Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

Hey all,

If one looks at the Delta 16-1/2 floor DPs, there is a LARGE (double!)
difference in price between the VS(17-925) and the multi-speed(17-965,
with 16 speeds).

Why?

Is there anything more substantial to the differences between these two
machines than this?

And 2ndly, from a woodworkers use POV, is there any practical
difference btwn. true VS and multi-speed? (Ease-of-use, yes...)

Thanks,
Chris

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

The 925 costs more, right? It has a Reeves Drive variable speed system
which means it can be adjusted with teh turn of a "dial" rather than moving
belts and pulley combos under the guard.

--


Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
(908) 542-0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R


"TheNewGuy" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hey all,

If one looks at the Delta 16-1/2 floor DPs, there is a LARGE (double!)
difference in price between the VS(17-925) and the multi-speed(17-965,
with 16 speeds).

Why?

Is there anything more substantial to the differences between these two
machines than this?

And 2ndly, from a woodworkers use POV, is there any practical
difference btwn. true VS and multi-speed? (Ease-of-use, yes...)

Thanks,
Chris

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

"TheNewGuy" wrote in message
ups.com...

And 2ndly, from a woodworkers use POV, is there any practical
difference btwn. true VS and multi-speed? (Ease-of-use, yes...)


I have had a Rockwell multi speed drill press for about 27 years. I seldom
change speeds. IMHO unless you are using the drill press daily for a
variety of reasons go with the multi speed vs. the variable speed. You
really do not need all those in between speeds and typically manually
changing speeds on the multi speed units is pretty simple and trouble free.

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

In article ,
"Leon" wrote:

"TheNewGuy" wrote in message
ups.com...

And 2ndly, from a woodworkers use POV, is there any practical
difference btwn. true VS and multi-speed? (Ease-of-use, yes...)


I have had a Rockwell multi speed drill press for about 27 years. I seldom
change speeds. IMHO unless you are using the drill press daily for a
variety of reasons go with the multi speed vs. the variable speed. You
really do not need all those in between speeds and typically manually
changing speeds on the multi speed units is pretty simple and trouble free.

I'll go even further than that -- go for something with a reasonable number
of speeds (like 5), and don't get sucked into thinking more speeds is
better. I bought a Jet 17" drill press which has 12 speeds, selected by
changing two belts (there's an idler shaft between the motor and the
quill). It's a pain in the neck to move the belts, and you have to look up
on a little chart which combination of pulleys give you the desired speed.

A normal 5-speed single-belt system spanning the same range of speeds is
just as useful and a lot easier to use. There's no speed setting chart; if
it's too fast, move the belt up. If it's too slow, move it down. Simple.
Even I can figure it out. I can't think of any job where 900 RPM wouldn't
be just as good as 840 or 1065 RPM.

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

"Roy Smith" wrote in message
...
I'll go even further than that -- go for something with a reasonable
number
of speeds (like 5), and don't get sucked into thinking more speeds is
better. I bought a Jet 17" drill press which has 12 speeds, selected by
changing two belts (there's an idler shaft between the motor and the
quill). It's a pain in the neck to move the belts, and you have to look
up
on a little chart which combination of pulleys give you the desired speed.

A normal 5-speed single-belt system spanning the same range of speeds is
just as useful and a lot easier to use. There's no speed setting chart;
if
it's too fast, move the belt up. If it's too slow, move it down. Simple.
Even I can figure it out. I can't think of any job where 900 RPM wouldn't
be just as good as 840 or 1065 RPM.

Thank you for pointing out what I left out, the single belt, 4 or 5 speed
models.

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

Roy Smith wrote:

A normal 5-speed single-belt system spanning the same range of speeds is
just as useful and a lot easier to use. There's no speed setting chart; if
it's too fast, move the belt up. If it's too slow, move it down. Simple.
Even I can figure it out. I can't think of any job where 900 RPM wouldn't
be just as good as 840 or 1065 RPM.

I agree, but pay attention to the SLOWEST speed.

I find really slow speeds to be more useful in woodworking than more or
higher speeds. The slowest speed on my DP is about 500, and I often
wish for something much slower, like 100, when using large forstner bits.

Rarely do I use anything over about 1500 in woodworking. Other crafts
use high speeds all the time.

Barry

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

I find really slow speeds to be more useful in woodworking than more or
higher speeds. The slowest speed on my DP is about 500, and I often wish
for something much slower, like 100, when using large forstner bits.

Can you elaborate on how this helps you? Most of my customers prefer
runnign faster than the charts suggest in wood because it gives them a
cleaner cut. Then again, most are not concerned with "burning" the ID of
the hole.

For instance, I regularly send out drills doing 1" holes in wood at 500+
RPM... The cart says 330 for typical woods (maybe wet or sappy woods?)
--


Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
(908) 542-0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

Just to reinforce Barry's point - he's absolutely right. I've had a Delta
drill press for about 5 years now and I've changed the speed probably less
than a half-dozen times. Most woodwork is done using the lowest possible
speed, so look for a model that goes below 500rpm if you can. I do not like
my Delta but it was not an expensive one so when I replace it with something
better, I won't be out anything.

