Setting the drill press speed.

[blaze_125]

I bought my-self a drill press a few years ago and used it maybe a handful of times... The thing has 5 speed settings that can be set by placing the belt in different channels on the pulleys.

What speeds are good for what applications?
Because I mean... how useful is a tool if you don't know how to use it properly?

 

[blaze_125]

Here's one resource to get you started:

http://www.ibiblio.org/twa/info/drillSpeedChart.pdf

Printed and about to be hung right by the drill press.

 

[Gary S]

My drill press has 15 speeds. I bought it many years ago, set it to the slowest speed, and never looked at it again. Slower is better for metal work, and most likely a 5 speed won't go slow enough even on the slowest speed it has.

 

[lilredex]

Have to agree with that, most low speeds are still too fast. Drill on my old Southbend wherever possible.

 

[X1 Mike]

Charts are good but you need to learn the feel. The harder the material the slower the speed. It isn't just the speed it's how you feed it, if you don't feed it fast enough the tool will dull.

A good rule of thumb calculation is:

rpm = (cs x 4)/d

cs = cutting speed
d = diameter of drill

cutting speed =
low carbon steel = 90
aluminum = 300
cast iron = 70

so if you were using a 1/2" bit to drill low carbon steel the calculation would be:

(90 x 4)/.5 = 720 rpm's