I use it mainly in the context of woodworking and some aluminum work, so I cannot say how well it performs if your primary function is steel.

Overall I'm very impressed and don't regret my purchase. I was able to "test" the Nova, PM and Jet (forget the model), and for me, there was no question that the PM tank was what I wanted in a DP. Price was irrelevant to my decision.

[Michael Burnside]

I don’t know that I would have thought about using one handle on the left, but that’s a really nice option to have.

Right? I happened to be working on a side table with two long pieces where the fence lined up great but it hung far left or right. Being right handed the first one was natural, held against the fence, but when I started the second, I turned myself into a pretzel reaching with my left hand. Before drilling I thought, hmm I wonder...moved one of the handles to the left side and boom, amazing!

[richard poitras]

Well alright then FINE stop badgering me I ordered the Powermatic 2820 EVS. Honest honey I wasn't going to buy it but these guys on the forum.

Charles, let us know how it works out for you and if you can a review would be great...

Richard