Hi All, Newbie Here with Drill Press(es)

[Bogash]

Try to keep this short. Found an old Atlas 9325. Was researching a little and found your site. Stayed up all night reading about drill presses and drooling over all your machines. Bought the nice little 9325 cheaper than Harbor Freight garbage. Now I'm addicted. So that's me.

I need some help, I am looking at a Walker Turner. Went and saw it today. Owner is at least 65. It was HIS dad's. Dad was a machinist. It seems to be in really good shape. NO arc of shame. It has this crazy added on/off and speed control. Rheostat maybe? He want's $200 bucks and I want a vintage floor drill press. What do you guys think? Worth it?

Noobs likely do this all the time but I promise, I'm hooked, I'll be a regular!

Let me know what you think. Hopefully I can figure out how to attach pics sooner than later. Something about "security certificate."

 

[Bogash]

Wow. First impressions... let's try getting the pics rightside up...derrrr..

 

[Davefr]

I wouldn't be too eager.

- It's only 4 speed.
- That jury rigged box with the reostat can't control the speed of a 1 phase induction motor.
- The price is high IMHO

 

[woody 73]

For $200.00 dollars he hit the price right in the ballpark, any more and I would have walked away; see if he would take $125.00 dollars for it.

 

[jakemac]

First - Welcome to the forum.

Your little Atlas looks to be in great shape.
I don't know much about W-T's, but for a multi-speed floor model in good shape, $200 doesn't sound too crazy. If the rheostat is indeed a working speed control (if the guy was a machinist it could be plausible) then the price is sounding better.

Did you get to hear it run ?
How is the run-out ? (does the chuck or drill bit wobble)
Are the bearings making noises ?
Does the wiring need to be replaced ?

These are questions that can affect the price. A wrong answer could lead to hard work to get the DP usable. Giving you a bargaining chip in negotiations.

Others with more/better knowledge may chime in.

 

[Bogash]

You guys are fast. I was thinking 150 but I think he's hard at 200.... Runs like a top and does not appear to have much if any runout. Not a nick in the table.

Thanks Davefr. Would you just put a push button switch on there or what?

And, I'm ignorant on the speeds? Just 4? I would think 4 spots on 2 pulleys would be 16? Not being a smart aleck, just want to learn.

 

[Bogash]

First - Welcome to the forum.

Your little Atlas looks to be in great shape.
I don't know much about W-T's, but for a multi-speed floor model in good shape, $200 doesn't sound too crazy. If the rheostat is indeed a working speed control (if the guy was a machinist it could be plausible) then the price is sounding better.

Did you get to hear it run ?
How is the run-out ? (does the chuck or drill bit wobble)
Are the bearings making noises ?
Does the wiring need to be replaced ?

These are questions that can affect the price. A wrong answer could lead to hard work to get the DP usable. Giving you a bargaining chip in negotiations.

Others with more/better knowledge may chime in.

It seems really squared away. Not noisy. Doesn't look to have been used since the 70s...this guy had a brand new Jet sitting there...he's a woodworker.

Thanks on the Atlas. I just think it is super cool and it runs great. Drilled some pate steel with it today.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I think he is about right on the selling price of the floor model drill press, it looks to be in better then average shape. If the motor sounds good and there is little to no play in the bearings then go for it. I like to dicker, so I would always make an offer or ask if he would take any less. You will not get a lower price with out asking.

 

[bubinga]

just a 4 speed, it would have to have a center pulley to be 12 0r 16 speed.
Isn't that one a power craft "conehead"

 

[bubinga]

Re;conehead, No, it says Atlas.
maybe im missing something, looks like my power king.
\

 

[Bogash]

Re;conehead, No, it says Atlas.
maybe im missing something, looks like my power king.
\

They do look a lot alike.

 

[Bogash]

just a 4 speed, it would have to have a center pulley to be 12 0r 16 speed.
Isn't that one a power craft "conehead"

Ahhhhh. So moving the motor to use different combinations of drive and driven sizes is a no no?

 

[crguy]

You guys are fast. I was thinking 150 but I think he's hard at 200.... Runs like a top and does not appear to have much if any runout. Not a nick in the table.

Thanks Davefr. Would you just put a push button switch on there or what?

