Rockwell Drill Press

[rktinc]

Found a nice Rockwell 15-081 Drill Press today. It should clean up very nicely and it dates to 1979. I am guessing emory cloth is the best way to clean light oxidation off of the metal? Then a nice coat of WD-40?

 

[Chris Christiansen]

Nice drill press! You'll be happy with that beast. I have one very similar. And yes, emery cloth plus a rust inhibitor is excellent idea. WD-40 and other brands are a good choice. My favorite rust inhibitor is Fluid Film. Most Farm and Fleet stores have it. Fluid Film

 

[Roberts210]

That's a nice DP. With the 6 inches of quill travel, 6 speeds, and being a 15" DP it is great for woodworking.

 

[tool_scrounge]

That's a nice DP. With the 6 inches of quill travel, 6 speeds, and being a 15" DP it is great for woodworking.

I believe that is the lower end 4 speed model, not the 6+6 version. Still a beefy drill press though.

 

[Roberts210]

Thanks. Maybe the OP will chime in and clear things up.

 

[Roberts210]

I think you're correct, tool scrounge. Here is a picture of my dual-gang 15-665 DP. Mine is a 6+6, and it looks like the acme thread limit screw is longer than the one in rktinc's picture.

 

[rktinc]

Not sure about the speed ratings. Seems like it has multiple sized pulleys under the lid up top and the original Rockwell branded belt that looks new. I guess a 6 speed would have 3 pulley sizes at each shaft?

 

[tool_scrounge]

Not sure about the speed ratings. Seems like it has multiple sized pulleys under the lid up top and the original Rockwell branded belt that looks new. I guess a 6 speed would have 3 pulley sizes at each shaft?

With 4 grooves you get 4 speeds on a dual pulley drill press. I looked up the model number and confirmed it was a 4 speed model.

 

[ez-duzit]

...guessing emory cloth is the best way to clean light oxidation off of the metal?

Brown ScotchBrite pads and discs.

 

[Whitworth]

Nice find, looks immaculate.

Cheap stamped steel chuck on it, a cost-cutting measure for Rockwell.