Problematic Powermatic?

[@rce2553]

Quality machines and tools are not guaranteed to be available tomorrow , what you can buy affordable today may not be there a year from now. The precision workmanship engineering and complexity of globally sourced parts required to assemble this Powermatic Drill Press is very impressive when you consider the customer service and delivery and all included in the sales price. It’s an amazing marvel of innovation, engineering, manufacturing, the global supply chain and purchasing power of our currency. It fits a need of Matt’s shop, it performs a specific function no other machine except a drill or mill could do. Amongst other drill presses the machine is rated and ranked at the top , it’s for a “next level carpenter”. Folks learn from this role model how to troubleshoot and maintain your own equipment, those skills are priceless and will serve you much better in this new challenging world than only being able to demand a refund over the simplest little issue. Five years from now will this machine or a comparable machine still be available and for what price?

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I hope you don't mind that I pin your comment the top of the list for a while because it is so well said... Thank you! Best, Matt

[@rce2553]

@@NextLevelCarpentry Thanks for sharing the awesome videos and know how Matt! Absolutely yes you may pin my comment up 👍 Randy

[@quaz18]

very smart of you to request the knob switch. I had a feeling they would send you the board and you'd replace it only to have the same problem.

[@ronh9384]

A nice job on the repair Matt. I am very happy with mine. A friend of mine lost a finger when he was changing a pulley/speed on his drill press and one of his grandkids saw the extension cord not plugged in and thought she would help her grandpa out buy plugging it in. Ever since I heard that story I put a lockout cover on the plug when I work on power tools…

[@rickcimino743]

You are such a class act. You had PM on a tee and could have smacked them out of the park. But, you took it in stride, fixed the machine and gave us all the benefit of videoing it so we could learn something. Great job as usual.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks Rick... funny that I never had any inclination to be upset about this, especially when inadequacy and incompetence are often an infuriating experience. I guess it has everything to do with the response I got when I contacted them about the problem. Their tone was one of figuring it out and helping me get it resolved as quickly as possible rather than them trying to dodge the issue or insinuate I was to blame. I hope these two videos end up being a useful resource for others considering buying one of these machines. Other than the video by JN Woodworks I didn't really see much out there that was very informative so I hope this fills that void a bit. Best, Matt

[@MrEdolsian]

Glad you got it fixed! When ever I work on machines with circuit boards, I take a photograph so I can keep it handy and reference to it when I put a new board in to make sure all the connections are correct. :)

[@Erik_The_Viking]

Nice troubleshooting! I've had to replace parts in medical devices because of faulty switches, cables/connections that came loose during shipment, and other items. Glad that they worked with you to resolve the issue. Nice that it was just a simple fix.

[@micheljouve8181]

As a native metric frenchman as I am, I regret to tell Your metric Guy transformation isn’t done at all, you would guess it was the bad washer fault ! I don’t get all your comment but i hope get all your jokes, best trick to learn English for me. I’m fan of all your tips and the way you cast it. Thanks.

[@DrFunke]

You are being very understanding. I’d be livid. When I buy a $3000 tool, I expect it to work. No bs. You are very patient.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Yeah Life's too short for that kind of anxiety when a problem is so fixable. Funny thing is that I'm nowhere near as patient when it comes to updates to apps or getting my printer to work😬🖨️😡

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

Watched a guy on a different channel restore a 100 year old lamp. It was built better than that $3,000 drill press. You mentioned three companies that sent you this lemon. Sure, they are happy for you to MAKE it work for them. Hats off to them. they know their stuff.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Actually I make it work for me... although I did have to pay them for it... but how's that any different than pretty much anything you get these days? Besides, it's rather difficult to drill accurate holes with a lamp... 😉😂

[@rickwashek478]

I give you credit. I think if it was me for a 3,000.00 dollar machine I would have told them to send someone to my shop or send out a replacement.

[@FireAngelOfLondon]

With capacitors as big as the ones on that circuit board you can get a shock long after switching off and unplugging. They can store energy for some time, and the bigger they are the longer they can store energy. Maybe you knew that, but it needs to be said for people who don't know. Continue to be careful of shock hazards with equipment like this even when it is unplugged.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Good point so thanks for adding it to the conversation because it will probably keep someone from an unpleasant surprise😎

[@csimet]

Just ask any HVAC tech who service start/run capacitors. You learn to do a quick short across the terminals before you touch anything. ;)

[@mark2talk2u]

This used to be a huge issue with old TVs. The potential shock was serious.

[@Hoaxer51]

I’m glad you got your new Powermatic drill press all squared away, it sounds great. I’ve heard good things about Powermatic so hopefully yours will run a long life. Good luck with it, and can’t wait to see you put it to work.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks Tim. FWIW I've actually done some meaningful work with it off camera and can tell you I'm loving the upgrade already. So much less vibration and its user-friendly features mean that I've no regrets whatever, even with having to deal with the intermittent speed control issue.