And, I'm ignorant on the speeds? Just 4? I would think 4 spots on 2 pulleys would be 16? Not being a smart aleck, just want to learn.

Does it have variable speed or not? Turn that black knob when it's running and it will be obvious.

4 groove pulleys give you 4 speeds.

 

[Bogash]

I think he is about right on the selling price of the floor model drill press, it looks to be in better then average shape. If the motor sounds good and there is little to no play in the bearings then go for it. I like to dicker, so I would always make an offer or ask if he would take any less. You will not get a lower price with out asking.

It's really tight. I don't have a dial indicator but we ran it and it is smooth. No play anywhere I could find.

I guess I kinda figure that a new Craftsman or Delta are poorly made imo and cost more even used so at 200 so I'm thinking this is cool both ways. Badass piece of vintage equipment and functional for what I need it to do. And oh yes, I'll try to get a deal!!

 

[Bogash]

Does it have variable speed or not? Turn that black knob when it's running and it will be obvious.

4 groove pulleys give you 4 speeds.

I turned it while it was running while I was there and it seemed to me to change speeds.

 

[Bogash]

Doh!

Just found a 9325 manual online here (awesome site) and I know get why I was frustrated by the pulley set up. The motor pulley is upside down on my Atlas. Fix that tomorrow.

Probably gonna buy that Walker Turner, too. I like it and it'll do what I want with the added coolness of it. I hate the new stuff out there, love old useful things. Told my wife once that's why I've kept her for 16+ years. Bad idea...

 

[jakemac]

Telling the 'Ol Lady the truth is NEVER a good idea. She just might fling a little truth right back at ya (tied to a frying pan).

 

[Outlawmws]

You CAN get more than 4 speeds by playing with the motor height, but that only gives you more incremental speeds between the top and bottom... (Sears used to claim 9 speeds from a 4 sheave pulley set...)

The motor is only 1/4 HP. pretty marginal for a DP

Price is between you and your wallet, and can be regionally dependent, so one guys "buy it" will be another's Walk on by..." Then there are guys like myself that have several and are unlikely to pay top dollar for a DP (or any other tool...) I think GJ has a higher percentage of those guys, but also has a higher percentage of guys that WILL pay top dollar.

So the variance of responses are fairly normal...

I'd ask the old guy what the rheostat is for...

 

[CalsXS2]

That Walker Turner is a 1936 or 1937. That base came standard in 36 and was optional in 37. Now that's assuming it's original. Which by looking at the head badge, that is correct too for that year too. In 37 and 38 they switched to the big round base.

And it has a tilt table. The dial is a rig for sure. What size is the motor. Probably the standard 1/3.

I'd be all over that for $200. Hell. You can get $200 for that ships wheel on ebay. I would buy that just to part out if it wasn't so cool.

But then again. I'm fond of Walker Turners. I just bought this 1936 for $180.

 

[Bogash]

You CAN get more than 4 speeds by playing with the motor height, but that only gives you more incremental speeds between the top and bottom... (Sears used to claim 9 speeds from a 4 sheave pulley set...)

The motor is only 1/4 HP. pretty marginal for a DP

Price is between you and your wallet, and can be regionally dependent, so one guys "buy it" will be another's Walk on by..." Then there are guys like myself that have several and are unlikely to pay top dollar for a DP (or any other tool...) I think GJ has a higher percentage of those guys, but also has a higher percentage of guys that WILL pay top dollar.

So the variance of responses are fairly normal...

I'd ask the old guy what the rheostat is for...

That's what I thought on the pulleys. Totally get the incremental part, that m ake sense.

That 1/4 pic is my little Atlas. I thin this WT is 1/3 or 1/2.

Old guy's dad put the switch box there, when I started flipping buttons he said he'd never touched it.

I'll let you know what's inside that box when I get it home this afternoon!

 

[Bogash]

That Walker Turner is a 1936 or 1937. That base came standard in 36 and was optional in 37. Now that's assuming it's original. Which by looking at the head badge, that is correct too for that year too. In 37 and 38 they switched to the big round base.

And it has a tilt table. The dial is a rig for sure. What size is the motor. Probably the standard 1/3.

I'd be all over that for $200. Hell. You can get $200 for that ships wheel on ebay. I would buy that just to part out if it wasn't so cool.

