Powermatic · Drill press · 1955 to the 2000s (1200HD)

Powermatic 1200 Drill Press

Name: Powermatic 1200 Drill Press
Brand: Powermatic
Availability: InStock

Powermatic never made a Model 15 drill press. That number went on a chain mortiser and later a planer, and the big Powermatic drill press people mean is the 20 in Model 1200. It dates to 1955, and a 1959 manual already calls it heavy duty. The quill is 2-3/4 in across with 6 in of travel and a No. 3 Morse taper spindle, it rides a 4 in column, and the floor model weighs about 600 lb. Powermatic built it with a variable-speed head on cam-operated sheaves or a step-pulley head, with power feed, production tables and even two-spindle versions for factories, which is why most have three-phase motors. A 1200 in good order won't flex, and it takes any No. 3 taper tooling you can buy today.

Variable-speed or step-pulley headFloor or bench modelProduction table (T-slot) and power feed optionsTwo-spindle and head-only versions1200HD (WMH era, 2000s)

Representative photo, made by AI from real seller photos. Every listing differs. How we make these →

Spec at a glance

Maker: Powermatic
Machine: Drill press
Era: Post-war (1946–1970)
Motors sold: Single or 3-phase
Launched: 1955
Made: 1955 to the 2000s (1200HD)
Capacity: drills to the center of a 20 in circle; 6 in spindle travel
Spindle: No. 3 Morse taper, 6-spline; quill 2-3/4 in
Speeds: variable 200 to 2,000 RPM, or steps at 240, 380, 600 and 1,500 RPM (1995)
Column: 4 in diameter, 66 in long (floor) or 42 in (bench)
Motor: 1 or 1-1/2 HP at 1,800 RPM, single- or three-phase; 2 HP maximum
Weight: about 600 lb floor model; 485 lb bench model
Also listed as: Powermatic 1200, PM1200, Model 1200, Powermatic 20 inch drill press
Typical eBay ask (Oct 20, 2026): $1,225–$2,325

Shop check

Power, iron, fence and freight

Power and phase: Powermatic built the 1200 as an industrial drill press, and the 1997 list shows a 1-1/2 HP three-phase motor at 1,800 RPM as the standard variable-speed version. The motor plate in the listing photos will say what yours has. A three-phase one needs a VFD or a phase converter on house power.
Motor and bearings: The variable-speed head changes speed with cam-operated sheaves. Ask for a video of it running from low to high. The speed should change smoothly and the spindle shouldn't chatter.
Runout: The quill runs in two 6206-size ball bearings (SKF or equal in the 1966 manual), a standard size. Ask the seller to chuck a drill bit or a straight rod and spin it. It should run without visible wobble, and a dial indicator on a rod is the real check.
Table and rust: Ask for a photo of the table and base. Rust on the table cleans up, but cracks or a lot of drilled holes in the table are signs of hard use. The table should crank up and down the column and lock.
Fence, guards and gauges: A drill press has no fence of its own. Check the photos for the chuck and its key, and whether it has the production T-slot table or the power feed, both options Powermatic offered.
Trunnions and adjustments: The quill return spring and the feed handles are what you use every time. Ask the seller to feed the quill down its full 6 in and let go. It should return smoothly and stop at the top.
Blades and knives: The spindle takes No. 3 Morse taper tooling, which is still made, so chucks and drill bits are no trouble. Variable-speed belts and sheave parts are harder to find.
Dating it: Serials run N-1nnn for 1955 to 1964, NN-nnnn 1965 to 1968, N20X-nnnn 1968 to 1978 (X is V for variable speed or S for step) and NN20X-nnnn from 1978.
Moving it: The floor model is about 600 lb and tall and top-heavy. Lay it down only after taking the head off, or move it upright on a pallet strapped to the column. Never tip it by the head.
Safety upgrades: Check that the belt cover is on and the switch works. Clamp work to the table rather than holding it.

Should come with it

Chuck and key or a Morse taper arbor
Table and base
Belt guard
Motor and switch

Hard to find if missing

Variable-speed sheaves and belt
Power feed parts
Made-in-USA Powermatic parts

Check the listing photos against these lists, and ask the seller about anything you can’t see. A missing fence, guard or motor should come off the price.

What to check

Variable-speed sheaves and belts wear, and many came from factories with three-phase motors. Quill bearings are standard sizes, but the head is heavy and easily damaged in a careless move.

01Motor plate: Ask for a photo of the motor plate. A three-phase motor needs a VFD or a converter on house power.
02Speed range: Ask for a video running from slowest to fastest. The speed should change smoothly.
03Spindle: Ask the seller to spin a chucked rod or bit. It should run without visible wobble.
04Quill return: Ask the seller to feed the quill all the way down and let go. It should return smoothly to the top.
05Table: Ask whether the table cranks and locks on the column. It should move freely and hold.
06Head type: Check the model plate for variable speed or step pulley. The serial carries a V or an S after 20 from 1968.
07Moving it: Plan the move before you pay. A 600 lb drill press needs the head off or careful upright rigging.

