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Author Topic: Drill Press, Powermatic 18" or Jet 17"?  (Read 1396 times)

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Offline 3PedalMINI

  • Posts: 493
    • Signature Sound & Video
Drill Press, Powermatic 18" or Jet 17"?
« on: March 07, 2019, 09:32 AM »
Strongly considering either one of them. Anyone have experience with them? both? I keep thinking the JET is more then enough for me but I hate when I buy a tool and wish I had just spent the extra money for when I need capacity or power in the future.

The Nova DVR looks good and its in the same price range as the Powermatic but im not sure I would ever use 1/3 of the features and something that needs updating/electronics in a woodshop just doesn't seem right. Powermatic or Jet will last forever as long as its taken care of, digital stuff tends to have a mind of its own.
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Offline tdwilli1

  • Posts: 57
Re: Drill Press, Powermatic 18" or Jet 17"?
« Reply #1 on: March 07, 2019, 09:42 AM »
I have the Nova and have had no issues and wouldn't buy another DP with belts. Choosing bit speed with a push of the button and setting drill depth are super easy and accurate.
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Offline Cheese

  • Posts: 9676
Re: Drill Press, Powermatic 18" or Jet 17"?
« Reply #2 on: March 07, 2019, 10:16 AM »
The Powermatic is continuously variable speed while the Jet offers only 16 speeds with belt changing. Of those 16 speeds, 5 of them are at 2000 rpm or more, kind of wasted options. If it's only between these two, I'd purchase the PM.

I'd never purchase another belt swapping drill press considering the newest options available. I really like the Nova Voyager. If you do any metal working the Nova will go down to 50 rpm while PM is 250 rpm & the Jet is 210 rpm.

The Nova just has a lot of features that are nice and not just gimmicks. Digital depth setting, tapping assist, forward & reverse...there's a lot there for the same amount of $$$.





« Last Edit: March 07, 2019, 10:27 AM by Cheese »
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Offline RKA

  • Posts: 1987
Re: Drill Press, Powermatic 18" or Jet 17"?
« Reply #3 on: March 07, 2019, 10:23 AM »
Powermatic.  Doesn't it already come with a keyless chuck and variable speed selector?  I saved $400 and went with a Delta 18-900L and now the belt ritual has gotten old.  Sometimes I'll leave it on whatever speed I last used because it won't matter much, other times I know I have to swap belts around.  The added step isn't enough that I'm willing to part ways to upgrade though, but if I was doing it over again, I think I would get the PM.  I think Rikon might have one now with the electronic speed control.

Regarding the Nova, I feel the same way about the electronics.  But there are some time saving features in it, even if I don't use them all.  I'm 50/50 on that one. 
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-Raj

Offline 3PedalMINI

  • Posts: 493
    • Signature Sound & Video
Re: Drill Press, Powermatic 18" or Jet 17"?
« Reply #4 on: March 07, 2019, 10:44 AM »
Maybe you guys are right. Its worth looking into the nova more. Its the one thing I hate about drill presses is the speed adjustment. I guess now its between the PM and Nova.  [tongue]

Considering the amount I saved by going with the makita saw (in my other thread) maybe its worth spending the coin for either one.
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The Bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten -Benjamin Franklin

Professional Custom Audio Video System Designer/Installer serving Southern - Middle NJ, Eastern PA & the Surrounding Shore Points.
www.sigsv.com

Kapex 120,TS55,RO150,ETS125,CT-26,CT-MIDI,Tradesmen Cleaning Kit, Festool Ratchet Kit, Sys-lite, Sys Roll Cart, T18 +3, 2013 Centrotec Kit, Carvex 420, Carvex Accessory Kit, CXS,RO90, TI15 and Various Festool Systainers

Offline Jiggy Joiner

  • Posts: 1111
Re: Drill Press, Powermatic 18" or Jet 17"?
« Reply #5 on: March 07, 2019, 04:26 PM »
After a couple of bad experiences with drill presses, I bought a JET, the runout at the chuck was about 8 thou, now this was a keyless chuck that came supplied with it. Obviously 8 thou is not acceptable. So the supplier offered a replace or refund option.

Because I loved everything about the JET apart from the runout, I decided to try again, the second one had chuck runout of around 10 thou. I was disappointed as I really wanted it be right, and in honesty, I think it was the chucks, and if I’d put a Jacobs or Rohm chuck on it, I’d have myself a very nice drill press. However, it may not have been the chuck, then what?

As it was brand new, I sadly decided on a refund. I have since researched the JET drills, and runout seems a common issue. If you get a good one, they’re very good, if you get a bad one, they’re awful.

I am desperately trying to source a Nova Voyager, not easy in the UK but, I’m making headway.

If you get a good JET, it will be more than adequate for any woodwork applications but, if you get a bad one, you’ll be in the same predicament as me.

I am buying a cheapish drill as a stop gap, until I can get my hands ona Nova.

Whatever you go with, I wish you the best of luck.
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Offline Papalima

  • Posts: 21
    • KPL Creations
Re: Drill Press, Powermatic 18" or Jet 17"?
« Reply #6 on: March 07, 2019, 06:20 PM »
Another one for the Nova if it helps.  I wouldn't get another one with belts after having the Nova. 
I don't use all the features all the time but when I do use them I really appreciate them for sure.
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