Tool Preview - PM2820EVS Review 

On most consumer drill presses, a cluster of pulleys on the motor and quill assembly, connected by a pair of drive belts, are responsible for spinning the chuck. Provided the belts are properly adjusted for tension, that system works pretty well, but torque is lost if the belts are loose and begin to slip. And switching between speeds involves manually moving the belts from one set of pulley sheaves to another. It can be a grimy hassle that stands in the way of adjusting the drilling speed appropriately for the task at hand.

Powermatic’s engineers are intending to eliminate these annoyances with the all-new PM2820EVS Drill Press. They’ve replaced the pulley-and-belt drive system between the center of the chuck and the closest edge of the machine’s support post). The keyed chuck accepts drill bits up to 5/8" in diameter. You can drill holes up to 6" deep, and workpieces up to 23" tall will fit between the chuck and the table when it’s lowered all the way. Powermatic provides a patented depth stop that’s integrated into the feed handle. It makes countersinking and drilling stopped holes easier to set and control.

This drill press has a unique cast-iron table. It features a 151⁄4" x 201⁄2" center section that can be removed in order to install one of two accessory inserts — a downdraft table or clamping table (sold separately). The table swivels up to 90 degrees off of level for drilling angled holes, and a thin lip around its rim should make for easier clamping setups.

An extruded aluminum fence, which comes standard with the machine, mounts to the table and includes an adjustable fl ip stop for repetitive- length drilling. A pair of high-visibility crosshair lasers pinpoint the centers of holes to be drilled for greater accuracy, and two integrated LED worklights illuminate the table’s surface to help reduce shadows.

For added safety, Powermatic provides an oversized Off button below the variable- speed dial that shuts the machine down with a bump of the switch.

The 336-lb PM2820EVS Drill Press is constructed of solid cast-iron and steel for stability and rigidity. It stands 717⁄8" tall on an oversized 163⁄8"-wide x 223⁄4"-long base.

Other optional accessories besides the table inserts include a tool shelf and magnetic strip. Both of these storage solutions attach to A belt-free transmission and electronic variable speed enable this drill press to transfer torque more efficiently for a variety of shop tasks.

To read the entire press release, click here