Replies

1. 
   geedubbee | Sep 15, 2020 08:37pm | #1

   One is variable speed and one is not. Knowing your preference for this feature will get you better answers.

   I have never had trouble changing speeds on my multi-spindle drill press although some people make out like it is as much effort as hanging a door. I would find either presses capacity to be pretty minimal.

   14" is where things start to get useful to me but, we all do different things so it is hard to advise on this. I would bet that no one ever wanted less power and 1/2" in difference on throat depth probably isn't a game changer.

2. 
   jayvarner | Sep 15, 2020 09:54pm | #2

   The variable speed feature doesn't really matter to me. I once borrowed a friend's and didn't find moving the belts to be that taxing. My shop is 12'x8'. I just don't have the room for a floor DP. I appreciate your comment on power. That is what my gut was telling me.

3. 
   gulfstar | Sep 15, 2020 10:15pm | #3

   I think that the variable speed feature steals some horsepower, do some research on the type of speed control and its impact on torque, you may find that the half horsepower has more torque at most speeds. I have 3/4 hp on my general 750-100 and the belts will slip before the motor stalls and I have drilled as big as 3 inches with a fostner and 6 inches with a hole saw.

4. 
   rob_ss | Sep 15, 2020 10:30pm | #4

   Either will do well.
   I have a 1/3HP drill press and that is fine.
   I do have to go slow on very big bits, but then, you should go slow on very big bits anyway.
   Slower speed = higher torque so stalling is less likely.

5. 
   john_c2 | Sep 16, 2020 06:41am | #5

   I don't think an inch of capacity us anything to worry about, or the difference of 1/4 horsepower.

   I for one would prefer variable speed on a drill press. I find changing belts to be annoying. But the variable speed here looks to be a Reeves pulley type, which I'm not an especially big fan of. But that's still the one I would lean toward.

6. 
   mikeinohio | Sep 16, 2020 08:35am | #6

   Look at the specs on Rikon's website. There seems to be some weirdness in the way they've calculated the horsepower.

   The old school 30-120 draws 7.5 amps and they rate it at 1/2 HP

   The fancy new 30-212vs only draws 5 amps but they rate it at 3/4 HP

   Maybe Rikon has recently switched to the Sears/Craftsman method of calculating horsepower?

   Mike

7. 
   _mj_ | Sep 16, 2020 09:13am | #7

   Hey now, that's not nice. My Craftsman 16.5HP shop vac is still going strong!

8. 
   jayvarner | Sep 16, 2020 09:03pm | #8

   Good catch Mike. That is interesting/puzzling/disappointing.