What are the Differences Between Step-Pulley Vs. Variable Speed Drill Presses

 Step-Pulley vs Variable Speed Drill Presses

There are two different types of speed control systems for drill presses — step pulley and variable speed systems. The vast majority of drill presses bought and manufactured are step pulley drive systems. They usually have two pulleys with 4 to 5 different positions or steps to configure the different speeds. These are simpler, easier to produce, and cost less; however, they can be more difficult and more time consuming to change speeds. This usually isn’t a problem for most people, because speed changes aren’t needed often, especially if you are working with the same type of material and bits. This is the type of machines that were commonly purchased by factories for assembly line work where they were set up to do the same task over and over.

The variable speed drive systems are a lot more complex and vary greatly in their mechanisms for changing the speeds. The variable speed drive drill presses usually have a dial on the front that controls a mechanism that changes the working diameter of the spindle pulley, which changes the speed of the spindle. This change is done while the drill press is operating. Some people have retrofitted drill presses with variable speed frequency drive (VFD), and some manufactures are building them this way now. VFD’s control the speed of the motor electronically, and don’t require any mechanical changes. Variable speed drill presses are usually more preferred by machinist that work with a variety of bits and different types of metals where you are constantly changing speeds.