I finally took the plunge and bought a drill press. Nothing too posh just a belt driven 1/4 hp Ryobi. It works fine drilling holes, even works fairly well with a spade bit. But it’s painful when I try to use a hole saw or a forstner bit. The drill press takes 5 minutes to get through 3/4″ oak with the 3″ hole saw, and it can hardly dent the end grain of some cedar 4×4 with the 2″ forstner bit.
These are brand new bits but perhaps they’re not sharp enough? Or is my shiny new drill press hopelessly underpowered for that kind of work? or something else?
Thanks,
-Ross
Replies
1/4 hp? Battery powered?
Just kidding...
Why is it taking so long? Is the motor unable to maintain speed? It's possible that you have it running to fast or slow, or are not putting enough force on the crank.
A quarter hp is somewhat on the lean side. Try using a slower speed. You'll have higher torque that way.
I'm using the slowest setting to maximize torque, and I'm keeping just enough pressure on the bit to avoid binding. If I press too hard the belt slips and the bit stops. Maybe my belt is too loose?
There is always a belt tension adjustment. Usually the motor moves away from the pulley to tighten the tension.
That was it! I had not read directions carefully enough and had not tensioned the belt tensioner. Phew!
thanks for walking me through it.
-Ross