Powermatic Drill Press PM2800B

[Gary in Texas]

For quite some time, I've been toying with the idea of buying one of these drill presses, but found the $1400 price tag for a new one difficult to swallow. I have a Jet floor model 17" drill press that hasn't had any issues for the past 14+ years.

I now have an opportunity to purchase a used PM2800 in excellent condition for $750, half of what a new one plus tax would cost me.  Even at that price, it's way more than most new drill presses....  Is the speed selection and digital RPM read out worth paying that extra price (plus quality of the Powermatic brand)?

Anyone here own a PM2800B, and if so, your thoughts good or bad?  I've read a few reviews where some owners had issues with the pulley system - causing excessive wear on the belt, and a few with quill issues, but the latter could be from users not knowing how to set up the drill press and quill.  Any thoughts or comments would be most welcomed!!!  Thanks.

Gary

 

[G3Trim]

I really like my pm 2800, love the ease of speed adjustment. I haven't checked out the B model to see how it compares. Do you have a dealer near you that you could go and check it out first hand? If you have a woodcraft by you I know the usually handle them.

 

[Gary in Texas]

I frequent on do the local Woodcraft stores, I think they keep a mop handy when I visit to wipe up the drool I leave behind after looking, yet again, at the PM2800.  You said you have the 2800, and the reviews I've read all point to issues with the more recent 2800B model.  Thanks for the reply...

 

[Iceclimber]

Crap id buy that asap!

I have been toying with the Powermatic 2800 or comparable Delta machine. Tbh i had kinda set myself on the Delta being it is less expensive by a few hundred bucks and is said to be able to run at even slower speeds than the Powermatic. Add that to a number of reviews of the Powermatic and people having problemsand it seemed simple.

Plus i will admit i just cant stand that yellow color. For $750 though it would be in my shop!

For quite some time, I've been toying with the idea of buying one of these drill presses, but found the $1400 price tag for a new one difficult to swallow. I have a Jet floor model 17" drill press that hasn't had any issues for the past 14+ years.

I now have an opportunity to purchase a used PM2800 in excellent condition for $750, half of what a new one plus tax would cost me.  Even at that price, it's way more than most new drill presses....  Is the speed selection and digital RPM read out worth paying that extra price (plus quality of the Powermatic brand)?

Anyone here own a PM2800B, and if so, your thoughts good or bad?  I've read a few reviews where some owners had issues with the pulley system - causing excessive wear on the belt, and a few with quill issues, but the latter could be from users not knowing how to set up the drill press and quill.  Any thoughts or comments would be most welcomed!!!  Thanks.

Gary

 

[SittingElf]

I have the Delta.  Went through a lot of back and forth between the PM and the Delta. In the end, I settled on the Delta and have not regretted it in the least. It's a great drill press! [smile]

That being said, if I had seen a 2800B in really good condition for the price that was mentioned....well, I probably would have added the Mustard color to my shop. [tongue] (I already have the "Mustard Monster" 3520B lathe in my shop)

Great deal, and I'd jump on it if the DP is in excellent condition.

Cheers,

Frrank

 

[RobNY]

I had picked up the 2800B for $425 with 3 1/2 years left on the warranty.  Only had it few months and what I learned is it is really a great drill with 1 downside and that is the belts it seems the belts wear on the outside and wear down somewhat fast and are really expensive to replace $135 for both.  Which is why the piano maker sold it so cheap they wanted it out of there shop right away.  They got sick of messing with they used it only 1 day a week when they drilled out the blocks where the piano wire went.  For my little hobby shop should be great and very excited to have it.  Good luck with whatever you decide.

-Rob

 

[Gary in Texas]

Rob,

Thanks for your input.  I've seen a few references to the premature belt wear, didn't know those belts cost that much!!! [eek]  I recall a few people commented on the wear, IIRC something to do with pulley alignment.  You might want to google and see if someone had a solution.  That was a great price to pick up that DP!!!

 

[RobNY]

The belts are a special size that are only made in a few places which is why they cost so much.  And when I say wear I mean you'll only get around 2400-2500 RPMs top end.  For a home shop where time isn't money not a big deal.

-Rob