Out of all the tools in the shop, that's one I went cheap on and now wish I
hadn't since I didn't think I needed a more powerful drill press - wrong. A
bigger motor, slower speed capability and a better table will be the
features I'll be looking for.

Bob S.


"B a r r y" wrote in message
...
Roy Smith wrote:

A normal 5-speed single-belt system spanning the same range of speeds is
just as useful and a lot easier to use. There's no speed setting chart;
if it's too fast, move the belt up. If it's too slow, move it down.
Simple. Even I can figure it out. I can't think of any job where 900
RPM wouldn't be just as good as 840 or 1065 RPM.

I agree, but pay attention to the SLOWEST speed.

I find really slow speeds to be more useful in woodworking than more or
higher speeds. The slowest speed on my DP is about 500, and I often wish
for something much slower, like 100, when using large forstner bits.

Rarely do I use anything over about 1500 in woodworking. Other crafts use
high speeds all the time.

Barry

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

Joe AutoDrill wrote:
I find really slow speeds to be more useful in woodworking than more or
higher speeds. The slowest speed on my DP is about 500, and I often wish
for something much slower, like 100, when using large forstner bits.

Can you elaborate on how this helps you? Most of my customers prefer
runnign faster than the charts suggest in wood because it gives them a
cleaner cut. Then again, most are not concerned with "burning" the ID of
the hole.

I _am_ concerned about burning the hole. G

If the hole won't be visible, then a bit of burn is OK, and as long as
the temperature stays below bit damaging range, all is well.

If the hole will be visible, I don't want crappy looking burnt edges in
drilled holes.

Big bits get hot fast.

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

On Wed, 23 Nov 2005 09:14:48 -0500, Roy Smith wrote:


I have had a Rockwell multi speed drill press for about 27 years. I
seldom change speeds.

I'll go even further than that -- go for something with a reasonable
number of speeds (like 5), and don't get sucked into thinking more speeds
is better.

I've got a 12 speed also, and I almost always leave it on the 2nd slowest
speed.

Quill stroke is a lot more important.

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

I _am_ concerned about burning the hole. G

If the hole won't be visible, then a bit of burn is OK, and as long as the
temperature stays below bit damaging range, all is well.

That probably explains it. Most of our folks are doing either clearance
holes in structural parts (where a burn edge is better I hear?!?) or many
holes down the length of a part where other parts will be inserted such as
railings, fence post tops, dowel holes, etc.

The only time we had a customer who wanted to go slower was when they wanted
to build a machine that did the door knob, loclset and hardware holes in
three automated steps... And the door had a plastic skin.

If the hole will be visible, I don't want crappy looking burnt edges in
drilled holes.

Big bits get hot fast.

Yep.

Happy Thanksgiving BTW.
--


Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
(908) 542-0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

In article . com,
TheNewGuy wrote:
Hey all,

If one looks at the Delta 16-1/2 floor DPs, there is a LARGE (double!)
difference in price between the VS(17-925) and the multi-speed(17-965,
with 16 speeds).

Why?

Is there anything more substantial to the differences between these two
machines than this?

The motor that came with my 17-965 vibrated enough that without a link-belt
wood would walk off the table. The local motor shop (authorized Delta
Warranty center) said cheap Chinese motors did that.

The first warranty replacement may be a little better although it makes
a strange rattling noise when run in a vertical position.

The second warranty replacement feels the same on when run on the ground,
although I haven't tried mounting it yet.

The drill-press seems well built, has no play in the quill, runout was on
the order of .001", but the motors suck. Customer service at Delta was
excellent apart from the few month back order waiting for a slow boat
from China. Maybe the 17-925 is a better quality machine otherwise?

I wouldn't buy another 17-965.

--
a href="http://www.poohsticks.org/drew/"Home Page/a
In 1913 the inflation adjusted (in 2003 dollars) exemption for single people
was $54,567, married couples' exemption $72,756, the next $363,783 was taxed
at 1%, and earnings over $9,094,578 were taxed at the top rate of 7%.

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

You will want variable speed but don't bust the budget on infinite
adjustment capability (Reeves). Most day to day use in a wood shop will
require minimal adjustment, depending on bit size. If you move back and
forth between wood and metal, as many of us do, you will need a range of
speeds. My old 8 speed Craftsman fills the bill just fine. I have to
adjust the belts manually but it takes seconds.

RonB

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

Joe AutoDrill wrote:

The only time we had a customer who wanted to go slower was when they wanted
to build a machine that did the door knob, loclset and hardware holes in
three automated steps... And the door had a plastic skin.

Production vs. the one-off furniture that most of us here make.

I'm always impressed at the speed of some of the production drills.
Even the relatively slow pocket hole machines almost seem to shoot the
hole through! The first time I saw something like that, I blinked and
missed it the first time. G

Happy Thanksgiving BTW.

Same to you!

Barry

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

Bob, which Delta do you have?

-Chris

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

Thanks for the feedback Drew. That's a bummer to hear. Spec-wise, the
965 seems like a fine tool - quill stroke, low RPMs available, etc.,
etc.

