Variable speed drill press

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Status
Not open for further replies.
follow3

follow3

Member
Joined
May 30, 2006
Messages
358
Location
Hampton, VA
Hey All,

I am thinking of getting a new drill press. ( the old Craftsman is getting a bit shakey)

I would like to get a variable speed machine that DOES NOT require you to change belt position.

Is there such a beast?

Does anyone sell an electronic variable speed or even one with Reeves drive (like on lathes).

I am still unsure if I want a floor model or a bench top, the variable speed is the most important.

Thanks,
Steve
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Delta makes a drill press with a reeves drive and I suspect that there are a few others out there as well. An Internet search should turn up some others.

The Delta model used to have some problems with the reeves drive; but I seem to remember reading that they had done something to resolve the problem?? If you get to the point where the Delta is a possibility, you might want to locate a tool forum and ask about reliability.
 
I have the DP350 from Delta. It uses the Reeves drive.
I love this thing. It is a benchtop model, has enough throw to drill the longest pen blanks (half of course). I don't use the speed control much, I have set it at low and it just stays there.
Only problem I had was a switch failure at about 1 year. Went online and got the replacement in 3 days!
Over all, a great drill press in my opinion. (also has the built in adjustable light)

http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=11420
 
I second the Delta DP-350. I have two of them. Had 3 until last week when sold one for space needs.
 
Both are available. All you have to do to get your choice is write bigger checks. Changing belts isn't that big a hassle. In fact, I seldom have to change mine as I use the same speed about 85% of the time and change only for specialized needs.
 
Originally posted by Rifleman1776
<br />Changing belts isn't that big a hassle. In fact, I seldom have to change mine as I use the same speed about 85% of the time and change only for specialized needs.
Click to expand...
I have a variable speed lathe, and I change speeds frequently. I have a (multiple) fixed speed drill press and I change speeds rarely. That doesn't mean I shouldn't. I often (usually) drill at a non-optimal speed just because it's too much of a hassle to move the belts. My next drill press will be variable speed and I suspect (just as with the lathe) I'll wonder how I got along without it.

Regards,
Eric
 
DP 350 here. I like it for a benchtop model. It does most of what I ask it to do, but if I had it to do over, I would buy a floor model with a 6 or 8 inch throw. (Duck calls, and jack cavities) The only caveats on the 350 are the switch, centrifuge switch, and the table is a bit tough to adjust. Keep the motor housing clean, and it should work fine. Keep the table crank mechanism clean, and that should work fine too. (Am I seeing a trend here?)

Good luck,
Dave
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom