I just bought an old South Bend Drill Press and it has this 3rd pulley on top of the column. It seems to fit perfectly and spins fine, although there is no belt for it currently. I'm not positive now that it will actually work as it doesn't appear to be tensionable like the original one for this press. Anyone recognize it and happen to know who made it? Thanks!
Anyone know what brand this pulley may be?
- Thread starter jransom
- Start date
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Can you get better picks of the underside? I'm assuming it fits into the column? Is it centered, of off set? they often used an eccentric motion for the tension back in the day.
txvwnut
Well-known member
That's your speed reducer pulley for drilling in steel, it should have an eccentric to tension the belt from the quill pulley.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
that's why I asked for picks under it. so we can see the part the goes into the column. you mentioned it was not centered, that is the eccentric. the key is how does it lock (or does it? it could float and just let the motor belt tensioner take care of things)
You need a belt length that will let it be installed in the "short" position from spindle to intermediate. but can then be tensioned in a fairly short distance. the motor belt will have more latitude.
It's likely a 4L industrial belt, but measure the pulley width at the top (or take a pulley with you when you go to buy)
Don't go to an automotive store those are different, try a hardware or industrial supply that sells blower belts.
You need a belt length that will let it be installed in the "short" position from spindle to intermediate. but can then be tensioned in a fairly short distance. the motor belt will have more latitude.
It's likely a 4L industrial belt, but measure the pulley width at the top (or take a pulley with you when you go to buy)
Don't go to an automotive store those are different, try a hardware or industrial supply that sells blower belts.
Hey Outlawmws, I'll try to get those pictures tonight. Thanks for all the info. I guess I need to confirm first that the pulley does in fact work somehow before I look for two belts. Also, the grooves in that pulley don't match the motor and spindle pulley. The spaces are much tighter, although I'm sure a belt will ride in it just fine.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Not seeing any pics, and none show in the quote (hidden in the post)
Outlawmws
Well-known member
OK, your eccentric is the column adapter. so as it rotates it move the pulley closer to further from the spindle as I mentioned. that drives the length of the belt.
Is there a setscrew coming in on an angle from the top to set the position? Or possibly the adapter is split, and a set screw widens the gap to grip the ID of the column?
Is there a setscrew coming in on an angle from the top to set the position? Or possibly the adapter is split, and a set screw widens the gap to grip the ID of the column?
Okay, if I'm understanding you correctly, the thick barrel part floats freely in the column and rotates the pulley closer/farther from the spindle based on the belt length? I feel like there should be some sort of spring mechanism right? Seems like there is none.
Great questions... there is a hole about 5/8" in diameter on the top of the rusty looking plate above the barrel but not sure what it's for. There are no other screws of any kind except for the set screw to hold the barrel to the spindle in the center and one in the pulley as well.
Great questions... there is a hole about 5/8" in diameter on the top of the rusty looking plate above the barrel but not sure what it's for. There are no other screws of any kind except for the set screw to hold the barrel to the spindle in the center and one in the pulley as well.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I see there edge of that top hole I also less the edge of a hole on the opposite side where the barrel slide into the column. I'm guessing there is a diagonally drilled hole threaded for a set screw to lock it is place.
No, there is no spring on this intermediate pulley. The tension is from the motor side belt. drill press belts don't need to be too tight. In fact to a degree you want them able to slip if a bit hangs up; less chance for a broken bit, damaged parts and the like. (but be fast on the off switch...)
No, there is no spring on this intermediate pulley. The tension is from the motor side belt. drill press belts don't need to be too tight. In fact to a degree you want them able to slip if a bit hangs up; less chance for a broken bit, damaged parts and the like. (but be fast on the off switch...)
Here's a similar setup:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154307
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=154307
There are two holes through the thick plug part that sits inside the ID of the drill press column. One has the spindle that the pulley is on. The other hole has nothing through it. Both holes however have a small set screw through them, which makes me wonder if the whole assembly is missing a piece, i.e. whatever would slide into that hole you can see beneath the pulley that has nothing in it. Otherwise, why would it have a little set screw for it? Thanks again for all the help! Really appreciate it. -John
Thanks Denis! This is great and makes me a little more confident that I will be able to slow mine down even if it is missing a piece.