Powermatic 15-Inch Floor Drill Press, Variable Speed, 3/4 HP, 115V Review
Our verdict
The Powermatic 15-inch variable-speed floor drill press runs a 3/4 HP motor on 115V and lists at $2,012. Two owners rate it 5.0 stars, though that small sample size means the rating reflects enthusiast satisfaction rather than a statistically verified track record.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Woodworkers and precision-focused hobbyists who want Powermatic build quality in a compact 15-inch swing class and prefer variable-speed convenience over a stepped-pulley design.
Skip if
Buyers who need metalworking grunt, a larger swing, or a verified owner review base before spending $2,012 on a stationary press.
- Priced 16% below the category median ($2,399.99 across 7 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating5.0/5
5.0 average across 2 owner ratings
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Popularity2.1/5
2 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other power tools and workshop machinery we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
At $2,012, the Powermatic 15-inch variable-speed floor press occupies the lower end of the Powermatic floor-press price range, sitting roughly $1,000 below the 20-inch model and offering a 3/4 HP, 115V setup that is well suited to precision woodworking rather than heavy metalwork.
Variable-speed control is the standout feature here. Without a stepped-pulley system, the operator can dial in spindle speed continuously, which benefits detailed joinery work, forstner bit drilling, and mortising operations that each benefit from specific RPMs. The 115V single-phase supply means no special wiring is needed in a standard shop or garage.
The two 5.0-star reviews signal high satisfaction from the people who chose this model, but two reviews is not a large enough sample to anchor a reliability verdict. Buyers comparing this to the SHOP FOX W1680 at $1,225 should weigh Powermatic's precision reputation and variable-speed drive against the cost premium.
Pros
- Variable-speed drive allows smooth RPM adjustment without belt changes
- 3/4 HP, 115V setup requires no dedicated high-voltage circuit
- $2,012 is the most accessible Powermatic floor press price in this category
- Powermatic brand provides established dealer and parts support
Cons
- Only 2 owner reviews, making the 5.0-star rating unverified at scale
- 3/4 HP limits utility for heavy metalworking applications
- 15-inch swing is smaller than JET or Powermatic's own larger-swing models
Performance notes
The Powermatic 15-inch floor drill press uses a 3/4 HP motor operating on 115V with a variable-speed drive. The 15-inch swing allows drilling center holes in workpieces up to 15 inches wide. No RPM range, chuck size, spindle travel, or weight is published in the listing. The variable-speed mechanism eliminates stepped belt positioning, which is common on Powermatic floor presses in this class.
What buyers say
Two owners rate the Powermatic 15-inch at 5.0 stars. Both appear satisfied with the variable-speed operation and build quality. With only two data points, the sentiment is positive but cannot be generalized to a broader owner population.
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Frequently asked questions
Is 3/4 HP enough for metalworking on the Powermatic 15-inch?
A 3/4 HP motor is suitable for light metalwork such as drilling in mild steel with smaller-diameter bits, but it is not designed for heavy-duty metal fabrication. For consistent metal drilling, the 1-1/2 HP JET 22-inch is better suited.
Does the Powermatic 15-inch need a 230V circuit?
No. The listing specifies 115V operation, which works on a standard 15 or 20-amp household or shop circuit.
Have questions about the Powermatic 15-inch or want to compare floor press options?
Reach out to the ToolGalaxy team at hello@toolgalaxy.com.