1938 Craftsman power tools

[danandmelrod]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site but wanted to share my find on Craigslist this weekend. I was searching for a vintage drill press and came across a set of 1938?? Craftsman power tools for $100!! Although I just needed a DP I couldn't pass up a great deal.

Anyhow, I'll be reaching out to you guys/gals for any and all assistance. Your experience and knowledge will be greatly appreciated as I have very little when it comes to restoring these old beauties!!

I will try my best to post pics and familiarize on navigating the site to upload and add attachments.

Thank you all in advance!

 

[nine4gmc]

Sweet machine, looks like you have the alien head planer and a band saw there as well?

 

[danandmelrod]

Hey there,
Yup, this guy had the complete set from that year. Actually I'm still not real sure of the year I purchased the bandsaw, shaper, planer, disc/belt sander, drill press and jointer for $100.

For some reason it will only let me attach one pic at a time!

 

[Sawdustmaker]

I have the 1940 version of that drill press. You have the mortising attachment....sweet! Mine belonged to my dad. Get the model number from the plate at the rear of the base and Google it. Should give you some info. I believe the original price for my dad's drill press in 1940 was about $40. Nice find.

 

[nine4gmc]

Hey there,
Yup, this guy had the complete set from that year. Actually I'm still not real sure of the year I purchased the bandsaw, shaper, planer, disc/belt sander, drill press and jointer for $100.

For some reason it will only let me attach one pic at a time!

yeah. you ****!

 

[PugetDude]

Hell of a score for one Benjamin!

 

[danandmelrod]

Hi sawdust maker,

It's a 101.03582. When I google it the belt cover is embossed but mine has the badge. And catalogs from 38 to 42 don't show my press. Wierd . I think that they were left overs from Atlas and Sears just created the badge to replace the Atlas one? Thoughts??

Here's a pic. I cleaned it up a bit.

 

[danandmelrod]

Hell of a score for one Benjamin!

Thanks!

 

[danandmelrod]

Here's another view.

 

[Sawdustmaker]

Hi danandmelrod,

The top of mine isn't anything like that. Here's a couple of pics. I know they were made by Atlas, but little more than that at this time. I also have my dad's Craftsman table saw (8"). the patent date on it is 1937, but I think he bought them both at the same time in 1940. The badge on mine is on the side.

Also, check out vintagemachinery.org for info and feedback. They also have a forum.

 

[danandmelrod]

That's sweet!! I love how the name is casted on your cover. I noticed your chuck is different and the pull handle. Are those parts hard to find?

Thanks for sharing.

 

[jywilli69]

Go to OWWM.org, they have all the experts to help you with restoring.

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this site but wanted to share my find on Craigslist this weekend. I was searching for a vintage drill press and came across a set of 1938?? Craftsman power tools for $100!! Although I just needed a DP I couldn't pass up a great deal.

Anyhow, I'll be reaching out to you guys/gals for any and all assistance. Your experience and knowledge will be greatly appreciated as I have very little when it comes to restoring these old beauties!!

I will try my best to post pics and familiarize on navigating the site to upload and add attachments.

Thank you all in advance!

 

[bluebolt]

6 tools for $100! YOU ****!

Waiting on more pictures!

 

[rlitman]

...You have the mortising attachment....sweet! ...

Very sweet indeed. You **** big time!

Hi sawdust maker,

It's a 101.03582. When I google it the belt cover is embossed but mine has the badge. And catalogs from 38 to 42 don't show my press. Wierd . I think that they were left overs from Atlas and Sears just created the badge to replace the Atlas one? Thoughts??

Here's a pic. I cleaned it up a bit.

That was made by Atlas for sure. Certainly looks pre-war to me.

 

[Sawdustmaker]

That's sweet!! I love how the name is casted on your cover. I noticed your chuck is different and the pull handle. Are those parts hard to find?

Thanks for sharing.

I'm guessing parts are hard to find. Several years ago Sears still had the drill press in its data base and had some parts available. Only part I have had to look for is the front pulley. Couldn't find one anywhere. A piece had chipped off and the ragged edge was tearing up the belt. One of my former students at the college where I taught was taking a machinist/welding course of study. I ask him to look at it and see if another pulley could be machined. He brought it back to me in two days. Told me it was made from aluminum and that he had welded a patch and filed the groove to match. Works well. All of the other parts are original. My dad originally had the shaper attachment, it was a man killer to set up and use. In 1971 when he gave me the drill press, he tossed the shaper fence. Guess he was trying to protect me. I still have the shaper chuck and blades. Never use them as I now have a router table.

 

[Sawdustmaker]

Hey danandmelrod, since you are a new member, just to give you a heads up. Don't be offended if some of the guys say "You ****". It is actually to say "Well Done" and is (believe it or not) a complement on making such a good find or making a good deal (think I got that right). I'm sure I will be corrected if I didn't

 

[Steel A Rod]

I've been putting together a small woodshop with all craftsman machines from about '36 to '40. All in the blue finish. The drill presses are nice Atlas made machines.
The others are pretty light duty, but still work well enough for light work. Great score!