Two durable and accurate options is the Delta 18-900L drill press and the Powermatic PM2800B. Both of these drills will endure, they’re not cheap toys that will fail in a couple of year; they’re built to last decades. But both has their own philosophy on how they’ll drill.
A drill press is an investment. It’s one you purchase and use for the remainder of your woodworking life. So whatever work best (and maybe what doesn’t work as well) about machine, you’ll be stuck with it forever.
Although their products has become similar over the years, there’s still a clear difference that separate both of them. There’s one product that is all about industrial legacy and rock-solid simplicity, and another that’s more about ease-of-use and convenient 21st century amenities. Make an informed buying decision by knowing what matter most to you.
Choosing Between Powermatic And Delta Drill Presses
Powermatic PM2800B Heavy Duty Construction
It isn’t necessarily a question of brute strength; it’s more about machine complementing your process. What you need in a drill press is a machine that’s made like a tank; and that’s exactly what you get with the Powermatic PM2800B. Cast iron construction make for an incredibly stable drill press, and even when I’m drilling big hole into hardwood, there is very little vibration.
Direct Drive Efficiency and Speed Control
Directly mounting the motor to base adds to strength of this unit, which many competitor don’t do. This results in a direct drive system that is more efficient and quiet different than belt driven systems. When pushing hard through difficult materials, you can feel difference.
There is no wavering or flexing; it simply drills. Also, Powermatic offer a broader range of speeds at any given moment without having to switch belts. Just turn the electronic gear shift on the fly and adjust quick.
That’s handy when you have all sorts of material to work through, whether it’s aluminum or oak. There’s no need to drop down below apron and fiddle with pulleys; just pick your speed and get going. It save time and keeps you focused on piece.
But that complexity is a double-edged sword. Gears can wears out and electronics can fail. A belt-driven press are mechanically simple and difficult to break, though it’s slow to change.
Delta 18-900L Ergonomics and Ease of Use
This is the Delta 18-900L. On the other hand, the Delta 18-900L emphasize ease of use and ergonomics. Height are adjusted smoothly and precise with knee-type stand. At whatever height you choose, table locks into place secure making it easy to work on both tall and odd-shaped piece.
The feed handle on quill is large and comfortable, reducing fatigue even after long session. Operator experience has always been important to Delta. From the very first time you step up to machine, it feel intuitive, and all controls are easily reached and logical.
Delta Laser Guide and Belt System
The Delta features an additional tool to aid in alignment, the laser guide. While not everyone may like this (some people is partial to a edge finder), it is surprisingly useful for quick setup. Drilling precise hole into sensitive work feels more secure with the laser engaged.
It’s a nice mix of past and present and something a lot of person will appreciate. The compromise here is that the Delta uses a belt driven system. To increase or decrease speed require halting and switching belts.
Not a big deal for many, but it does makes it mechanically bullet proof which isn’t always achievable electronically. You should of known this. Ultimately, it come down to what you prioritize in your workflow.
Price Comparison and Final Verdict
Because of their brand history and heavy duty construction, a Powermatic will cost more. But for the same money, Delta give you a great machine with solid construction. If money is an object and you need something strong without spending a fortune, you really can’t go wrong with the Delta.
If money is not an object and you’re all about building the absolute best, the Powermatic take the cake. Either way, both will outperform any tool in your shop and be an investment in your craft. So in the end it’s up to you.
Do you prefer moddern features and the ergonomics of a Delta, or do you need the rock-solid quiet reliability of a Powermatic? It’s not an either/or question because these are both extraordinary machines. They’re different routes to the same place.
Choose whichever route sounds most like the one for your work and the one that makes sense for your hands. Either way, you will still get straight holes.