I have a Delta Shopmaster Drill press. I would like to reduce the speed
from 610 min to about 300 min rpm. Since this is basically an entry
level model my options are limited. I am not concerned about the
longevity of the motor.

Can a variostat be safely used to reduce speed?

This modification would prolong the need to upgrade models. The reason
I need a slower speed is to run a circle cutting tool from general to
cut neoprene gasket material. 500 rpm is max speed for this tool.


Other ideas,

I've got this mini chinky cheezy 4"/8" "pos" I bought new for $40... I thought of
the same when I wanted to use it for sharpening with my own made "wheel strop".
Not to mention the required speeds for forstner bits. Went through much of this
yakking in this ng (of which I appreciate all the help), larger pullies, it takes a
huge pully that is much too big, like 17" or so (definitely "too big"), as a direct
connection from the drive pully. There is another method that takes rebuilding
it to a permanent slow speed using a mandrel mounted down the side with a large
pully down below... that is rediculous, at least for me. DC motor and speed
control? it would work, but maybe $200 for that so, may as well buy the new DP.
Finally, looking at other DP's with more speeds I decided that adding a third
central step pully and belt is the best idea, as Ron mentions. It would take minor
machining of drilling and thread tapping into the body to do it, then adding the
spindle and pully. You might need link belting for the abnormal distance. The
hell with it for now... I'll buy a new one.

--
Alex - "newbie_neander" woodworker
cravdraa_at-yahoo_dot-com
not my site: http://www.e-sword.net/