[@DukeDave1]

Thank you for sharing this update with us. Very nice drill press.

[@johnnydingo8680]

I removed my variable resistor comments after seeing there are so many below. 😊 Good fault finding, well done. May you drill a million holes before having anymore troubles 😊👍

[@donwilliams3626]

I'm glad you got the switch switched and got it fixed!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Yeah, me too Don! And thanks for not being someone who feels it necessary to proclaim that "it's a potentiometer, not a switch" too like a number of other viewers have. Even though they're correct it's pretty annoying🤨 Now that it's fixed and I've had a chance to work with it, I gotta tell you: this is one sweet machine! Best, Matt

[@donaldpyles2891]

Matt, thanks for the candor, not everything works right the first time but it is not where we begin it is where we end.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Well said Donald... you're a gentleman and a scholar😁😎

[@82220121]

I have had this same model since Dec21 with no issues. This does replace a Woodtek belt-driven drill press. Having 7 months with it and I will say it is a great machine. I really like the variable speed, LED lighting, and laser pointer. I also purchased it from Acme Tools and it was shipped from the North Dakota store, about 600 miles away. Delivery was fast. It also came with Promo Microjig Clamps and Tables PM 100. I have been very happy with it.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for sharing a review of both ACME and your PM2820EVS here Jim. I sense that if you would have had a simple variable speed control issue with yours when it was new like I did you would have promptly fixed it and moved on to use, appreciate and enjoy the machine too. I've glanced at the PM100 table setup but opted out... for now. Best, Matt

[@82220121]

@@NextLevelCarpentry Matt, I must have hit Acme at the right time. The drill press, PM100, and shipping were all priced at $2700 and delivered in less than 10 business days. I sure thought I got treated well.

[@secoroco]

As an electrical engineer, those potentiometers quality are far from reliable. I remember using them and spending long hours in the lab due to quality on those potentiometers. Resistance is consistently inconsistent. Powermatic should help you and learn from your work. What an amazing troubleshooting!!! Thanks for sharing!

[@billysmether6237]

You are now a certified Powermatic Wizard!! Nice troubleshooting! It's never the board.

[@trep53]

You maintained a cool head throughout this ordeal. Of course getting all upset wouldn’t help and you are smart enough to realize that. Bottom line is your $3K drill press is whole again thanks to your efforts and Acme’s tech support. I sincerely hope either Powermatic or Acme reach out to you and make some gesture of reconciliation.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Somehow this whole thing wasn't upsetting... more surprising, really... but when it comes to dealing with my printer when it acts up? Yeah, I don't do nearly as well at maintaining 'a cool head'! FWIW I consider having a 'spare' circuit board on hand as a back up is more than adequate as a 'gesture of reconciliation'... if anyone thinks I'm too passive about it just check out the price they put on a replacement and keep in mind I didn't even have to pay shipping for it!😉😁😎

[@ericsmith8308]

Hey, Matt. I'm so glad you got it working. And I'm glad to see what the inside looks like! You're very smart to have requested the potentiometer at the same time as the circuit board. I know you're going to love that machine. I've still never turned the lasers on: I know they're way out of alignment and I've never seen the point of them yet.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Yeah I'm glad it's up and running as well. Feeling pretty good about having a spare circuit board on hand because that seems like it would be a real deal breaker if that failed in 6 or 7 years. Funny that you mentioned the lasers because I dialed mine in a couple nights ago and think I'm actually going to kind of like them for setups and stuff even though I'm not confident enough in their accuracy not to do a double double check when Precision really matters. I think you already saw Jan Woodworks unboxing of the drill press and I just followed his steps for setting up the lasers because they were very understandable and practical. The little I've actually used the drill press I know I love it already although I have a good idea why you like your mag fence because the fence that comes in with this machine is functional but pretty hinky. It's all good though and I'm glad to have had Insight from you to take some anxiety out of the upgrade process. TTYL😎

[@ericsmith8308]

@@NextLevelCarpentry : Yes, I've seen that JN Woodworks video. It looks straightforward enough: I guess I'll break down and align them. It's funny that the lasers were super important to me when I bought the drill press, but now I'm not so excited about them. I can't say enough good things about the MagFence Pro. I'm really enjoying it. I'm glad I was able to help a little bit: you've been a terrific encouragement to me in the shop and I deeply appreciate it. And I'm getting ready to embark on a StarBond glue caddy build!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@ericsmith8308 I'm expecting the lasers to need constant fiddling. That unreliability would keep me from counting on them for setups but, if once they're set (which really doesn't take long if you cover one with tape while adjusting the other) they stay put, then I'm going to be a happy camper. I'm contemplating making my own fence of similar design to the PM one but if it fails I'm leaning towards the MagFencePro for sure. Probably should just skip the middle step but my nature doesn't allow that sensibility. Have fun with the caddy build... super handy and gets used all the time. Consider making a couple while you're at it 😁 Best, Matt

[@FearsomeWarrior]

I think your Delta is a greater prize. My depth-stop is worse because it slips. Seen the modern Delta and Powermatic in stores and wanted one but happy with a ubiquitous 17-inch Delta from 90’s. The table is nice for any material on the new ones. The webbing under mine is frustrating sometimes.

