Apparatus, systems, and processes control an electric motor to drive a hoop onto a wooden barrel, among other purposes. A controller may be connected to the electric motor and configured to receive user input data and generate one or more control signals for the electric motor that correspond to a torque generation of the electric motor and/or a rotation speed of the electric motor. A barrel hoop driver may comprise the controller and electric motor, where the electric motor drives a press member for driving hoops onto wooden barrels.