Bruce wrote:

I use my drill press mostly to drill metal...very little wood, yet my
press, which I was given, was intended to drill wood, so it really
runs too fast. I have it set at its slowest ratio setting, but still
I think it is too fast. I am planning on switching out the belt
pulleys to achieve the speeds I should be running for metal. Thus
the questions.....what is a good speed range to target for and what is
the formula for pully size? I would like to stay with a set of three
step pulleys and have a nice range of metal speed cutting. Most of my
drilling is 1/2 inch thickness or less. Too slow is better than too
fast....I would guess...right??

Thanks

I don't recall having seen a drill press that went too slow. Most all of
them are damn scary at upper speeds. One of mine is an older Rockwell and
I tried the fastest of the 4 speeds but didn't cut anything. I don't ever
use the next fastest speed either. I've had that press since 1978 IIRC.

michael