[@TM_Stone]

Acme is great. I bought my Delta contractors table saw from them in 1993 and I use it to this day.

[@richardhart7652]

Looks like a nice piece of kit, and fantastic customer service

[@MikeWilliams-yp9kl]

Great to hear that you fixed it , 👍

[@GregsGarage]

Great to see it was a small problem and not a large one!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I guess a faulty potentiometer is kinda like the 'loose wire' I was convinced I'd find, right? I wouldn't have wanted to bet much real money over the actual cause beforehand though... just never know🤔

[@jameshodgins1937]

Nice fix. To me, that was a lot easier to fix it yourself than send it back or wait for a Tech. I wish I had an electronically controlled variable speed drill press.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

That's much the way I see it too, James... especially that there's no guarantee that a replacement wouldn't have issues too. The EVS is pretty sweet but from a functionality and practicality standpoint it really doesn't justify the price when compared to performance and output of my 16 year old Delta. Can't really justify a $600 smart phone over an old flip phone either but it's cool to upgrade when possible even if it's not practical.😉😎

[@joshsekel]

It’s a good thing you had those metric Phillips and standard screwdrivers in the shop. They can be really hard to find in the stores.

[@SM-xm7dt]

Check the potentiometer with a meter to verify it is bad, perhaps a cold solder joint on the pwb where it plugs in.

[@jasonmako343]

@Next Level Carpentry - I'm glad to see this was an easy fix. I purchased this drill press last April when I decided I did not want to fiddle with changing belts to correctly match the speed to the bit and work. I was between this one and the Nova and ended up going this route because the Nova was out of stock and after looking at one at my local Woodcraft some of the parts on it like table/handle/etc felt a bit cheesy when compared to the Powermatic. I'm not convinced I made the right choice and often have buyer's remorse. The powermatic table is nice but it will not stay perpendicular. Grab it with two hands and try to rotate it and see if it tilts at all - mine does by 1 degree. No matter how tight you make the little handle it won't stay put. The only way to make it stay put is by cranking down the big bolt, but then you lose tilt. It's unacceptable and Powermatic tech support was worthless - they said just crank down that big bolt. You can find KZbin videos on how others have addressed this design flaw. 1HP in my opinion is underpowered on this expensive drill press - especially running at lower RPM's. I have stalled it many times. The motor/gear design is stupid this day and age. Nova has done it correctly with that DVR motor (no gears or belts) which is much much quieter and it has 1.75/2.00 HP motor with none lost to a drivetrain. Unfortunately this Powermatic does not go low enough in RPM to use for drilling most metals unless you like destroying drill bits. This drill press is not marketed as such though, so that's just something the buyer needs to keep in mind. If you intend to drill metal and wood, then go with the Nova Voyager which is intended for both and is able to go down to 50 RPM! This Powermatic would be the best around if it had the stronger, quieter Nova motor and most importantly a table that stayed perpendicular. Not much good having a Llambrich chuck when the table moves - unless they've addressed the design flaw since I purchased mine.

[@mriguy3202]

The Nova also has several features the the Powermatic lacks, such as auto start-stop and auto depth repetition. These would be especially helpful in a more production oriented shop. It has a feature that helps you choose the proper speed as well.

[@onjofilms]

Having fixed radios and industrial electronics since 1984 I can say bad pots are common. Just a few years ago a Motorola radio had a bad pot. So I bought $5000.00 of them and am almost out of them. That is one reason you don't find rotary resistors on serious servos (encoders are more reliable). Pots are just not stable enough. You have a wiper on a round carbon disk, and that wiper jumps up and down. More on some than others.

[@mikeyKnows_]

is there any upgrade to that?

[@skitzochik]

its nice when things work out as they should, its unusual to get such fast thorough service nowadays..hope it works well

[@louisshambarger2230]

OK, I just ordered a Powermatic drill press like yours except: my nearest Woodcraft store had bought factory overruns of Powermatic’s 50 year anniversary model and gave me a good deal. Also, the store manager told me on the phone that it doesn’t have the keyless drill chuck yours has. It is a year or two old but still in the box. Not a deal breaker. It has the drill press table with the T-slots. A nice extra. It is painted black for the anniversary edition. I’ll have to pick it up at the store about 80 miles away. Therefore no shipping.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

It's my understanding that the main feature the regular model has over the 50 year Edition is the fence. Without the fence the 50 year Edition was a hundred bucks less, I think. I can tell you that you're not missing anything as the fence is pretty weak, definitely not worth the regular price difference, so if you got yours for less than that, it's a great deal IMHO. The Llambrich keyless chuck I have is a rather expensive but very worth it upgrade so you might consider getting one like it (knock off brands are less than half what I paid) with some of the $$ you saved. Regardless I think you're going to like the fit, finish and features of the Powermatic... I'm loving mine for sure! Best, Matt

[@louisshambarger2230]

I see I made a mistake, it is the 100 year anniversary. The price of the Llambrich chuck is about middle price for that type of chuck. Have you priced an Albricht lately? 😢 Grainger is out of stock on the Llambrich right now.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@louisshambarger2230 Not that I noticed the 50/100 year thing either😉 I'm only familiar with Llambrich but know there's more than a few other keyless brands out there. Seemed like the model I got was at the upper end of pricing for chucks that fit this drillpress but seems no surprise there there's much higher priced ones for more sophisticated machines and purposes... too bad Grainger is out of stock as they're an excellent source for such things...

[@rolfbjorn9937]

Repairing as opposed to sending back and the potential for more trash will always get bonus points in my book. When you first turned it on, especially after learning it costs 3000$!!!! I was disappointed to hear the typical sound of a brushed motor, and opening the top cover confirmed it. However, other than making a tool with a VFD to speed control the usual induction motor (silence-ish, durability), or using a DC motor, the manufacturer went the easy and quite frankly cheap way with a brushed (universal ) motor. That potentiometer is probably the same as in any of those 50$ 6 or 7 Amp corded hand drills and the sound at 600 rpm sounds like the drill press is very low on power, just like those drills when you run them on low speed. As an apartment dweller, I somewhat despise all my power tools that have these screaming banshees, but having repaired a couple old ones, I know they're salvageable. Thanks as always!

[@user990077]

13:00 Little bitty switch is a rheostat (a variable resistor).

[@thomasbrown9402]

I liked when you said your new drill press was "simpler" than a belt-driven one. 🤪

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I meant it when I said it: so much more user friendly, accurate, capable, etc!

[@dannogoo]

Good troubleshooting! That's called a potentiometer which varies the resistance for speed control in this case. Hope that will last for you.

[@louisshambarger2230]

Finally got my new Powermatic 100 yr anniversary drill press up and running. Installed the aluminum extrusion fence and checked it for square. It was out pretty bad. The two plastic adjusting screws only moved it in the wrong direction. Luckily I have some Teflon (?) peel and stick tape. I put it aligned along the front edge of the fence between the fence and the table and, due to pure luck, it was the perfect thickness. Checked it with a 4” machinist square. Next problem: I would like to use a keyless check I have but the slot in the quill intended for inserting the drift to drive the Morse taper adapter out is too low in the quill and the end isn’t exposed so the entire slot is filled with the Morse taper shank.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I get the idea that the morse taper specs are pretty specific for each make/model of drillpress and suspect you're dealing with a mis-match issue there. I love the keyless chuck upgrade from the keyed style I've always have and think it would be worth any amount of effort required to make the switch/upgrade even if it takes drastic measures to remove the chuck you describe...

[@louisshambarger2230]

@@NextLevelCarpentry Got it working. Nothing wrong with the drill press just typical operator error.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@louisshambarger2230 I know whereof you speaketh!🙃

[@louisshambarger2230]

Today, just for the heck of it, I measured the runout at the spindle. With the chuck Powermatic supplied it is 0.004-0.005” which is very good. With both a keyless chuck I have had for years, and a 0-5/8th inch capacity ball bearing chuck, also old, it is 0.002-0.003”. Putting the indicator tip on the #3 Jacobs taper adapter, the indicator needle almost doesn’t move. Really good! Sweeping the table with my indicator I can get the X-axis almost perfect. The Y-axis is out 0.005” which I can’t see any easy way to correct but it is still trivial. The sweep circle was only about 6” but still, I am pleased.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@louisshambarger2230 Thanks for sharing your impressive results... should help to offset other 'reviews' of this machine elsewhere online that are much less satisfactory.

[@m.a.r.services5720]

Great video lesson! Thanks!

[@Rebel7469]

Looks like the wiper that runs on the mica disc in the pot were not making as they should. You can pull the pot apart and wipe with rubbing alcohol lightly to clean it and then put back together might fix it.

[@EngineerMikeF]

I read recently that you can do a superior job of rust inhibiting by cleaning (mineral spirits &/or acetone), heating the bare cast iron, then rubbing in paste wax in so it melts & flows into pores & grinding marks before cooling & buffing out. I have drill press envy

[@HassanMohammed-zd4oi]

Well done

[@Hvn1957]

For years, I operated a large Root mortiser that had been converted to a drill press. It had a manual shift four speed transmission. Can’t say I ever felt the need for a wider range, but it sure is great to have. These days we have a Powermatic with variable belt drive. The nice thing about the Root was its really long stroke (8”) and it’s insane torque. It was also pedal operated. Anyway, great video! It’s nice to see Powermatic still making good machines that are user-repairable!

