Drill press speed and bit size: the RPM charts in the makers' manuals

What sets the speed?

WEN's 4214T manual says smaller drill bits require greater speed than larger drill bits, and softer materials greater speed than harder materials. (WEN Products)

RIKON's 30-217 manual gives the same general rule: the larger the hole and the harder the material, the slower the RPM. (RIKON Power Tools)

WEN's drill press FAQ says the same: lower speed for harder materials and large-diameter bits, higher speed for softer materials and smaller bits. (WEN Products)

Taikra doesn't rank or test tools; every figure here is from the maker's own manual or page, linked. The chart for a given press is in that press's manual.

The speed chart in the WEN 4214T manual

The 4214T manual has a chart of recommended speed for drill bit size and materials, with columns for wood, for aluminum, zinc and brass, and for iron and steel. (WEN Products)

In wood, it pairs 2000 to 3100 RPM with a 3/8 in. bit, 1400 to 2000 RPM with 5/8 in., and 1000 to 1400 RPM with 7/8 in. (WEN Products)

Its slowest rows pair 800 to 1000 RPM with a 1-1/4 in. bit and 580 to 800 RPM with a 1-5/8 in. bit in wood. (WEN Products)

At the same speed the chart lists a much smaller bit in metal: at 2000 to 3100 RPM, 3/8 in. in wood, 7/32 in. in aluminum, zinc or brass, and 3/32 in. in iron or steel. (WEN Products)

Speed ranges and how each press changes speed

WEN's 4214T is variable speed, and its manual says not to change speeds with the variable speed handle without the machine turned on. (WEN Products)

RIKON's 30-217 has two variable speed ranges, 200 to 700 and 600 to 2,200 RPM; going from one range to the other means moving only the rear drive v-belt on its pulleys. (RIKON Power Tools)

The 30-217 manual says the motor must be running when the speed is adjusted, or the speed adjustment mechanisms may be damaged. (RIKON Power Tools)

Belt-and-pulley presses step through set speeds instead: RIKON lists a 220 - 3600 RPM range in 16 speeds for the 30-120. (RIKON Power Tools)

RIKON's 30-140 radial press lists 620 - 3,100 RPM in 5 speeds. Its manual says to turn off and disconnect the power, then choose the speed from the speed selection chart and place the belt to match. (RIKON Power Tools)

WEN's FAQ explains the difference: variable-speed models adjust to an exact RPM within the speed range, while multiple-speed models choose from a set number of speeds. (WEN Products)

Large bits and hardwood

For anyone who uses large-diameter or Forstner bits often, or works tough hardwoods, WEN's FAQ suggests considering a lower-speed, higher-amperage model, which gives more torque. (WEN Products)

WEN names a large-diameter Forstner bit cutting into hardwood as a job a small drill press's motor may not handle, and suggests a few passes with bits of increasing size. (WEN Products)

For swing, quill travel and table size, see choosing a drill press. Every drill press in the catalogue, with its listed speeds, is on the drill presses page, including the WEN 4214T.