Powermatic 1150 Drill Press Manual: Everything You Need to Run It Right
There’s a moment when you walk into a shop and see a Powermatic drill press in the corner, and you know immediately that whoever owns this shop takes their work seriously. The Powermatic 1150 is that kind of machine — built for the high end of the home shop and professional market, carrying a reputation for precision and durability that justifies the price premium.
If you’ve acquired a 1150 and need the manual, or if you’re evaluating one before purchase, this guide covers the machine thoroughly.
What the Powermatic 1150 Is
The Powermatic 1150 is a 15-inch floor-standing drill press from Powermatic (also part of JPW Industries, same parent company as JET). It sits above the JET 13R in both price and capability:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Swing | 15 inches |
| Spindle travel | 4-3/4 inches |
| Speeds | 16 speeds |
| RPM range | 170 – 3,050 RPM |
| Motor | 1 HP, 115V/230V single phase |
| Spindle taper | MT3 |
| Chuck | 5/8-inch capacity |
| Table | 15” × 16” cast iron, tilts ±45° |
| Table height adjustment | Rack and pinion |
The MT3 spindle taper is a key differentiator from smaller machines. MT3 is used on full-size industrial floor presses — it provides a more rigid toolholder interface than MT2.
Where to Find the Manual
- Powermatic’s website — powermatic.com — navigate to drill press documentation
- JET/Powermatic Customer Service — 1-800-274-6848 (shared service for JPW brands)
- eReplacementParts.com — good Powermatic coverage
- VintageMachinery.org — for older 1150 variants
Note that the 1150 has been produced in multiple versions over the years. The current production 1150 is the 1150A. Parts and some specs differ between the original 1150, the 1150A, and intermediate revisions.
Setup: Getting the 1150 Ready for Precision Work
Assembly
- Assemble base, column, and head per the manual sequence
- Set the table at working height using the rack-and-pinion mechanism
- Bolt the machine to the floor through the base mounting holes if possible — at 1 HP and with a 230V option, this machine deserves a solid installation
Squaring the Table
The 1150’s rack-and-pinion table height adjustment is smooth and accurate, but the table still needs to be squared to the spindle:
- Install a precision ground rod in the chuck
- Use a machinist’s square on the table to verify perpendicularity
- Adjust the table tilt mechanism until square on all four sides
- Tighten all table clamps and re-check after tightening
Belt Speed Configuration
The 16-speed configuration covers from 170 to 3,050 RPM — a very wide range that handles everything from slow large-diameter boring in metal to fast small-bit work in softwood. The manual includes a full speed selection chart.
Chuck and Arbor: MT3 Is the Key Spec
The 1150’s MT3 spindle taper takes a different chuck arbor than the MT2 machines. For chuck replacement or upgrade:
- An MT3 chuck arbor assembly is the correct spindle interface
- Mount a quality JT33 chuck on the MT3 arbor for a complete assembly
- A dedicated chuck key in the correct pilot size for your chuck model is essential
Workholding: The 1150 Deserves Serious Vises
The Powermatic 1150’s 15” × 16” table is large enough for substantial workholding setups:
- 4-inch drill press vise for most precision metalwork and woodwork
- Palmgren drill press vise for production runs and heavier stock
- Step-block clamping sets for work that won’t fit in a vise
Belt and Drive Train
The 1150 uses standard V-belts. A link belt upgrade reduces vibration and simplifies future adjustments. Given the 1150’s precision goals, lower vibration translates directly to better hole quality.
Lighting
A magnetic LED work light or a gooseneck LED positioned on the column gives you the visibility a precision machine deserves.
Is the 1150 Worth the Premium?
Yes, for the right buyer. The extra spindle travel (4-3/4” vs. 3” on most consumer machines), the 1 HP motor, the MT3 taper, and the 16-speed range make the 1150 a machine that expands your capabilities meaningfully. If you drill metal regularly, bore large-diameter holes in hardwood, or simply want the machine you’ll never need to replace, the Powermatic 1150 is the one.
SEO Metadata