[@edcrego396]

Simple fix but I would have been upset I hope you don't have any more trouble!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Truth be told, problems of this sort are FAR less stressful to this old nail bender than constantly annoying 'updates' to devices, apps and subscriptions so they don't even raise my blood pressure😉

[@LivingTheLifeRetired]

With that Delta sitting there why did you need a new drill press? I’m trying to decide between a smaller benchtop like the Rikon or a bigger floor model.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

"Need a new drill press"? Who said anything about need? 😁😂 I didn't "need" a different pickup last time I replaced one either! In your situation I'd think hard about anticipated use and aim high when deciding. "l bought a drill press that's too big“ said no one ever! 🤓

[@Tripring2000]

Matt, that’s an awesome new drill press. Glad it was a simple fix. By the way, did you get a new camera to shoot video with? Your last two videos have been much more crisp and clear as I watch all of them on my big screen 4K TV compared to your earlier videos.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I too am glad it was a simple fix, mostly for the fact I was able to positively identify the problem and correct it rather than have some ongoing intermittent thing. Thanks too for mentioning video clarity. I didn't notice the steady degradation of video clarity until another viewer commented that it seemed like my videos were foggy. I clean my lens frequently but had to do a deep dive and actually disassemble the lens to clean off a layer of microscopic dust that filtered into the lens itself over the last five or six years. I was rather nervous opening up the lens for fear some little thing would break or spring would get lost and I'd have to replace the lens but as it turned out once I figured out the magic key for getting the lens to come apart it was a very quick and easy fix and not even too much fuss to reassemble the lens. Best part was that it was an instant and nearly 100% Improvement in video quality. You're the first one too mention it though which I appreciate as it acknowledges the Improvement. I'm glad to report that the PM2820 EVS is all I expected it to be and even a little bit more and look forward to using it as it's most likely the last drill press I'll ever acquire. Thanks for watching and commenting! Best, Matt

[@Tripring2000]

@@NextLevelCarpentry your lens cleaning made a huge difference. The colors are very vibrant and crisp. Thanks for taking the time to produce these most informative videos. I know how much time and effort it takes to record and edit them. Especially those where you have ‘Chip’ helping you. I love when I get a notification of a new video and can’t wait to watch.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@Tripring2000 Sweet! Working on the next video project and am excited to get it put together and published but it won't be right away😯 Best, Matt

[@paultidswell2981]

Where do you get those metric Philips head bits from , I need to add some to my tool kit🤓

[@greglawrence742]

Hoiw many people miss your unit of measurement humor? I feel sad for them. However, i seem to haver difficulty finding "metric scoche" tools at the big box store. Any suggestions?

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

The reason you're having difficulty Greg is that you're spelling it wrong. Try a search with "metric sukkochi" which is closer to the original and I bet you'll find what you're after... generally in the isle next to aluminum magnets and blinker fluid. 😎

[@mp6814]

Excellent! Thumbs up!

[@ronh9384]

Hello Matt. Just curious how you and your Powermatic drill press are getting on. Any issues since you did all the repairs?

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

No issues whatsoever regarding function and performance. I'd buy the same machine today if I had it to do over again. There was a definite mental transition period going from A/C motor and belt drive to the way the DC motor and direct drive runs but, now that I'm used to it I'm able to do more, more quickly and efficiently than any previous drillpress type or model. I've got to say that I wish I'd switched to a keyless chuck years earlier though because that alone makes the setup and bit change process so much quicker, regardless of the motor and drive system...

[@xoxo2008oxox]

Whoa- 25min video on a 5 minute fix allowing that $3K drill will be paid for in ads from this. I think you could have promoted your CA glue use to fix that potentiometer ! I wondered why not a Nova digital (looks at mine, Oh, has a knob as well...so much for All Digital...knob is analog!) Anyway, thanks for showing your persistence to the resistance potential! Glad Powermatic got you the parts! Now, make some holes!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

LOL 🤣 BTW I've been making more than a few holes off camera and love the machine already despite the speed control issue...

[@tricolorturners]

Is QC part of the Gold Standard?

[@turtlehopper81]

since it's gears, do you need to grease them or add oil?

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Hey Trent, There's no mention of periodic maintenance so I assume it's a factory sealed 'transmission' that needs no maintenance over its lifetime of normal use. I'm guessing the lube lasts longer than belts on a belt drive unit so hopefully it means less maintenance over the life of the machine. It's hard for those of us who crawled around under cars and trucks with a grease gun doing ball joints and u-joints every 5,000 mile to conceive of cars and machines that 'never need maintenance' but it is possible... 😀 Best, Matt

[@stuartmoore5798]

That printed circuit board is a VFD more than likely… and there were capacitors. Even without power ; those capacitors will give you a nice shock. So I advises next time ground those capacitors to bleed off the store power.