But then again. I'm fond of Walker Turners. I just bought this 1936 for $180.

I slept on it and I want it more than I did yesterday! I'll let you know what I find when I get her home. I did not see a serial number of anything and no motor tag either. You think it's a 36-37 huh? Very cool.

 

[CalsXS2]

I slept on it and I want it more than I did yesterday! I'll let you know what I find when I get her home. I did not see a serial number of anything and no motor tag either. You think it's a 36-37 huh? Very cool.

There won't be a serial number on the early ones. They didn't show up until later. And then it was just a model number stamped into the head badge. And the motor mounting plate is an early one too. The later ones had an arm sticking up with a hole in it for a third pulley to be mounted to.

Below are some pics of mine. The base says "Patten Pending" on it.

The motor on yours may or may not have a switch on it. Most have it on the side where yours is. But the switch has ears on it and it's mounted with 2 small holes. Just forward of where the big hole is on mine.

Have a look around here. You can learn a lot.

http://vintagemachinery.org/

You can also sign up over at owwm.org. There's lots of Walker Turner 900's over there.

And I know you'll be posting picture's.

 

[Davefr]

Does it have variable speed or not? Turn that black knob when it's running and it will be obvious.

4 groove pulleys give you 4 speeds.

An induction motor's speed cannot be controlled directly by a reostat. (only DC/Universal motors).

If you turn that reostat down, then you're most likely starving voltage to the motor and getting into a stall condition. When an induction motor is in stall condition it'll overheat and possible burn out.

The original owner probably didn't understand AC motors and thought a reostat would control speed.

If you get that DP get rid of all that jury rigged ****, make sure the wiring is in good condition, use a switch adequate for the motor and make sure you use a 3 wire grounded cord/plug with ground attached to the metal frame of the DP. It's also best to use GFI outlets.

Old improperly wired tools can and do kill.

 

[Bogash]

An induction motor's speed cannot be controlled directly by a reostat. (only DC/Universal motors).

If you turn that reostat down, then you're most likely starving voltage to the motor and getting into a stall condition. When an induction motor is in stall condition it'll overheat and possible burn out.

The original owner probably didn't understand AC motors and thought a reostat would control speed.

If you get that DP get rid of all that jury rigged ****, make sure the wiring is in good condition, use a switch adequate for the motor and make sure you use a 3 wire grounded cord/plug with ground attached to the metal frame of the DP. It's also best to use GFI outlets.

Old improperly wired tools can and do kill.

Thanks Davefr. Sounds like a good project for today and this week.

 

[bubinga]

An induction motor's speed cannot be controlled directly by a reostat. (only DC/Universal motors).

If you turn that reostat down, then you're most likely starving voltage to the motor and getting into a stall condition. When an induction motor is in stall condition it'll overheat and possible burn out.

The original owner probably didn't understand AC motors and thought a reostat would control speed.

If you get that DP get rid of all that jury rigged ****, make sure the wiring is in good condition, use a switch adequate for the motor and make sure you use a 3 wire grounded cord/plug with ground attached to the metal frame of the DP. It's also best to use GFI outlets.

Old improperly wired tools can and do kill.

.........LIKE

 

[bubinga]

Thanks Davefr. Sounds like a good project for today and this week.

Could go 3 phase, and a 110Volt VFD

 

[Bogash]

Could go 3 phase, and a 110Volt VFD

Got it home for $175. Awesome and I love it. As for the mystery box. Whoa. Here's what's inside it. Could this be a homemade VFD? I'm out of my league on the guts of this box!

 

[Bogash]

That Walker Turner is a 1936 or 1937. That base came standard in 36 and was optional in 37. Now that's assuming it's original. Which by looking at the head badge, that is correct too for that year too. In 37 and 38 they switched to the big round base.

And it has a tilt table. The dial is a rig for sure. What size is the motor. Probably the standard 1/3.

I'd be all over that for $200. Hell. You can get $200 for that ships wheel on ebay. I would buy that just to part out if it wasn't so cool.

But then again. I'm fond of Walker Turners. I just bought this 1936 for $180.

Got her for $175.

 

[Davefr]

Got it home for $175. Awesome and I love it. As for the mystery box. Whoa. Here's what's inside it. Could this be a homemade VFD? I'm out of my league on the guts of this box!

