Craftsman drill press original?

[Zrxrunner]

Local posting for $85. Seems like right in the ballpark to replace the old clarke metalworker floorstanding press i have now. From the sole picture on the listing, do some of you experts think its unmodded? Looks like only 2 handles arms to raise and lower? Usually 3, right? Pretty sure im gonna try to arrange a look/pickup if its still there this weekend. Thanks

 

[FrankLee]

That is a 13-1/2" Craftsman 80 bench model converted into a floor-standing drill press. There was a floor standing version available from Sears for a few years, but it had a larger base than that one and the column was not that tall.

The 13-1/2" machines are every bit as capable as the 15-1/2" machines. The bearings are identical. The quill diameter is the same 1-5/8". The spindle diameter is the same 5/8". The step diameters of the spindle pulley are the same. Parts are just shorter/smaller. Quill feed is 3-1/8" vs 4" on the larger DPs.

That one looks to be repainted. The head trim panel is not present. IF the head trim panel was not installed at the factory, it is a '52-'53 model. It's possible that the PO may not have reinstalled the panel after painting.

There is something weird about the chuck; it's not original.

 

[Jim C.]

Looks like it’s missing the decorative hammered aluminum head band. I have an original unrestored 1948 model. If you need photos of any component on the machine for comparison purposes, just let me know.

Jim C.

 

[exmaxima1]

That is a 13-1/2" Craftsman 80 bench model converted into a floor-standing drill press. There was a floor standing version available from Sears

There is something weird about the chuck; it's not original.

I've seen keyless chucks similar to that on older Dunlap presses---maybe it was somehow adapted to the JT33 spindle on this Craftsman DP. I wouldn't buy the press unless I knew if that chuck could be replaced with a keyed version.

 

[Zrxrunner]

Thanks for the tips ,fellas. I might at least go take a closer look, but if it's frankenstein, i'll probably pass. I already scored a project floorstander similar to this that is in the long line of projects to complete

 

[subroc]

The price might be a bit high...well, it would be for me. I have a 13-1/2" in the basement. I like it. I use it. The 15 i use is in the garage. I have others/projects as well.

I am not sure I would want or use a bench top base on a floor model. Others might differ. Maybe sandbag it? Maybe a couple 25lb weight plates?

Certainly worth a look. Anyway, if you were looking to add a 13 to your line-up and you could get it for a better price might be worth it.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[JEFinCLE]

I've seen keyless chucks similar to that on older Dunlap presses---maybe it was somehow adapted to the JT33 spindle on this Craftsman DP. I wouldn't buy the press unless I knew if that chuck could be replaced with a keyed version.

Historical accuracy? Just curious why you would replace a keyless chuck with a keyed one. I have a Delta keyless chuck from the late 30s on my Delta Radial. I put new Jacobs keyless on my my vintage 14" Delta. I love keyless chucks. Maybe there's something about them I don't know, but at least for woodworking, I prefer them.

 

[exmaxima1]

Looking closer, that might not be a keyless chuck since THE KEY IS HANGING ON A CHAIN. Sorry about the confusion.

 

[Snip's]

Something looks weird about the post...
Seems like the diameter is smaller below the adjustable platform??

 

[FrankLee]

Something looks weird about the post...
Seems like the diameter is smaller below the adjustable platform??

Yep, good catch.

 

[subroc]

Looks like he just stuffed it in the hole and tightened the clamp on the base. I would certainly be interested in how the upper and lower pipe are joined.

 

[whateg01]

Historical accuracy? Just curious why you would replace a keyless chuck with a keyed one. I have a Delta keyless chuck from the late 30s on my Delta Radial. I put new Jacobs keyless on my my vintage 14" Delta. I love keyless chucks. Maybe there's something about them I don't know, but at least for woodworking, I prefer them.

They **** for hole saws. I learned that the hard way. They self-tighten.

 

[Zrxrunner]

Yeah, notice the pipe difference. Might be an easy convert back to bench top just removing that, but wouldnt pay the $85 for a bench model. Already have obe of those too