[@trakyboy5128]

Nice gear 👍🏽👍🏽

[@jrg2068]

I would definitely buy another potentiometer to have a spare on hand since you now know they are prone to failure.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I don't really see the potentiometer as 'prone to failure' because I've not heard of anyone else having the problem I did. I think it was more a negative statistical event, like the opposite of winning a lottery, than a highly likely recurring event. I'm more thankful that I have a 'spare' circuit board because I could imagine something in that pricey component failing within a month of the 5-year warranty's expiration 😒

[@luigiseli2552]

"A metric phillips tip" . . . I prefer those over the standard phillips tip. I keep several of them next to my left-handed slotted screwdrivers. Thanks for your time

[@LostMountainRestoration]

I was thinking that I would have made them swim from Taiwan with the part in their teeth. $3K is a lot of money to have it arrived defective. Matt did a great job, as always.

[@mikewatson4644]

I keep mine in a special rack close to the metric adjustable wrenches. I try to keep them separated from the standard adjustable wrenches. I can't tolerate cross contamination between standard and metric.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

LOL!! For some reason the way 'they' handled everything was attentive and effective and didn't trip my trigger. I'm considerably less amicable when dealing with incompetence or indifference on other matters though so this was a very low-stress ordeal. Best, Matt

[@daddywoofdawg]

I don't know to me it's like buying a new car and calling the manufacturer and them saying they will send you a new engine, well great but since I'm doing the labor should you be giving me something for my time, you would pay a service center for the work. (You as in the manufacturer). I bought a brand new pressure washer and the pump was bad so they sent me a new pump. I ask the question of labor compensation and they work out a deal with me.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I feel your pain for sure and have the same viewpoint on the matter. For this particular situation, because the problem was just the little switch, it turns out that I have a spare circuit board for any time in the future even after the warranty expires so I figured I came out pretty good on this one. Hope you came to a workable solution for your pressure washer predicament. Best, Matt

[@Danthrax66]

I'm surprised that they are still using that old style of potentiometer vs. something digital in a $3k machine.

[@rolfbjorn9937]

I think the Brushed AC/DC universal motor is the worst part of it now that I know the price! at 3K I expect better tech.

[@robsubry1616]

I am interested in buying this DP. Have you experienced the table locking issue that JN Woodworks had. While not optimal, your problem fix was at least acceptable. His was unacceptable, especially for this level of machinery, as was Powermatic’s response to him.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I've no regrets for buying this DP other than a wish I could have bought it 5 years sooner. Granted, as a machinist, Jim's a lot more aware of machine tolerances and performance than I am but it's beyond great for the woodworking and entry level metal fabrication I use it for. Unfortunately, in this day and age, lackluster performance by customer service is more the rule than the exception but I try to focus on the usefulness of the outcome more than the frustration in achieving it. If there were other viable options I'd sure consider them because there's always room for improvement but I still feel the Powermatic PM2820EVS Drillpress is still the best in its class for my needs.

[@robsubry1616]

Thanks for your quick response and honest approach! I just ordered the DP. I will say I much prefer Beaver to Acme as they offer free tailgate shipping and have been way more helpful. Keep up the good work.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I think you'll really like your new 'toy'... there's a short but different sort of delay when turning it on compared to a switch that controls the motor directly that takes a little getting used to but everything else about the direct drive digitally controlled speed, quill setup, depth stop, table design, etc makes up for any shortcomings hands down IMHO. I don't have an affiliate relationship with them but I really do love the $$$ Llambrich keyless chuck and $ Magswitch Drillpress fence upgrades...

[@stevensrspcplusmc]

Should return it and look at the nova voyager DVR, it’s a better drill press and no pulleys or gears! and quiet! That’s one noisy drill press! It’s computer sets bit speed for material and has a digital depth stop, much better! I love mine, truly head of its time!

[@honeybadgerisme]

*sigh I once offered for you and your wife to stay at a nearby hotel at my expense if you would come and help me complete a complicated project I began, but lacked the skills to complete. I've moved now and my (truly dear) husband dismantled/destroyed/devastated/toothpicked my cool project...I guess it all worked out in the end. It was a (homemade) murphy bed for our daughter and I could not work out the best lifting mechanism--but had several pistons and hospital bed motors. I even had a bicycle wheel and pulley system ready! lolz. *Really did not trust my lack of knowledge! I also wasn't comfortable announcing my location on a public forum and asked you to pm me--probably sounded sketchy to you! Would have to me, too!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Glad to hear Life Goes On... 😎

[@honeybadgerisme]

@@NextLevelCarpentry it does

[@seephor]

I don't blame Powermatic QC department because the failure was intermittent which means it could have worked perfectly during their testing. I DO blame Powermatic for using low quality pot to begin with.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

