Replies

1. 
   hammer1 | Jun 11, 2006 04:07pm | #1

   I'm not sure which Delta models you are asking about. The 17-965 and 17-968 models are about $100 difference. The variable speed model allows you to change speeds by using a hand wheel on the front, while the machine is running, instead of having to move the belts manually, after it is off. It's certainly more convenient if you need to change speeds often. That will depend on the type of work you intend to do with it. I don't change speeds very often in my woodworking.

   Beat it to fit / Paint it to match

2. 
   bd | Jun 19, 2006 05:50pm | #2

   There was a thread a while back on them, will try to find & post. But, the quick answer is yes, I do have one & enjoy the ease of changing speeds.

   bd

1. 
   woodlark | Jun 20, 2006 01:07am | #4

   I found the thread, and most of the comments came from owners of non-variable speed machines saying they don't change the speed very often, so it's not worth the money. I'm trying to figure out if the reason people don't change the speed often is because it is too much of a pain with the standard models.Some folks say they never change the speed. This seems extreme given recommended speeds vary from 250 rpm to 3,600 rpm for a typical range of brad point and forstner bits in hardwood.This brings up another point. Different charts vary widely in their recommendations for speeds. Just as an example, consider these recommended speeds for a 5/8" brad point
   3,600 (FWW article from May/June '92)
   500 (Wood magazine chart)
   I suppose I should use the FWW chart since I'm using their forum :-)

1. 
   bd | Jun 20, 2006 02:14am | #5

   I'm always going back & forth between woodworking type tasks and metalworking type tasks. But I'm guessing that the people that don't change speeds often probably have a more complete shop than I do. I don't have a spindle sander, so the drill press does that. There you've got to have high speeds. And, as you said, many in the woodworking community recommend high speeds for twist drill bits in wood. Large forstner bits & metal drilling require low speeds. I certainly thought it was worth the cost. I hate fiddling w/ belts.

2. 
   CPWicks | Jun 23, 2006 02:50pm | #9

   Purchased the Delta Variable Speed Drill Press a couple of years ago when it was new.  Really like the ability to change the speed without remove the cover and moving the belts from pulley to pulley.

    

   Two negatives

    

   1)  The dial on the front to show the speed is not calibrated.  Very frustrating

    

   2)  The instructions say to lubricate the pulleys once a week.  To do that you have to

        unscrew 6 or 8 screws to remove the lid.  Also very frustrating

    

    

1. 
   bd | Jun 24, 2006 03:10pm | #10

   >Two negatives
   >
   >1) The dial on the front to show the speed is not calibrated. Very frustrating
   >2) The instructions say to lubricate the pulleys once a week. To do that you have to
   > unscrew 6 or 8 screws to remove the lid. Also very frustratingComments on your observations:(1) - I'm not sure what you mean. The drill press I have does have indications around the dial for the corresponding speeds for both the high speed & low speed settings. I don't know how accurate they are, but I don't think it matters.(2) - From that comment, I assume you bought the factory "top" that's not generally furnished with the basic machine. I made my own out of a piece of plywood, a couple of hinges & a clasp type latch. No reason you can't convert the factory top to a hinged model. If you do, you'll probably want to put some weatherstripping around the edge to eliminate the sheetmetal-on-sheetmetal vibrations.

1. 
   CPWicks | Jun 24, 2006 03:36pm | #11

   HI bd

    

   I agree the lowest and highest speeds are indicated on the speed indicator.  However, I also received a very nice document with the drill press which shows the various recommended speeds for different types of material and applications.  I would have thought that Delta would have shown some of the incremental speeds.  Don't think it would have added a lot to the cost of the drill press.  I can not believe that an engineer would not have thought of this.

    

   My only comment on the lid is that the lid that comes standard with the drill press is a pain in the neck to take off and put back on.  Especially since Delta recommends that it be removed and put back on to perform the recommended maintenance.  I agree most of us will not put up with that very long and figure out a work around like you suggest.  Again surprised that the engineers at Delta didn't think this through/

   Cliff

    

1. 
   BruceS | Jun 25, 2006 07:28pm | #12

   Personally I think the variables are great to use, BUT I still prefer the bullet proof  belt change models for longevity and ease of maintenance. Another Maint tip.  Look for a TEFC(totally enclosed fan cooled) motor on the DP,or any other piece of equipment for that matter.  Less Maint.  Blowing   out an open motor is no big deal, but something else to remember.  Dust makes for hot motors and shortens motor life..  Points to ponder.

   Just remembered,  We have had a couple of complaints and breakdowns on the Delta Benchtop Variable speed DP because the owners were " not very diligent "  with lubrication of the variable pullys and that was because of all the screw removal to get at the lube points.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

   Edited 6/25/2006 12:36 pm ET by BruceS

3. 
   SawdustSteve | Jun 19, 2006 10:58pm | #3

   I had a 1970's vintage Delta/Rockwell drill press with the variable speed drive. Here are my observarions:
   **I found that the drive belt would stretch a bit and I had to move the motor back on its mounts to get back the speed range
   ** The pulleys would gunk up and I had to soak them in kerosene to loosten up the hardened grease inside them. If you're able to take them apart, use a GOOD gradew of bearing grease to lube them.
   ** The speed control would change speeds from work related vibrations. I had to tie down the control to keep the same speed.
   ** I finally solved the problem by getting rid of the unit and purchased a fixed pulley machine. A setting somewhere between 800 and 1000 rpm will do for 90 % of all work. It's not that hard to change the belt up or down one step. What IS a problem is when you have a two-belt system with an idler pully in between. Now THAT is a pain to cange speeds.
   SawdustSteve

1. 
   woodlark | Jun 20, 2006 05:40am | #6

   Well, that's another concern - the complexity and reliability of a variable speed machine. I had a 16 1/2" Jet with 2 belts. It was a small pain to change speeds - but not a big deal. At this point I'm leaning towards the non-variable speed 16 1/2" Delta 17-965.Thanks all for your comments.

1. 
   cadiddlehopper | Jun 20, 2006 09:16pm | #7

   I have an almost new Delta 17-965 which I bought before knowing of the existence of the 17-950. Mine is bigger & more powerful with a longer throw, but the 17-950 has a great setup for mortising which was my primary reason for buying a new press. LOL!Cadiddlehopper

4. 
   TomHigby | Jun 23, 2006 03:31am | #8

   If you can afford the variable speed, then get it.  I like mine, an old powermatic, very much.

   Tom