Interesting!!

That's not a reostat nor a VFD. It's a multi position rotary switch connected to a bank of relays.

My guess is that the motor is the type used in HVAC like air handlers/blowers. They typically have multiple selectable speed taps depending on how they're hard wired. It looks like the original owner used that type of motor and selected the speed taps with a switch and all those relays. (3 speeds???)

Can you show an image of the motor's nameplate.

 

[CalsXS2]

Good job!!

But I got no clue about that box. What does the end of the plug look like.

That is not an original motor plate. Probably not an original motor. I've never seen a 1/4 3 phase. But that doesn't mean they don't exist. Just seem like a lot of trouble for a 1/4. But maybe he just used what he had.

Can you take a video of it running and put on youtube like I did.

 

[Bogash]

Interesting!!

That's not a reostat nor a VFD. It's a multi position rotary switch connected to a bank of relays.

My guess is that the motor is the type used in HVAC like air handlers. They typically have multiple selectable speed taps depending on how they're hard wired. It looks like the original owner used that type of motor and selected the speed taps with a switch and all those relays.

Can you show an image of the motor's nameplate.

Interesting is right! Can't see any plate yet. Going to sTarr cleaning it up this week. Will post something if I find anything for sure.

 

[Bogash]

Good job!!

But I got no clue about that box. What does the end of the plug look like.

That is not an original motor plate. Probably not an original motor. I've never seen a 1/4 3 phase. But that doesn't mean they don't exist. Just seem like a lot of trouble for a 1/4. But maybe he just used what he had.

Can you take a video of it running and put on youtube like I did.

I sure will! Can't promise when but I will.

 

[bubinga]

Good job!!

But I got no clue about that box. What does the end of the plug look like.

That is not an original motor plate. Probably not an original motor. I've never seen a 1/4 3 phase. But that doesn't mean they don't exist. Just seem like a lot of trouble for a 1/4. But maybe he just used what he had.

Can you take a video of it running and put on youtube like I did.

Good Call

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm with Dave on the possible multi speed motor. That was exactly what I started thinking seeing the bank of relays. I have one of those motors, I have yet to put it to use though.

 

[Outlawmws]

If there is no wiring plate instructions on the outside, take the cover plate off where the wires enter the motor. Sometimes it's inside under the cover plate.

 

[Bogash]

Here's the video:

Great backstory, too. PO's Dad bought it new. He was the head machinist for The Dallas Morning News. He worked on all the presses for 40 some years PO said. Told me his Dad was always changing everything they had, like the speed control, etc. PO says he has the original purchase receipt but couldn't lay hands on it today. That would be pretty damn cool to have.

I thought originally about canning the speed control box but it's part of the story and works really well. Lowest pulley setting and lowest electrical setting will be nice for thicker plate holes.

I think I've already had $175 bucks worth of fun!

 

[bubinga]

Aww, don't you want to hear one of my tools running ....................LOL

 

[bubinga]

Here's the video:

setting will be nice for thicker plate holes.

I think I've already had $175 bucks worth of fun!

You're a Hoot
lol........just funning with you

just good fun here, thats good, I get a charge out of this **** too.
I will have to show you my wiper motor feed for my metal lathe.

 

[bubinga]

Here's the video:

Great backstory, too. PO's Dad bought it new. He was the head machinist for The Dallas Morning News. He worked on all the presses for 40 some years PO said. Told me his Dad was always changing everything they had, like the speed control, etc. PO says he has the original purchase receipt but couldn't lay hands on it today. That would be pretty damn cool to have.

I thought originally about canning the speed control box but it's part of the story and works really well. Lowest pulley setting and lowest electrical setting will be nice for thicker plate holes.

I think I've already had $175 bucks worth of fun!

yeah, if it's the multi tap furnace motor, thats OK I guess,
Did you show the motor tag?
sorry if that was already established.
OP what's you location?
EDIT,
OK Dallas TX.

 

[Bogash]

You're a Hoot
lol........just funning with you

just good fun here, thats good, I get a charge out of this **** too.
I will have to show you my wiper motor feed for my metal lathe.

It is fun. Now I'm surfing CL for friggin "old bench grinder" & "rusty tools." Oh how my browsing history has changed in the last 10 yrs! Hahahaha