It would be interesting to learn if this is an isolated incident or if, over time, a lot of other users have to deal with the same problem. All in all though I've no animosity or regrets over the ordeal. I'd much rather deal with an issue like this on a brand new machine than one that's 1 day past the warranty period! Best, Matt

[@seephor]

@@NextLevelCarpentry Agree. The MTBF (mean time between failure) is a common graph that shows the probability of failure for pretty much any machine. The graph is shaped like a U which means the probability of something going wrong is very high at the beginning (which is why I'm weary of flying on new planes) declines rapidly over a short period then gradually increases with time. This problem fits perfectly into the MTBF probability graph.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@seephor Interesting perspective... I've not heard of MTBF before but can immediately see how it applies to this and so many other things!

[@hoecherd]

My troubleshooting usually goes: Trouble? Shoot!

[@prototype3a]

Is that a brushed DC motor driving the drill press?

[@SeanBZA]

Yes brushed DC permanent magnet motor, with a speed encoder on top to control it. Common now to get in tools, because it is easier to drive than a brushless motor, and the controller is a lot less critical to design. High torque at start as well, unlike an induction motor, and you can get full torque at low RPM as well with the right speed controller on it.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Thanks for that Sean... I was going to look it up because I didn't know but would have provided a far less informed/thorough answer than you so I really appreciate it! I can vouch for the 'full torque at low RPM' thing... very nice for boring holes with large forstner bits or hole saws for sure. Best, Matt

[@SeanBZA]

@@NextLevelCarpentry Just remember that comes with a caveat that heavy load at low RPM, or any RPM, for long periods will result in the motor overheating, which is bad. Duty cycle for these motors is limited to part load for long times, and full power is not recommended for more than 5 minutes every hour, so that the rotor can cool down, though if it has an internal fan it can run at light load for days with no issue, other than brush wear. Do get a spare set of brushes, and check them at least every 6 months of heavy use (as a carpenter you will likely use it a half hour a day or more) for wear, and replace as needed.

[@prototype3a]

Brushed motor is disappointing at the price of this drill press. I'd much rather see it use a VFD and 3phase motor. Then again, I bet it is also JT33 instead of a heavier duty taper that can accept a ball bearing chuck.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@SeanBZA that's certainly good information for anyone contemplating use of this model drill press in a production setting. It would be a rare occasion that I put that much load for that much time on the drill press for any particular project but I'll definitely keep your admonition in mind because I expect my machines to work hard but I definitely don't want to abuse them😎

[@energyrecoveryinc.1157]

This press has worked like a charm for my projects kzbin.infoUgkxajoEbapTfqWaadnqb04h6U576yxXp-FE . I didn't even secure it to my table top, mainly due to the fact that I was using a 15 lbs drill vise. It's not flimsy at all as to what others have claimed it to be. Make sure the locking nuts and levers are secured and there won't be any issues with light pressure and patience. I was able to drill through aluminum, plastic, and steel (steel took a while) with no problems at all. Yeah it took a little longer than a regular drill press, but I don't have the space OR the money for one.The instruction manual was worthless, but luckily assembling the press was intuitive. However, the manual would be good for ordering replacement parts if needed. There is a nice breakdown of the parts that are included in the kit. Before ordering, make sure it is compatible with your unit, it is clearly stated what models the press is compatible with.This was an excellent purchase for $40!!

[@lucidmoses]

I wouldn't send that board back just yet. Sure it's 95% likely your right but how do you know it's not just intermittent working again?

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

For sure! They didn't request return of either part if it wasn't needed to fix the problem so I look at it as payment for my troubles and as an extra bit of 'warranty insurance' for future protection. Best, matt

[@simon-d-m]

It's a potentiometer, not a switch. Looks cheap and nasty, but... ... you could swap it out for a better one, either wirewound or plastic-track. You have the value on the old pot: it will be one of three possibilities, but most probably linear ("lin") with a value also marked. Any electronics guy should be able to help you order one, and you can use the old one's wires and small connector. Electrically they would work just the same, but be much more reliable.

[@CrimeVid]

How much quill travel do you have ?

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Not sure what Powermatic claims but I physically checked just now and it's 6 1/8". Best part is the 'new and improved depth stop' arrangement😎

[@CrimeVid]

@@NextLevelCarpentry Thanks, I hate that thing where you have to move the table up with the work piece on it,to get the depth,or go to freehand drilling.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@CrimeVid you're right that raising and lowering the table is usually a real problem which it has been on both of my previous drill presses. I've only had to use one drill press that had only 4 inches of quill travel and your comment makes me remember how annoying that limited depth of travel was! I want that much quill travel for drilling extra deep holes and appreciate the large crank and heavy duty rack for raising and lowering the table for shallow ones. It really is a game changer and has me thinking differently when I'm setting up to drill a series of holes because I can quickly raise the table to a suitable height for drilling 1 inch deep holes for example and only have to turn the crank a quarter of a turn or less to get it done. Stay tuned to Next Level carpentry to see this machine in use? 😁😎

[@BostLabs]

Excellent! a bum potentiometer. Easy fix. :) Well you still have to open it up. :)

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Glad it was so simple to remove the 'front pane' to access that switch and that it didn't require special tools or anything to make the swap. I'm not smart enough to assess the actual problem with the speed control but might see what my favorite electrician has to say about it. Best, Matt

[@rayjones3766]

That was called the tap test

[@RogierYou]

They should also pay the customer for doing the work.

