Drill Press Speeds how to change speeds and why

On this episode we get a little in depth on how to change the speed on your drill press and just why we do this. This is easy to follow and anyone can do this.
Always know what speed your drill press is set at before using it. This video will make it easy to tell if the press is in high speed or low speed.
As always safety first, make sure you use safety glasses before starting any project. And watch out with getting your fingers trapped between the pulley and drive belt.
This will pinch and it will certainly hurt.
If you have ideas for other FabKing videos please contact us and let us know and we will do a special request.

[@RangersCustoms]

I started drilling stainless a few weeks ago. Its been SUCH a headache!! Found this video, and WOW did it help me so much! I didnt even know about the belt speed setup,lol.. Thank you for the video, and explaining. After I finished your video, went back to the drill press and changed the speed and I was amazed that I was finally cutting stainless so much better! You saved my day,lol..

[@gergemall]

Thank you, great information, I inherited one and a motor stopped working, I opened it up and maybe it’s dirty contacts . Super super heavy to move it . Never seen a heavier one, speed tutorial is very helpful

[@GaryMcKinnonUFO]

Thanks for this man, just got my first press today and the instructions said to pull the motor toward you to loosen the belt, had me puzzled for a while!

[@bosborne0]

Thanks, very concise and informative. For some reason the manual for my Craftsman I got at an estate doesn't really explain how to change speeds.

[@jamiemacdonald436]

Great simple and informative video. Your narration style is also easy to listen to. 👍

[@bartp1212]

Thanks I just bought my drillpress yesterday (it was on a €90.00 sale ) and I didn't know how to change the speed because the handbook didn't tell it . Thank you a lot !!!

[@mikeingeorgia1]

Bart P , from reading various reviews of different presses, that lack of information in the manuals that come with the presses seems to be common. I’m surprised they don’t include it.

[@grzesiekk1599]

Thank you, this was what I needed. Cheers!!!

[@newstart49]

When using the mill or metal lathe, I adjust the speeds as needed, but for the drill press it is crazy. Drill a 1/8" pilot hole and you adjust the speed, then use the 7/16" bit and change speeds, then use another bit and change the speed, use aluminum and change it again. I would spend all my time getting to know the pulleys and belts instead of working. Unless I'm doing attentive work, I have mine set at 700 rpm and that works fine for most work. It's more important to use sharp bits and lube, or take your time when needed or go faster when needed. Going too slow into a metal cut just burns the bit. For woodwork and smaller bits (Under an inch), 1,200 rpm seems good.

[@alsatian9130]

thank you so much for your time and kindness. from ny

[@Davesintexas]

Hey, my new Ryobi has set screw to loosen the belt pushing the drive pulleys towards the drill. But that is still not loose enough to get the belt to the low speed setting. And one thing Aluminum even though it's soft you need to drill slow so to cut and not melt the hole. Sota opposite of your info on hardest to softest drilling and speed.

[@AuronFFX]

Good video. Very informative. I use a drill press mainly when boring holes in wood for crafts like bird houses. Another tip: place a sacrificial board under your work to get a clean unsplintered surface on both sides.

[@FerdausAlAmin]

Great short tutorial

[@TheTmny876able]

Thanks for that, can i use the highest speed this for cutting holes in 8mm MDF, i am making a humbrol paint stand.

[@gilbertodiazcastro8871]

I mean no disrespect but the proper SAFE way to adjust the belt starts by disconnecting the AC power and loosening the motor mounts to release the tension on the belt; then you re-adjust the tension once it's on the desired pulley grooves. This will prolong the life of the belt and eliminate pinched fingers. Once done reconnect the AC power.

[@wheat1buck]

I showed my kids when growing up to unplug the drill and keep the plug in their pocked when changing the pully...

[@paulclarke9531]

I have a drill press that looks like the one in your video. The chuck on mine needs repair/replaced. Do you have any info on a replacement chuck? My drill press is a 5/8 inch.

[@maryjocookson7156]

good advice thanks.

[@mattbaker3654]

Hey, what's the brand name of your drill press

[@MFO46]

Thanks for the tip(s)

[@spoddermansweg9077]

Thank you

[@kdknitro]

Random comment, do you happen to be able to tell me a part number off the belt for this if you still have it.

[@nuthinbuttrubl89]

how about this tidbit of information: (SFM * 3.82)/D = RPM

[@MilSimFotog]

love my drill press, something like yours, got it for $25! I tried to change the speed the other day, and didn't know how. Now i do!

[@tomkolbin7565]

You just do not know,how lucky You are to find one for 25$..In my country old used in really not good shape can be bought starting from 200$!!! so for me i guess,i can only dream of one..

[@chrisrussell1800]

Thanks mate. Now i can stop burning out my drill bits

[@mb2772]

The drill press you have looks like it's from Central Machinery. Mine is, and I can stop the spinning chuck with my hand. If it is the same, is there a way to modify it, so that it cannot be stopped by hand? Any resistance while drilling, and mine just stops spinning. Very frustrating.

[@nickturnbull5454]

sounds like the motor could be burnt out.

[@a1930ford]

I have put my belt to the slowest position for the motor. When I drill a hole in the metal item I want, it did just fine. However, when I try to tap in threads for it in the drilled out hole, it bogs down easily, not matter what speed I have the drill press. I really need to get the holes threaded, so any ideas as to what to do so that the machine will thread the metal okay?

[@felixf5211]

Use a tap handle.

[@ThisIsInvisible]

thank you...:)

[@DS-kn4bs]

Will the bigger pulley that makes it go slower add more torque?

[@spoddermansweg9077]

yes, image it like a car's gears.

[@ronvance1958]

I inherited a led drill press made in the 1940’s, unfortunately no motor it’s a 5 speed. How do I select what type of motor to get? Thanks

[@felixf5211]

You need a 1700-1750RPM 4-pole AC motor. Check your pulley to see whether it's a 1/2" or a 5/8" shaft.

[@bagsmcgee2195]

This is tutorial wizardry 👍🏼

[@mulengafiseko]

Thanks :)

[@mytoyapritchett4794]

Can you tell me where to find a k-690 replacement belt for my 5 speed drill press. I have tried auto stores ans home depot. please Help!!!!

[@Pro1er]

Mytoya, remove the belt from the drill press. Draw a line on the belt with a marker or pen. Make another mark on a long flat surface like a counter top. Line up the mark on the belt with the line on the flat surface and roll the belt in a straight line until the mark on the belt is on the flat surface again and make another mark on the flat surface at that point. Now measure the distance from the first mark on the flat surface to the second mark - this is how long your belt is. You can now search for the belt by length at a tool store, eBay, etc.

[@mytoyapritchett4794]

Thank you very much!!!!!!!!

[@Pro1er]

Mytoya Pritchett You're welcome. ;-)

[@fartx211]

Just find one with the same size taper. The drill's manual should say what it is. If you cant find the manual, just type the model number into Google or something.

[@daudliaqat9038]

Thanks a bunch buckaroo

[@KingMarioRF]

Love my mean green machines check out my newest addition to shop family kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnXPk3WFr9Ngi6uIhanks for watching!!!!

[@davetaylor2449]

What’s it like being a genius?

[@felixf5211]

Sarcasm, right? Just checking.

[@tubermier]

Pretty lame instructions. I am looking for someone who can actually show how the speeds are changed with each pulley change. What about all the other speeds or don't you have time for that

[@6thmichcav262]

Did you see the pulley speed chart at 0:32? That's what you just asked for. He can't tell you your press's speeds because he doesn't know your pulley wheel diameters or motor speed.

[@laughinghyena001]

Thank you