Having decided to search for lower-priced, full-height drill presses that might be a good choice for a home shop, I came up with nine 15-in. to 17-in. models to review.

To evaluate and compare them, I noted the condition of each after shipping and the ease of assembly. I looked at chuck-to-post distance, table size, overall height, motor rating, speeds, length of quill stroke, finish, and stability. I tested the accuracy of each machine out of the box: runout on the chuck and spindle-to-table perpendicularity. Finally, I looked at noise level, vibration, table-height adjustment, speed changes, depth adjustment, quill-return tension, and the presence or absence of a quill lock.

The Powermatic, like most of the machines tested, has an on-board lamp that makes it easier to view the workpiece. On this model, however, the bulb hangs down far enough to constitute a breakage hazard.