Drill press speed

[wreckwriter]

So I got my new DP today Got it all set up no problems. Checking it out one thing that surprized me me is the complexity of changing speeds. I guess I expected a switch

Most of my work will be softer wood, generally pine but occasional some light aluminum. Is there a good "default" speed for this or do you really find yourself moving the belts around often?

Thanks, as always!

Tom

[sacherjj]

I change speed pretty often. Soft wood with a twist bit is better drilled at 1800. Aluminum should be drilled much slower. Once you get used to your drill press, you can detension the motor, swap belts, retension in a couple seconds.

[RodKirby]

Take a look at this...

http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/sto...ry/data/85.xml

[Tom Miller]

Based on a suggestion from someone, somewhere, I no longer detension the belts to change speed. Instead, I just "walk" them (is that the term?) on and off the pulleys. That speeds up the process.

I'll give a little leeway in speed for a bit not to have to change the pulleys, but not much; especially for the larger bits that should be run slower.

Here's a good DP Speed Chart, BTW.

Regards,
Tom

[RodKirby]

Tom - that's the one I was looking for (and have). WOOD have changed the layout etc.

[Hoyden]

try this Wood magizine Drill Press speed chart. I know its a long one but will take you to the speed chart page.

http://www.woodmagazine.com/wood/sto...ols.xml&page=2

[wreckwriter]

Thanks guys. I'm sure once I do it a couple times I'll be fine; just looks kinda confusing under the cover....

[Tom Miller]

Tom - that's the one I was looking for (and have). WOOD have changed the layout etc.

I wondered what happened to that chart -- they ruined a good thing! Luckily someone had the sense to save it in pdf form and host it. (I googled it.)

Tom (wreckwriter): Another thing I found useful is to somehow mark the current speed on the outside of the pulley cover. I have magnetic-backed labels -- one for each speed -- that I keep inside the cover. When I change pulleys, I put the new speed label on the front of the cover.

Regards,
Tom

[wreckwriter]

I wondered what happened to that chart -- they ruined a good thing! Luckily someone had the sense to save it in pdf form and host it. (I googled it.)

Tom (wreckwriter): Another thing I found useful is to somehow mark the current speed on the outside of the pulley cover. I have magnetic-backed labels -- one for each speed -- that I keep inside the cover. When I change pulleys, I put the new speed label on the front of the cover.

Regards,
Tom

Good idea. I happen to have a roll of magnetic tape I believe. Thanks!

[kmk]

Found this when I was browsing rockler website...

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10675

[wreckwriter]

Found this when I was browsing rockler website...

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10675

That would be handy and the price is right. Next time I order from Rockler I'll toss one in. Thanks!

[LCHIEN]

So I got my new DP today Got it all set up no problems. Checking it out one thing that surprized me me is the complexity of changing speeds. I guess I expected a switch

Most of my work will be softer wood, generally pine but occasional some light aluminum. Is there a good "default" speed for this or do you really find yourself moving the belts around often?

Thanks, as always!

Tom

First of all did you see this i posted a couple of weeks ago, about the importance of the right drill speed?

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=20132

Second, I find it pretty easy to change speeds on my drill presses.
Flip the cover open, loosen the wing knob that holds the belt tension.
On one, there's a lever that deteniosns the belts, on the other, I just pull the motor forward a half inch, it's on a hinge on one side.

Change the belt(s) - one has one belt (5-speed DP), the other 2 belts (12-speed DP).

Push the motor back using the tension lever or just push the motor mount, I find it doesn't have to be real tight. I can change the speed in under 20 seconds, I think.

Worth it.

Anyone else besides me using two drill presses?

[wreckwriter]

First of all did you see this i posted a couple of weeks ago, about the importance of the right drill speed?

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=20132

Second, I find it pretty easy to change speeds on my drill presses.
Flip the cover open, loosen the wing knob that holds the belt tension.
On one, there's a lever that deteniosns the belts, on the other, I just pull the motor forward a half inch, it's on a hinge on one side.

Change the belt(s) - one has one belt (5-speed DP), the other 2 belts (12-speed DP).

Push the motor back using the tension lever or just push the motor mount, I find it doesn't have to be real tight. I can change the speed in under 20 seconds, I think.

Worth it.

Anyone else besides me using two drill presses?

I did see that but didn't have a press at the time so didn't pay as much attention to it as I did rereading it just now.

I'll check mine out and practice changing it. Thanks everyone!

[wreckwriter]

OK, just went out and changed the speed. Not as difficult as it looked at first glance Also printed and laminated the speed chart. I'm sure you guys saved me from ruining some pieces.

[kmk]

I assembled my Ryobi DP120 today and when I was installing the belt I noticed the speed chart on the inside of top cover that encloses the pullies.