Should I get this old drill press for free? *pics*
- Thread starter 35chevy
- Start date
sailah
Well-known member
If you want to run a VFD, I've used a TECO FM50. It's a nice little unit. They make them with 120v input, 3 phase output up to 1HP which is what you have.
http://www.factorymation.com/Products/FM50_115V/FM50-101-C.html
I ran mine like that on my powermatic 1200 for years. Then I upgraded it to a start/stop, reversing, jog and speed pot. The reason is simple. With just the regular push button VFD, changing speeds you need to press those tiny little buttons.
So you wire up a 10k pot (don't worry I had no idea what it was either but radio shack and eBay do...
). I bought some push button switches and the fwd/rev switch and the jog button.
So now I can turn a dial and the speed goes up and down. I can flip a switch and reverse the press. Or I can preset the jog button to jog the spindle fwd at 10rpm for tapping. It's fairly easy to do once you have the manual in front of you and it makes using the drill press so much nicer. I should put the VFD in an enclosure now that I don't need to press and buttons one of these days
Here's a video I did a couple years ago when someone asked me about wiring up a VFD and adding the added functions I described above
Edit: one last thing...be very careful to ground EVERYTHING including the actual VFD case. I was getting some stray current enough to make you say hmmmmmm and get a tickle before I got mine grounded correctly.
http://www.factorymation.com/Products/FM50_115V/FM50-101-C.html
I ran mine like that on my powermatic 1200 for years. Then I upgraded it to a start/stop, reversing, jog and speed pot. The reason is simple. With just the regular push button VFD, changing speeds you need to press those tiny little buttons.
So you wire up a 10k pot (don't worry I had no idea what it was either but radio shack and eBay do...
). I bought some push button switches and the fwd/rev switch and the jog button.So now I can turn a dial and the speed goes up and down. I can flip a switch and reverse the press. Or I can preset the jog button to jog the spindle fwd at 10rpm for tapping. It's fairly easy to do once you have the manual in front of you and it makes using the drill press so much nicer. I should put the VFD in an enclosure now that I don't need to press and buttons one of these days
Here's a video I did a couple years ago when someone asked me about wiring up a VFD and adding the added functions I described above
Edit: one last thing...be very careful to ground EVERYTHING including the actual VFD case. I was getting some stray current enough to make you say hmmmmmm and get a tickle before I got mine grounded correctly.
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Read 240z's post above. It looks like he has the same DP and is keen to swap his single phase motor for a three phase one.Seriously bummed about that... research time
So you're asking if you should get a 1948 Delta 17" drill press......FOR FREE? Well, that's probably one of the best machines Delta ever made. It looks like the one you could get FOR FREE needs a little TLC but once you've spent a little time and money on it, you'll have a GREAT drill press that will last you a life time. So I'd say, "Yes, get the drill press!"
Jim C.
Jim C.
Nope, he said he's looking for 3ph (meaning 3 phase), not 3hp.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Yep, a 3 HP would probably tip the dang thing over! 
Nope, he said he's looking for 3ph (meaning 3 phase), not 3hp.
I went back and read it again... I concede! I read it as hp when he clearly said ph...
Yep, a 3 HP would probably tip the dang thing over!
Shows how little I know about this stuff... My experience with electric motors is replacing automotive starters, power window, a/c, and cooling fan motors. I'm a car guy. The car I worked on today has 860HP to the wheels. 3HP didn't register with me as being that much LOL.
Great score on all the tools! Checked out your link on your shop. Awesome!!
One question though? I know the pics of your shop are from last summer,but have you set up that lift yet? If not, that should be priority #1. With all your vehicles, you'll be sorry you have'nt set it up already. Once you have, you'll wonder why you did'nt do it earlier.
Just sayin
One question though? I know the pics of your shop are from last summer,but have you set up that lift yet? If not, that should be priority #1. With all your vehicles, you'll be sorry you have'nt set it up already. Once you have, you'll wonder why you did'nt do it earlier.
Just sayin
sailah
Well-known member
This was the first 17" Rockwell I ever bought. It didn't have a motor and I just happen to have a 3 hp Baldor so I had a machine shop turn the shaft to fit the pulley. You can see how long the motor is. The gear rack you're missing is also easy to spot but you have the production table which is nice.
Well, there is a reason they don't make 17" drill presses without t slots and a 3 hp motor
I was young and stupid, now I'm just stupid, and held down some 1/2" plate and plowed into it. It caught, started helicoptering around,cleared the entire table and started smacking the column. I can't remember the bit but it was a MT3 spindle probably a 3/4" drill or something. Sheared it completely off.
Tucko
Well-known member
That's the same drill press I got for free when my neighbor moved away. It has a three phase motor, and is missing the chuck. It's been sitting motionless in my garage for 4 years.....One of these days....
Major Ramifications
Well-known member
Yes, get it. I don't know if they came with a rack on the column to raise and lower the table, many of the old ones just used friction and your nuts to raise/lower the table.
383 240z
Well-known member
I also have a nice standard table for that drill press as well. I wasn't kidding, I am interested in your motor. A 1hp 3ph motor for that Delta 17 is just what I'm looking for. Pm me if your wanting to work something out. Keith
I'm about ready to order a VFD to get this drill press up and running... I'm looking at this one... http://dealerselectric.com/JNEV-101-H1.asp It's $138.00. Do any of you guys have experience buying from this place?
I don't say no to any free tools. If they're junk, I can always scrap them.
I bought a Hitachi VFD from ebay for $100, well worth it. The one you found is similar, run with it. I leave my belts on the speed closest to 1:1, then use the VFD for speed, unless I'm doing a big job requiring a lot of torque at low speed.
I bought a Hitachi VFD from ebay for $100, well worth it. The one you found is similar, run with it. I leave my belts on the speed closest to 1:1, then use the VFD for speed, unless I'm doing a big job requiring a lot of torque at low speed.
WhoWhatNow
Well-known member
I have purchased from Dealers Electric. They shipped fast and had the best price I could find for my Teco VFD.
454ragtop
Well-known member
Good choice, and good seller.