On Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at 1:57:53 PM UTC-8, G. Ross wrote:
John McCoy wrote:
"G. Ross" wrote in
:

I can see the value of electronic speed control on a
lathe. Not sure I really see it as being useful on
a drill press - even for metal working, close is good
enough

My lathe will go up to 3000 rpm, but I don't think I have ever used
it at that speed. Why would you need 5500 rpm on a drill press, other
than to impress the neighbors?

It depends on what you're drilling. I've used drill presses on plastic by
hand-turning the chuck, and have also had drilling operations that only
worked well at 4000 to 6000 rpm (and the drill had to be heavy duty cobalt).