Powermatic PM2800B vs Delta 18-900L – which one would be the perfect dress drill for your work?
Let our review help paint a clear and concise picture of their overall performance. And then, you can decide which dress drill is most suitable for you.
1. Powermatic PM2800B Drill Press Review.
Powermatic PM2800B is the best choice for anyone looking for a premium stable dress drill to complete heavy-duty drilling tasks.
Due to its weight (266 pounds), it absorbs vibrations much better compared to Delta 18-900L, which weighs 240 pounds.
Another feature to support you in performing heavy-duty drilling tasks is the powerful 15.0 AMP (1.0 HP) motor. This motor enables the machine to bore through tough and dense materials more easily than Delta 18-900L, which only features a ¾ HP induction motor.
What else makes this drill press more superior than its counterpart?
Well, instead of featuring a belt drive system like Delta 18-900L, it comes with a digital RPM readout that enables you to change speed settings effortlessly with no belt changes.
Although Powermatic PM2800B is an outstanding drill press, it still has some small downsides. The first one is that it generates quite a lot of bothersome noise while working, especially when you start the drill.
Secondly, this model is quite pricey. However, its price is still lower than that of Delta 18-900L.
- Infinitely variable speed (250 to 3,000 RPM) with no belt changes
- Laser guides provide an accurate indication for tool point
- Oversized cast iron base for added stability
- Reversible handles can be mounted on either side of the machine
- Adjustable fence system provides a perfect 90-degree relationship to the table
Pros:
- High quality
- Intended for heavy-duty operation
- Ease of changing speed
- Includes tons of useful features
Cons:
- Noisy in operation
- A little bit pricey
2. Delta 18-900L Drill Press Review.
Delta 18-900L is another contender for the best drill press as it bears a remarkable resemblance to the Powermatic PM2800B.
For instance, features a rugged design, and a powerful motor enables you to carry out heavy-duty works with ease. Also, it comes with a large 90-degrees-rotating work table (20 inches x 14 inches) that gives a lot of space to work yet does not rock the material.
Along with these brilliant features, it provides you with adjustable twin-lasers to operate with precision crosshairs that mark where the drill bit will descend into your workpiece
There is no denying that Delta 18-900L has premium quality yet it still comes with some small drawbacks. For instance, the belts are not durable. After a year of use, the belts may start to slip off the pulleys. Even if you switch to a slower speed, this problem still stays the same.
The only solution to fix this issue once and for all is to replace these belts with the new ones.
- Auto-tensioning belt drive system allows for fast and easy speed changes while maximizing transmission efficiency
- Full 6-inch quill stroke for deeper drilling applications and best-in-class capacity
- Micro-adjustable depth stops and independent depth scale allows the user to zero the scale and set up for repetitive drilling quickly and easily
- Fully adjustable TWINLASER projects a bright red crosshair on the work piece at the point of bit contact
- Backed by a five-year warranty. Table insert: 3.75 x 3.75 x 0.75 inches
Pros:
- High quality
- Intended for heavy-duty operation
- Easy to adjust the height and angles of the table
- Adjustable laser lines
Cons:
- Easy-to-wear belts
- A bit pricey
Powermatic PM2800B Vs Delta 18-900L: Which One’s BEST?
Each of these drill presses comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, so which one is the best for you?
If you judge them based on their quality and sturdy design, they may all earn an overall rating of 5 out of five! However, if you prioritize durability, then Powermatic PM2800B is worth the higher score.
That is, every part of this device is durable, and you can use it for years without the need for any replacement. In contrast, if you go for Delta 18-900L, you may need to spend some extra cash on buying new belts after a year of use.
For this reason, Powermatic PM2800B would be the best drill press for you to take home right away.
Conclusion
Now you know who is the winner in the battle for the best drill press: Powermatic PM2800B vs Delta 18-900L.
Does this result satisfy you? If you want to suggest any other worthy contender for this battle, don’t hesitate to leave your comment below.
