Jet drill press's. Do I want a variable speed or fixed speed?

[skipnay]

I was looking at the Jet 354170 or 354402. Below I have the link to compare them side by side. I do more metal work then wood work. I was wondering the big difference of the variable speed over the fixed speed. Both have the same minimum and maximum speed. These are only about $100 apart.

Drill press compare chart

 

[Richard Cranium]

I would say variable speed for drilling different stuff.

 

[Davefr]

I was looking at the Jet 354170 or 354402. Below I have the link to compare them side by side. I do more metal work then wood work. I was wondering the big difference of the variable speed over the fixed speed. Both have the same minimum and maximum speed. These are only about $100 apart.

Drill press compare chart

????

They're both variable speed. (3 pulley designs)

The biggest difference is the HP 1.5 vs 1 and the option to run at 230 VAC

 

[skipnay]

????

They're both variable speed. (3 pulley designs)

The biggest difference is the HP 1.5 vs 1 and the option to run at 230 VAC

The 354402 has set spindle speed 150, 260, 300, 440, 490, 540, 1150, 1550, 1840, 2220, 2950, and 4200. The 354170 doesn't have these exact speeds. It can be whatever between 150-4200. Maybe I read it wrong but that is what I was getting out of it.

 

[Davefr]

The 354402 has set spindle speed 150, 260, 300, 440, 490, 540, 1150, 1550, 1840, 2220, 2950, and 4200. The 354170 doesn't have these exact speeds. It can be whatever between 150-4200. Maybe I read it wrong but that is what I was getting out of it.

I think you read it wrong. Download the manuals. They're both 12 speeds from 150-4200 RPM.

 

[Lassen Forge]

One has a set of variable pulleys and a device to shift them up and down (like a CVT transmission in a car), the other one has conventional pulleys. The speed range is the same on either.

Me, I like the regular pulleys as they have more "grip" than the CVT style, but that's just me. I'd look at the other dimensions and specs and go with what you anticipate you'll use it for - also if you, say, have a need for the spindle running at 3500 rpm to drill (whatever), then go with the CVT.

 

[Davefr]

One has a set of variable pulleys and a device to shift them up and down (like a CVT transmission in a car), the other one has conventional pulleys. The speed range is the same on either.

Me, I like the regular pulleys as they have more "grip" than the CVT style, but that's just me. I'd look at the other dimensions and specs and go with what you anticipate you'll use it for - also if you, say, have a need for the spindle running at 3500 rpm to drill (whatever), then go with the CVT.

^^^Wrong. They are both step pulleys. It's described in the manuals.

 

[zmotorsports]

I have the step pulley Jet 20" (J-2550) floor mount and really like it. I don't think you could pry it away from me. The variable speed would be nice but I don't think it is worth it for the money, the speed changes on the pulleys are quite fast and easy.

Mike.

 

[NoiseRacing]

^^^Wrong. They are both step pulleys. It's described in the manuals.

correct the only differences I read is :


354170 is 1.5 Hp, dual voltage wired, 80lbs table and 3/4" chuck

354402(J-2550) is 1 Hp, 115V, 66lbs table and 5/8" chuck

 

[TomB19]

I love my variable speed DP. The RPM readout and speed setting knob make it effortless to drill at the correct speed. I'm always drilling at an appropriate speed now, where I often wasn't before because I was too lazy to move the belts.

I've been told the downside of variable speed is they are hard on belts. I don't use my DP a lot but it still has the original belt after 5 years. To me, it is worth the odd belt, if that is what it turns out to be.

 

[LMS]

I restored a vintage Clausing continuously variable speed and would never go back to pulleys.

 

[skipnay]

correct the only differences I read is :


354170 is 1.5 Hp, dual voltage wired, 80lbs table and 3/4" chuck

354402(J-2550) is 1 Hp, 115V, 66lbs table and 5/8" chuck

So the $100 difference is for another half horsepower and a little bigger chuck...

 

[TomB19]

I would say variable speed for drilling different stuff.

I'm sure most/all Garage Journalists know that spindle speed should also vary with bit size, even in the same material. We should be adjusting speed more than any of us do.

I keep a chart on the wall behind the drill press. ... and then ignore it 99% of the time I drill.

https://www.fnal.gov/pub/takefive/pdfs/Drill_Press_Speed_Chart.pdf

 

[lilredex]

I have three drill presses, one is a variable speed, and none of them ever get out of the lowest speed, which is still too fast for a lot of drilling. I drill on the lathe (slower) when practical.

 

[skipnay]

I have three drill presses, one is a variable speed, and none of them ever get out of the lowest speed, which is still too fast for a lot of drilling. I drill on the lathe (slower) when practical.

How slow does your drill press's go?

 

[tool_scrounge]

Remember to check what the minimum drill size the chucks can handle. A lot of larger chucks do not hold small drills.

 

[lilredex]

How slow does your drill press's go?

The variable speed is a Delta 350.......500 RPM is minimum. Others are similar.

http://www.finewoodworking.com/tool-guide/product-finder/delta-dp350-benchtop-drill-press.aspx