-Chris

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

Production vs. the one-off furniture that most of us here make.

Context is everything. :)

I'm always impressed at the speed of some of the production drills. Even
the relatively slow pocket hole machines almost seem to shoot the hole
through! The first time I saw something like that, I blinked and missed
it the first time. G

That's our goal. Good, clean holes FAST. Efficiency is the best selling
point for us.

Imagine having to drill a million holes a year... Maximum RPM, thrust, etc.
all become really important.
--


Regards,
Joe Agro, Jr.
(800) 871-5022
(908) 542-0244
Automatic / Pneumatic Drills: http://www.AutoDrill.com
Multiple Spindle Drills: http://www.Multi-Drill.com

V8013-R

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

Roy, Barry, thanks for your input.

It's not the 16 speeds that interested me in this press (multi speed
17-965), but the size/throat capacity, and quill stroke (4-7/8"). Plus
a good review or two I've read, though Drew's problem w/ the motors
below sours that.

This press has 5 speeds below 510 rpm, the lowest being 215.

-Chris

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

"TheNewGuy" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hey all,

If one looks at the Delta 16-1/2 floor DPs, there is a LARGE (double!)
difference in price between the VS(17-925) and the multi-speed(17-965,
with 16 speeds).

Why?

Is there anything more substantial to the differences between these two
machines than this?

And 2ndly, from a woodworkers use POV, is there any practical
difference btwn. true VS and multi-speed? (Ease-of-use, yes...)

Thanks,
Chris


Chris, I have the 17-968. Variable speed, Large chuck, 0 runnout and it
works great. I would buy it again.

Dave



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Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

"BobS" wrote in message
...
Just to reinforce Barry's point - he's absolutely right. I've had a Delta
drill press for about 5 years now and I've changed the speed probably less
than a half-dozen times. Most woodwork is done using the lowest possible
speed, so look for a model that goes below 500rpm if you can. I do not
like my Delta but it was not an expensive one so when I replace it with
something better, I won't be out anything.

Out of all the tools in the shop, that's one I went cheap on and now wish
I hadn't since I didn't think I needed a more powerful drill press -
wrong. A bigger motor, slower speed capability and a better table will be
the features I'll be looking for.

Bob S.

Actually and at least up to a 1-3/8" forstner bit 700 is plenty slow. With
a single bit I have drilled in excess of 1000 holes at that speed with no
resharpening and no burning of the wood or discoloration of the bit.

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

If you are only doing wood/aluminum/plastic then the multispeeds should be
fine. If you want to do ferrous metals, then it's very difficult to beat a
variable (electronic) speed. I would buy a standard multispeed and toss the
AC motor. Get a surplus DC motor (GOOD one) and a solid state controller.
You can use a Variac and a bridge rectifier to save some, if you want. Now
you can drill a 1" hole in tool steel or aluminum or and wood product. With
the DC motor, you want to tap something, no problem. Reversing is simple.
I know, not for everyone but I would hate do do without it. The option, of
course, is to buy a 3phase DP that have limited resale value (used/auction)
and add a VFD. Will do the same things.
Respectfully,
Ron Moore

"TheNewGuy" wrote in message
ups.com...
Hey all,

If one looks at the Delta 16-1/2 floor DPs, there is a LARGE (double!)
difference in price between the VS(17-925) and the multi-speed(17-965,
with 16 speeds).

Why?

Is there anything more substantial to the differences between these two
machines than this?

And 2ndly, from a woodworkers use POV, is there any practical
difference btwn. true VS and multi-speed? (Ease-of-use, yes...)

Thanks,
Chris

Drill Press: variable speed vs. multi-speed
 

One thing yu want to look at with those five speeds though. I agree that
five speeds are plenty but most of them (like mine) have a slow speed of 600
RPM. This is often to fast.
"Roy Smith" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Leon" wrote:

"TheNewGuy" wrote in message
ups.com...

And 2ndly, from a woodworkers use POV, is there any practical
difference btwn. true VS and multi-speed? (Ease-of-use, yes...)


I have had a Rockwell multi speed drill press for about 27 years. I
seldom
change speeds. IMHO unless you are using the drill press daily for a
variety of reasons go with the multi speed vs. the variable speed. You
really do not need all those in between speeds and typically manually
changing speeds on the multi speed units is pretty simple and trouble
free.

I'll go even further than that -- go for something with a reasonable
number
of speeds (like 5), and don't get sucked into thinking more speeds is
better. I bought a Jet 17" drill press which has 12 speeds, selected by
changing two belts (there's an idler shaft between the motor and the
quill). It's a pain in the neck to move the belts, and you have to look
up
on a little chart which combination of pulleys give you the desired speed.

A normal 5-speed single-belt system spanning the same range of speeds is
just as useful and a lot easier to use. There's no speed setting chart;
if
it's too fast, move the belt up. If it's too slow, move it down. Simple.
Even I can figure it out. I can't think of any job where 900 RPM wouldn't
be just as good as 840 or 1065 RPM.