Shopsmith Forums

putttn wrote:No, the Powermatic is not mobile. The one corner I have would allow me just enough room to place the unit there and be able to use without setting it up. I'm wondering if the SS is actually a better unit than the PM?

Powermatic tools are high quality in my opinion. I have a PM 6" jointer and a PM2000 table saw. However my drill press is a dedicated MK V and a dedicated 10ER.

Masonsailer2's design is really nice but you can do the same thing in the same foot print with a standard SS. As you say you want a dedicated drill press because you have a place for one and don't like the idea of the change over to drill one or two holes. I totally agree. That is why I have dedicated drill presses. I think the SS makes a superior drill press to any stand alone including the Powermatic for many reasons.

1. Variable speed without changing belt positions plus infinitely variable speed in the range of the SS as opposed to 3 or 4 fixed speeds. Although the newest Powermatic does have a Reeves drive like the SS.

2. The largest table of any drill press.

3. The table tilts.

4. The table has miter tracks.

5. The table has a fence.

6. Parts are available.

7. SS quality is second to none.

8. SS customer service is second to none.

9. You can make a SS dedicated drill press for way less than the cost of a Powermatic.

10. Non SS drill presses are not really designed for wood working as the above features illustrate.

Both the MK V and 10ER drill presses in the pictures could be made with a slightly smaller foot print. The MK V has 18" way and bench tubes. They could easily be shortened to 12" or maybe less. The 10ER bench was cut so the stock leg braces met in the middle. It could easily be mounted on a shorter bench with shorter braces or a custom base without the SS metal legs.

Here's my standalone wall mounted Mark 7 (Mark 5 + Mark 2) drill press and my No-Pro Planer. They're both perfect for my purposes and get a lot of use.

putttn wrote:Got a chance to buy a Powermatic 2800 thats about a year old for $850. I like the idea of the stand alone aspect and I have "just" enough room for one. Have read great and not so great about the 2800 and since I have to move a few things around to get to my SS and it is inconvenient and time consuming. I wondered what you fellas think.
I know the SS is excellent.

Are you glad you posted????!!!!
I have an ER with a SC for a dedicated DP, It cost me 250$ ish, would not spend the money for anything else on the market today.

Went to the Toy Store to look at the new Powermativ and the fit and finish as well as the adjustment seemed a bit clunky. I was surprised how difficult it was to get the table tilted.

Wow. Just saw these posts on what you fellas have done. I may have a bench top i could dedicate to these ideas.