[@CorpusChristiHouston]

Appears Powermatic needs some help in quality control

[@SeanBZA]

Just needs to buy better parts, those pots are very common, and there are hundreds of manufacturers, all with varying levels of QC on the product. Just have to change supplier on them to one of the better name ones.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I'm interested to hear if others have the same or similar problems but I'm inclined to think this is an anomaly, not a trait... time will tell though, right?

[@georgemalakasis]

It is not a switch. It's a potentiometer, or variable resistor.

[@brucegibson8053]

So a $5.00 part makes a $3,000.00 machine junk. Quality control is lacking at Powermatic. Glad to see the problem was a somewhat easy fix, but shouldn't be necessary. Sorry, but the Nova is still my preference.

[@darkwinter6028]

It’s an intermittent problem - it probably worked just fine at the factory.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

@@darkwinter6028 Key word: intermittent. Who knows the actual full story but I'm glad it was so certain that it was the problem compared to some things that take years to isolate and resolve like the faulty pulley on my old Delta. Best, Matt

[@seymourwrasse3321]

belts and pulleys don't act up, I have an Electronic Engineering Degree, and I would have an electronically controlled piece of equipment on my property

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

Actually they do act up... and a pulley that was chronically faulty on the delta from the get-go was a large part of my motivation for upgrading. Long and boring story but goes to the fact that any machine has the potential to act up but dealing with misbehavior is less of an issue than accomplishing the same work without the machine faults and all IMHO. FWIW I never once had to reboot my push button phone but that doesn't mean a smartphone doesn't have its advantages... Best, Matt

[@WilliamAlanPhoto]

That thing makes a horrible noise. It sounds like the bearings are already shot!

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

It probably sounds worse in the audio track than in actuality. As I said, it sounds different than belt drive ones but it mostly that: different, not like toasted bearings IMHO. It's far less 'horrible' when compared to a router or thickness planer but I wouldn't complain if it was quieter...

[@jhidley1]

The whining noise is from the straight cut gears in the transmission. It would be a lot quieter if they used helical gears.

[@garyh4458]

Sure is loud.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

It really isn't but suspect the audio in the video makes it seem louder than it is. The noise is different than the belt driven drill press but it's not unpleasant at all IMHO.

[@davidkettell5726]

Does not say too much for their quality control and inspection system, definitely will stay away from.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I think that's a bit drastic as a conclusion for what appears to be a very isolated instance but that's just me, especially with what I put up with to manage things like smart phones.😉🤣😎

[@sethdistler5332]

Problematic, powermatic, Systematic, sympathetic Quite pathetic, apologetic, paramedic Your heart is prosthetic Silly blue October song quote just ignore me

[@terencemerritt]

Metric Phillips 😂

[@SM-xm7dt]

At least it wasn’t a slotted metric. 😂

[@deanwilliams93]

a $2 Potentiometer in a $3000 Drill Press.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

I drive a $40,000 GMC pickup with a $40 ignition switch... must be about the going rate these days.

[@russmartin4189]

I would have liked to seen you and Chip as kids. Evidently, you were the "evil" twin as you turned him into your slave. What did you do to the poor guy, hide his toys and not give them back until he did work for you? What does he get for his labor now? Scaps from your McDonald's Happy Meal? I'm glad I wasn't Chip! How much will it cost to ransom him? How about we pay you off. Create T-Shirt in your merch store, saying "FREE CHIP, Join Patreon!"😅

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

If you think I let Chip read any fan mail then you obviously don't know how do deal with twin siblings😜 A Patreon campaign? Now THERE's an idea!! 🤣

[@russmartin4189]

@@NextLevelCarpentry You probably kept him locked in his room, chained to his bed, while you went to school and learned to read! (My wife says I have a weirdly funny mind! Sne is right.)

[@T.v.d.V]

A lot of plastic for $3000. Why???? Not make it from metal..grazy.

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

You could say the same thing about a new car but you'd be talking $30,000 instead...

[@ot9180]

Do you want ur money back?

[@NextLevelCarpentry]

No I really don't. This was a very minor setback and the fit, finish and performance of the drill press otherwise are well worth the effort to work through the small issue and I anticipate many years of fine performance out of the drill press.