Hi,

Most drill presses use the standard arrangement of 3x4 (12) or 4x4 (16) speeds, with an intermediate pulley. Ironically, if they had single-stage reductions (4-5 speeds), you might actually bother changing them. In reality, you set them to around 1000 RPM and live with things being too slow or too fast.

As such, I looked into a variable speed drill press, but the pickings are pretty slim. These all use some type of adjustable pulley arrangement. There's a Sherwood 750W model for over $1000 delivered from Timbecon, and several discontinued models, including a $400 benchtop Full Boar model from Bunnings. Kincrome also made one (discontinued). The rarity of these makes me wonder if there's something inherently wrong with the design, otherwise why wouldn't all drill presses use CVT arrangements?

So the best option seems to be the 3-phase motor and VFD arrangement, but this means "wasting" the single-phase motor that comes with any sub-$2500 drill press. (I'd be looking at the $400-500 range.)

Is there any means of getting a new drill press without a motor? Other option is something used, but there seems to be very little available in Brisbane, Gold Coast or 50 km in all directions.

Thanks for the help


Read the full thread at metalworkforums.com...