Walker-Turner drill press help

[bungy42]

I picked up a new-to-me drill press over the weekend. As you can see, it's in fairly rough shape. I spent some time cleaning it up and getting rid of the rust. The previous owner lowered the head and used the base as the table, but I'd like to find a table if possible. The folks over at Walker Turner Serviced Machinery have a table for me, but I'm looking for a more economical alternative. I'm not trying to create a museum piece here, I just want a working drill press. Does anyone have any suggestions? Does anyone know of a current production 13" drill press with a 2" column? Or maybe a 12" drill press with a tilting table; I could add an inch to the tilting mechanism. The other important item I'm searching for is the return spring. The real deal seems to be super expensive. Has anybody cobbled something together using readily available parts that's better than the extension spring that's already there? Please let me know if anybody's got any bright ideas.

 

[bc'z]

One resource to check out is the owwm.org. This group is very beneficial when it comes to Walker Turner (WT) items. Spend some time there & you more than likely find what you need.

bc

 

[airbuff101]

That's an early one.
Looks like you are missing the quill lock too but it will work fine without.

Quill Return spring is under the black housing in this pic of a 15" of the same era.

It is a flat coiled spring similar to a lawnmower rope pull mechanism. Your housing appears to be missing as well. A workable spring is probably available through Mcmaster-Carr or a spring/bearing supply but will need a housing as that secures one spring end and allows winding to adjust tension.
Your best bet for the missing parts may be ebay or Vintagemachinery (AKA OWWM) forum classifieds. I'd mention your need there.
Good luck, they are nice machines.
airbuff

 

[Packard V8]

X3 - put a WTB on the BOYD at OWWM.

BTW, that is a nice little DP, with the accent on little. Don't spend too much money restoring it if you plan to drill many or large holes in steel.

A 14" or 15" W-T, Delta, Rockwell, Atlas, Boice-Crane, Dayton, would be a better investment.

jack vines

 

[bungy42]

Airbuff - I saw the pics of your drill press in another thread. Very nice. I especially love the downfeed handle on yours. It's so much classier than the wimpy rod that mine has.

Jack Vines - I don't mind that it's tiny. It's far better than what I have now, which is a hand drill. It's just for around-the-house kind of jobs anyway.

I'll cross-post this over at OWWM. I started here because I like this forum better, but i do understand that I'll get more answers over there.

I'm already working on fabbing up a quill lock. Can anybody tell me what the thread is on that? The head lock is 1/2-13, but I suspect the quill lock will be smaller.

 

[bungy42]

Nobody knows the thread size on the quill lock? I find that hard to believe.

 

[airbuff101]

I can check the sizes this afternoon, but it may be different on your 13". Do you still have the 2 cylindrical pinching collets for it? You could make them up with a lathe and mill. you may be able to find some at OWWM though.
airbuff

 

[Packard V8]

Nobody knows the thread size on the quill lock? I find that hard to believe.

Believe as you will:

1. You've already gotten best advice to take the W-T questions over to the experts at OWWM.
2. You've gone there and started a thread on your DP.
3. So why come back and beat up on us? We've already told you where the W-T experts hang out.
4. OK, we admit it. We know the thread size on the quill lock on an obscure and obsolete DP. We just ain't gonna tell you. ;>)

jack vines

 

[bungy42]

I can check the sizes this afternoon, but it may be different on your 13". Do you still have the 2 cylindrical pinching collets for it? You could make them up with a lathe and mill. you may be able to find some at OWWM though.
airbuff

That would be great, thanks. I've already made the pinching collets, I just need to know what size to tap the hole.

Believe as you will:

1. You've already gotten best advice to take the W-T questions over to the experts at OWWM.
2. You've gone there and started a thread on your DP.
3. So why come back and beat up on us? We've already told you where the W-T experts hang out.
4. OK, we admit it. We know the thread size on the quill lock on an obscure and obsolete DP. We just ain't gonna tell you. ;>)

jack vines

1. That's true.
2. Yes, I have.
3. Because I like you guys better. Besides, the "experts" aren't turning up any answers.
4. Now, that's just mean-spirited. LOL

 

[airbuff101]

Bungy,
The spindle lock thread is 3/8"-24.
Dia. of cylindrical collet is 7/8".

I think Jacks right though. Those OWWM folks should have what you need laying around as they seem to collect machinery the way we collect Vises over here.

airbuff

 

[bungy42]

Thanks airbuff. I appreciate the help.

Funny you mention the vises. I just finished refurbishing my grandfather's vise. I'll have to start a thread on that one.

 

[ZRX61]

Oh FFS, why ya have to go post those pics? I'm trying to resist the urge to restore that Tiger 18 I picked up.

 

[bungy42]

Oh FFS, why ya have to go post those pics? I'm trying to resist the urge to restore that Tiger 18 I picked up.

Go ahead and restore that bad boy and post up the pics here! I'd love to check it out.