Finding Powermatic Drill Press Model 1150 Parts Without Guessing at Compatibility
The first time I went hunting for a V-belt for my Powermatic 1150, I wasted two hours chasing part numbers on a machine whose serial tag had gone illegible from decades of shop dust. I ordered a belt. It was wrong. I ordered another. Still wrong. Third time I finally measured the old belt instead of trusting a number — and it fit. That detour taught me more about the 1150 than any manual ever did.
If you own one of these machines, here’s what I wish someone had told me up front.
What the Powermatic 1150 Actually Is
The Model 1150 is a floor-standing drill press that Powermatic produced for many years before the current PM2800B took its place. It’s an 18-inch swing machine, typically running a 1 HP motor wired for 115/230V single-phase, with a spindle speed range of roughly 250–3000 RPM via a step-pulley and V-belt arrangement.
These are tanks. The castings are heavy, the quill travel is generous, and a well-maintained 1150 can outperform most modern benchtop presses. The problem is that the machine is old enough that Powermatic no longer stocks dedicated 1150 parts — and the current catalog equivalent, the PM2800B, shares some dimensions but not all.
Step One: Find Your Type Number
Before you order a single part, you need the Type number, not just the model number.
Powermatic used model numbers across multiple production runs. The 1150 was revised several times, and key dimensions — belt cross-sections, quill spring specs, spindle tapers — changed between Types. The Type number is stamped on the data plate, usually on the column or the head casting. It looks like “Type 1,” “Type 2,” etc.
If your data plate is missing or unreadable, post a photo to a machinist forum (The Home Shop Machinist, Practical Machinist) with your serial number. Someone will date it for you within hours.
The Most-Replaced Parts on the Powermatic 1150
1. V-Belt
The drive belt wears out before almost anything else. Glazing, cracking, and stretch are the usual culprits. The correct cross-section and length depend on your Type, so measure the old belt before discarding it.
Wrap a piece of string around the old belt’s outer circumference, mark it, and measure the string. Then look up the belt cross-section (A, B, 4L, etc.) stamped on the belt sidewall.
For many 1150 configurations, a standard 4L or A-section belt in the correct length fits well. A link-style replacement belt is frequently cited in machinist forums as a drop-in for certain Type configurations — confirm your belt length before ordering.
2. Quill Return Spring
The quill spring is a coiled flat spring housed in a cover on the side of the head. These fatigue and snap, especially if someone has been running the quill fully extended repeatedly. Replacement springs are available from eReplacementParts.com — search “Powermatic 1150” and filter by your Type.
3. Chuck
The 1150 uses a JT33 (Jacobs Taper #33) spindle. If your chuck is loose, wobbles, or the jaws won’t close true, you may need a new chuck.
A JT33 keyed chuck fits the 1150’s spindle taper and is a solid replacement.
4. Quill Bushing / Spindle Bearings
If you hear a rumble or feel roughness when you rotate the spindle by hand with the belt removed, the spindle bearings are telling you something. These are standard size bearings available at any bearing supplier.
5. Work Light
The original light fixtures on these machines are long gone. A magnetic LED shop light sticks to the column and gives you genuine illumination at the table without rewiring anything.
Powermatic PM2800B vs. 1150: What Actually Cross-Transfers?
| Component | Transfers from PM2800B to 1150? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck (JT33) | Yes | Both use JT33 taper |
| V-Belt | Maybe | Must verify cross-section and length |
| Quill Spring | No | Different geometry |
| Spindle Bearings | Maybe | Same bearing standards, but verify housing dimensions |
| Table | No | Column diameter and mounting differ |
| Chuck Key | Yes | Chuck key is chuck-specific, not machine-specific |
| Motor | No | Frame, mount points, and wiring differ |
The takeaway: don’t assume PM2800B parts are a shortcut. Verify every dimension before purchasing.
Where to Source Parts
eReplacementParts.com — Search “Powermatic 1150.” They have exploded diagrams by Type.
Powermatic.com — Worth checking the current parts catalog; some consumables are listed even for legacy models.
eBay — Parted-out machines regularly show up. If the quill assembly from a junked 1150 has the same Type as yours, it’s often cheaper to buy the whole head than to buy individual parts.
Practical Machinist Forum — Members have accumulated a library of scanned Powermatic documentation.
Verdict
The Powermatic 1150 is worth repairing. The castings don’t exist in the current market at any price. Get your Type number first, measure before you order, and treat the PM2800B cross-compatibility table as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
FAQ
Q: Is the Powermatic 1150 still supported by Powermatic? Not with dedicated parts. For 1150 parts, rely on third-party suppliers like eReplacementParts.com and the used machine market.
Q: What spindle taper does the Powermatic 1150 use? JT33 (Jacobs Taper #33).
Q: How do I find the Type number on my Powermatic 1150? Check the data plate on the column or head casting. It will say “Type 1,” “Type 2,” etc.
Q: Can I use a PM2800B chuck on a Powermatic 1150? Yes — both use JT33, so any JT33 chuck fits both machines.
Q: Why does my quill not return after drilling? Most likely a broken or fatigued quill return spring. Inspect the spring housing on the side of the head.
Q: What V-belt size does the Powermatic 1150 use? It varies by Type. Measure your existing belt’s outer circumference and read the cross-section code from the belt sidewall.
Q: Where can I find an original Powermatic 1150 manual? VintageMachinery.org and ManualsLib. The Practical Machinist forum also has member-uploaded scans.
Q: Is it worth rebuilding a Powermatic 1150 vs. buying a new drill press? For most hobbyists, yes. A rebuilt 1150 outclasses any similarly priced new floor drill press in rigidity and quill precision.
References
- eReplacementParts.com – Powermatic 1150 Parts
- Powermatic Official Site
- VintageMachinery.org
- Practical Machinist Forum