New to old iron? How to check a used woodworking machine covers runout, the table, bearings and the parts that go missing, and shipping a heavy machine covers freight, pickup and rigging it into the shop.

Buying guide

Which one to buy

§ Oct 20, 2026

Almost every 1200 that names a phase is three-phase, so price in a VFD or converter. The one single-phase press is a dealer's 1-1/2 HP at $2,835.94 delivered. Our pick is the variable-speed 1 HP at $890 from a dealer, for pickup or freight. Most ask $588-1,750 with no shipping. Ask for a video of the speed going slowest to fastest and the quill coming back from its full 6 in, and plan for about 600 lb.

Listed now: 14
For parts: 0
Typical ask: $1,225–$2,325
Full range: $497–$2,646

Cheapest
$706.89est. delivered
At $706.89 delivered, it's the lowest price you can pin down for a variable-speed 1200. It's laid on a pallet, so ask how the head is secured, since you shouldn't tip a 1200 by its head, and for the motor plate.
POWERMATIC VARIABLE SPEED DRILL PRESS MODEL 1200
View on eBay ↗: POWERMATIC VARIABLE SPEED DRILL PRESS MODEL 1200$706.89 est. delivered
Best value
$890.00+ ship
The dealer gives the full spec, variable speed, 1 HP, 220/440V three-phase, so the only unknown is freight.
Powermatic 1200 Variable Speed Drill Press 1700 RPM 1 HP 220/440V 3 Ph
View on eBay ↗: Powermatic 1200 Variable Speed Drill Press 1700 RPM 1 HP 220/440V 3 Ph$890.00 plus shipping (not stated)

Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 20, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.

Snapshot

For sale on eBay

7 of 14 listed

Checked Oct 20, 2026. Some may have sold.

Delivered prices include shipping as eBay quoted it to a US address on Oct 20, 2026. Many sellers charge by distance, so your total may differ. eBay shows yours before you pay.

Used
- Cheapest
POWERMATIC VARIABLE SPEED DRILL PRESS MODEL 1200
$706.89est. delivered
$496.89 + $210.00 shipping
Buy It Now$496.89
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
Variable speed, phase not given. Laid on a pallet.
Seller: jsgaragellc
98.4% positive
View on eBay ↗: POWERMATIC VARIABLE SPEED DRILL PRESS MODEL 1200
Used
- Best value
Powermatic 1200 Variable Speed Drill Press 1700 RPM 1 HP 220/440V 3 Ph
$890.00+ shipping
$890.00 · shipping not stated
Buy It Now$890.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Good buy
Dealer press. Variable speed, 1 HP 220/440V three-phase.
Seller: dockguys
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: Powermatic 1200 Variable Speed Drill Press 1700 RPM 1 HP 220/440V 3 Ph
Used
Powermatic 1200 20" Drill Press 1-1/2 HP #3MT 2000RPM 115/208/230V Single Phase
$2,835.94est. delivered
$2,645.99 + $189.95 shipping
Buy It Now$2,645.99
Our take
The single-phase one, 1-1/2 HP at 115/208/230V. $189.95 shipping.
Seller: ironacresindustrial
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: Powermatic 1200 20" Drill Press 1-1/2 HP #3MT 2000RPM 115/208/230V Single Phase
Used
Powermatic Model 1200 20" Adjustable Variable 2 Speed Dill Press #3MT 460V 3Ph
$587.99+ shipping
$587.99 · shipping not stated
Buy It Now$587.99
Our take
Dealer press listed as variable and 2-speed. 460V three-phase only.
Seller: ironacresindustrial
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: Powermatic Model 1200 20" Adjustable Variable 2 Speed Dill Press #3MT 460V 3Ph
Used
Powermatic 1200 Drill Press
$750.00+ shipping
$750.00 · shipping not stated
Buy It Now$750.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Bare title. Ask for the motor plate.
Seller: theladsracing
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: Powermatic 1200 Drill Press
Used
POWERMATIC VARIABLE SPEED DRILL PRESS, MODEL 1200, 1.5 HP, 460 V, 3 PHASE
$1,200.00+ shipping
$1,200.00 · shipping not stated
Buy It Now$1,200.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
Dealer press. Variable speed, 1.5 HP 460V three-phase.
Seller: irontime1
99.8% positive
View on eBay ↗: POWERMATIC VARIABLE SPEED DRILL PRESS, MODEL 1200, 1.5 HP, 460 V, 3 PHASE
Used
20" POWERMATIC 1200 DRILL PRESS. STOCK # 0999524.
$1,750.00+ shipping
$1,750.00 · shipping not stated
Buy It Now$1,750.00
Offers accepted
This seller takes offers, and many sellers accept less than the asking price.
Fine if you might miss it? Send an offer first. Someone else can still buy it while you wait for a reply.
Want it for sure? Use Buy It Now.
Our take
20 in, phase not given.
Seller: group2000inc
100% positive
View on eBay ↗: 20" POWERMATIC 1200 DRILL PRESS. STOCK # 0999524.

