"Erk" wrote in message news:iGq%a.83373

Does anybody have
an opinion about the need for the convenience of a variable speed drill
press in the workshop of a woodworking hobbyist?

I change my speed maybe twice a month. If I had a variable speed, I'd do it
more often. If I'm drilling just one or two oesl, I'll just let it go at the
speed it happens to be set for. It only takes a minute to change the belt,
but I just don't bother all that often. If I'm putting in a special bit,
large hole saw, etc., I'll do it the right way. To poke a quick hole, not
a big deal.

The online prices for the standard 925 model is
just below $1000 while the 990X model is about $750. The only difference
I
can identify is the cosmetics of the press handle, and the cheaper one has
a
longer warranty.

Never saw them so I can't comment. Could be differences in fit, finish,
material types and thickness, and a lot of things that don't show in the
photo. Often you have to pull the handle and turn the knobs to know the
differences. Ball bearing vs. sleeve does not sow from the outside. Did
you check the Delta web page for comparison? They may give some ideas
there.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome