Looking at this new rollout from Powermatic and so far the reviews aren’t that great. One reviewer would not recommend it to a friend (excessive noise and runout) and none of the local stores carry it in stock as it’s a shipping-only item. Since I’m unable to ‘test-drive’ one in person and hesitant to order one sight-unseen, is anyone here using one in their shop and what is your experience ?
Powermatic 15″ VS Benchtop Drill Press 3/4 HP 1 PH 120V – PM2815BT
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It is my understanding that PM used to be the bomb, but some time ago, they sold out and decided to ride off into the sunset on the back of the reputation they built long ago.
It's all rebranded machines from overseas with a lovely 200% markup yellow paint job.
I have the floor standing version of this drill press, and like it. its very heavy and too expensive, but have no issues re runout or noise - integrated light and laser are nice, speed adjustment is easy, throat insert to allow dust collection underneath is great. table height adjustment is old-school and lame, but other than that no neg feedback from me.
My brother bought the PM-2800 despite my warnings and bad reviews. It was as terrible as people said and he returned it. The PM-2800B resolved many of the problems. The point is that if people who have had something in their hands say it is bad why do you think it will be different for you? I would look at something that gets good reviews.
They’re one of the few companies left that still make a decent parallelogram jointer last I heard. I hope this is the case.