Prices change daily. The live eBay search shows everything listed now, including anything new since Oct 20, 2026.

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Brand

Machine

Era

Read

Powermatic 1200 Drill Press

Variable-speed or step-pulley headFloor or bench modelProduction table (T-slot) and power feed optionsTwo-spindle and head-only versions1200HD (WMH era, 2000s)

Spec at a glance

Maker

Powermatic

Machine

Drill press

Era

Post-war (1946–1970)

Motors sold

Single or 3-phase

Launched

1955

Made

1955 to the 2000s (1200HD)

Capacity

drills to the center of a 20 in circle; 6 in spindle travel

Spindle

No. 3 Morse taper, 6-spline; quill 2-3/4 in

Speeds

variable 200 to 2,000 RPM, or steps at 240, 380, 600 and 1,500 RPM (1995)

Column

4 in diameter, 66 in long (floor) or 42 in (bench)

Motor

1 or 1-1/2 HP at 1,800 RPM, single- or three-phase; 2 HP maximum

Weight

about 600 lb floor model; 485 lb bench model

Also listed as

Powermatic 1200, PM1200, Model 1200, Powermatic 20 inch drill press

Typical eBay ask (Oct 20, 2026)

$1,225–$2,325

Power, iron, fence and freight

Power and phase

Powermatic built the 1200 as an industrial drill press, and the 1997 list shows a 1-1/2 HP three-phase motor at 1,800 RPM as the standard variable-speed version. The motor plate in the listing photos will say what yours has. A three-phase one needs a VFD or a phase converter on house power.

Motor and bearings

The variable-speed head changes speed with cam-operated sheaves. Ask for a video of it running from low to high. The speed should change smoothly and the spindle shouldn't chatter.

Runout

The quill runs in two 6206-size ball bearings (SKF or equal in the 1966 manual), a standard size. Ask the seller to chuck a drill bit or a straight rod and spin it. It should run without visible wobble, and a dial indicator on a rod is the real check.

Table and rust

Ask for a photo of the table and base. Rust on the table cleans up, but cracks or a lot of drilled holes in the table are signs of hard use. The table should crank up and down the column and lock.

Fence, guards and gauges

A drill press has no fence of its own. Check the photos for the chuck and its key, and whether it has the production T-slot table or the power feed, both options Powermatic offered.

Trunnions and adjustments

The quill return spring and the feed handles are what you use every time. Ask the seller to feed the quill down its full 6 in and let go. It should return smoothly and stop at the top.

Blades and knives

The spindle takes No. 3 Morse taper tooling, which is still made, so chucks and drill bits are no trouble. Variable-speed belts and sheave parts are harder to find.

Dating it

Serials run N-1nnn for 1955 to 1964, NN-nnnn 1965 to 1968, N20X-nnnn 1968 to 1978 (X is V for variable speed or S for step) and NN20X-nnnn from 1978.

Moving it

The floor model is about 600 lb and tall and top-heavy. Lay it down only after taking the head off, or move it upright on a pallet strapped to the column. Never tip it by the head.

Safety upgrades

Check that the belt cover is on and the switch works. Clamp work to the table rather than holding it.

Should come with it

Chuck and key or a Morse taper arbor

Table and base

Belt guard

Motor and switch

Hard to find if missing

Variable-speed sheaves and belt

Power feed parts

Made-in-USA Powermatic parts

Check the listing photos against these lists, and ask the seller about anything you can’t see. A missing fence, guard or motor should come off the price.

What to check

Variable-speed sheaves and belts wear, and many came from factories with three-phase motors. Quill bearings are standard sizes, but the head is heavy and easily damaged in a careless move.

01Motor plate: Ask for a photo of the motor plate. A three-phase motor needs a VFD or a converter on house power.

02Speed range: Ask for a video running from slowest to fastest. The speed should change smoothly.

03Spindle: Ask the seller to spin a chucked rod or bit. It should run without visible wobble.

04Quill return: Ask the seller to feed the quill all the way down and let go. It should return smoothly to the top.

05Table: Ask whether the table cranks and locks on the column. It should move freely and hold.

06Head type: Check the model plate for variable speed or step pulley. The serial carries a V or an S after 20 from 1968.

07Moving it: Plan the move before you pay. A 600 lb drill press needs the head off or careful upright rigging.

Powermatic 1200 Drill Press

Spec at a glance

Power, iron, fence and freight

What to check

Which one to buy

For sale on eBay

POWERMATIC VARIABLE SPEED DRILL PRESS MODEL 1200

Powermatic 1200 Variable Speed Drill Press 1700 RPM 1 HP 220/440V 3 Ph

Powermatic 1200 20" Drill Press 1-1/2 HP #3MT 2000RPM 115/208/230V Single Phase

Powermatic Model 1200 20" Adjustable Variable 2 Speed Dill Press #3MT 460V 3Ph