Rheostat For Roll Crimping With Drill Press:

[Bruce P Bruner]

I wanted to slow down my drill press for roll crimping. The slowest belt/pulley of arrangement of 540 RPM was much too fast. This inexpensive rheostat may solve the problem. I would have preferred one made in the USA, though unfortunately, we don't manufacture much domestically anymore.

[Keith Doty]

I wonder if the motor on your drill press will have issues with the reduced power. Typically those motors are designed to turn at a specific RPM and that's why the pulley system.

[Bruce P Bruner]

Originally Posted by Keith Doty

I wonder if the motor on your drill press will have issues with the reduced power. Typically those motors are designed to turn at a specific RPM and that's why the pulley system.

The unit was designed for high speed routers. I just tested it and doesn't give as much precise variable adjustment as I had anticipated, though it does run slower. How much slower I can't determine. If it works out great, if not I tried.

[Keith Doty]

Hope it works for you. BUT, if not, it joins a long and distinguished list of failed things we all have tried in search of the "perfect crimp". Got my first loader at 14 (now 65), been fighting crimps ever since in search of consistent, perfect ones! Always shot up the ugly ones first so nobody would see'em.

[edgarspencer]

Keith is correct. If it's a capacitor start motor, it needs to get up to speed for the mechanical centrifugal switch to switch to direct. You'll smell it when it's too late.

[Bruce P Bruner]

Originally Posted by edgarspencer

Keith is correct. If it's a capacitor start motor, it needs to get up to speed for the mechanical centrifugal switch to switch to direct. You'll smell it when it's too late.

Good to know Edgar. There is no need to smoke my press. Another great idea that wasn't so great. Thanks guys.

[ArtS]

That is an odd application for a controller if sold that way. Routers of any value have been equipped with variable speed cntrol for years. Small motors will operate with a straight rheostat control, however, will operate ok that way with a reduction in power. A lot depends on your drill press. If you have any kind of larger machine with either a start or run capacitor a much more expensive Variable Frequency Control would be the best idea.

Honestly, for just this kind of stuff, I keep a little $100 Harbor Freight press in my shop. I have a radial/rotating wood press, a large metalworking press and a milling machine with DRO and power feed for really precise work, but there's nothing quicker than a key and handwheel.

[Stan Hillis]

Never had any problem roll crimping on my drill press with the belt and pulleys on the slowest "setting".

I added a foot controlled On-Off switch many years ago but never had the need for a rheostat.