Hopefully now you now know what model drill press you have.
Next, if you do not already have one, this is the link to the Craftsman publications page on Vintage machinery. You should be able to find an Owner’s Manual for your drill press there.
Here are the sources for the replaceable parts:
All the parts below are broken down into four categories:
- For use on all Craftsman 15.5” Drill Presses (King Seeley 100 & 150, Emerson Gen 1-5, Emerson Gen 3-4 Commercial).
- For use on specific Craftsman 15.5” Drill Presses (King Seeley 100 & 150, Emerson Gen 1 & 2).
- For use on specific Craftsman 15.5” Drill Presses (Emerson Gen 3-5).
- For use on specific Craftsman 15.5” Drill Presses (Emerson Gen 3 & 4 Commercial).
Feed Return Spring
NOTE- The OEM feed return spring is no longer manufactured.
There are three spring sizes and types for the drill presses covered in this thread.
For all the King Seeley 100 and 150 models with the external tension knobs, the spring is a single loop (one end) and dog leg (other end) coil torsion spring about 4” long and about 5/8” in diameter. The wire is approximately 12 gauge (about 0.0770”) thick. There are approximately 51 coils in a right-hand wind on the spring.
Note: Not covered in this thread is the 80 drill press. The 80 series used a similar spring that was 5” long and had 64 coils.
For the late King Seeley 150 and all Emerson Gen 1-5 standard 15.5” drill presses, the spring is a double loop (both ends) coil torsion spring about 4” long and about 5/8” in diameter. The wire is approximately 12 gauge (about 0.0770”) thick. There are approximately 51 coils in a right-hand wind on the spring. So, the spring is the same spring as the 100 and 150 series except it has loops on both ends. This is because is it captured internally by hooking on a roll pin.
Note- it is possible to modify one of these double loop springs to work on an early 100 or 150 by cutting one of the loos and bending a dog leg on one end.
The third type of spring is the spring used on the Gen 3 and 4 Commercial drill presses. Seen in the picture below, the Commercial drill press feed return spring is on the right. The spring is a single loop on both ends, coil torsion spring about 6 1/4” long and about 5/8” in diameter. The wire is approximately 12 gauge (about 0.0770”) thick. There are approximately 67 coils in a right-hand wind on the spring.
Recently, I had a local spring manufacturer produce new springs for the 100, 150 and standard Emerson Gen 1-4 drill presses. I am selling them on the classified page.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...ftsman-drill-press-feed-return-spring.501051/
V-belt
For the 100, 150, Emerson Gen 1 and 2, the V-belt is a ½” x 45” V-belt. I prefer a cogged V-belt because it will move around the pulleys better and its quitter. I normally use the Drualast Cogged V-belt from AutoZone. Duralast V-belt series 17xxx is what I use. The 17450 is the ½” x 45” cogged V-belt but you can use any of the ½” V-belts between 43”-45”. Here is a link to the 17450. At my AutoZone its $8.99.
For the Emerson Gen 3-5 standard and commercial drill presses, the V-belt is a 3/16” x 45” V-belt. You can find lots of them on Amazon, eBay, etc.. just google 45” x 3/16” V-belt. Here is just one such belt on Amazon.
New Belt Sears Craftsman Drill Press Model # 113.24630 113 213 780 113.213780 - - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com
Jacob’s chuck
The OEM chuck look like this.
All Craftsman 15.5” (King Seeley and Emerson) drill presses have a #33 Jacob’s taper on the spindle as well as a threaded thrust collar. So, all of them are compatible with the Jacob’s 34-33C Chuck.
The original chuck was a “made in the USA” Jacob’s brand #33 taper chuck. The chuck is a plain bearing heavy duty keyed ½” chuck with a safety collar, Jacob’s part number 14451. The chuck is a 34 series chuck, Jacobs model number 34-33C. This is the same chuck that has been on all Craftsman 15.5” drill presses since the 1940s until 1986. The safety collar was not introduced until 1952 (although there is evidence of its use in 1951) so all previous chucks had a thread protector on the thrust collar. This thread protector looks just like the safety collar but is not connected to the chuck. It is also possible to see chucks and thread protectors where the sleeve is machined with panels and not smooth. Here is a picture of one of these paneled sleeves.
Replacement chucks can be ordered from Jacob’s or several other suppliers such as this link from Zoro (note often the picture shown is the paneled sleeve chuck without the safety collar, but it is the exact same chuck as the original and it comes with a key). Also, be advised that Jacob’s no longer makes chucks in the USA and any new Jacob’s brand chuck will be made in Asia. I have several of these Asian made replacement chucks and they are very high quality.
For some reason the link to the chuck does not work when I paste it here but go to Zoro.com and search for Jacobs 14451.
Jacob’s Chuck Key
The chuck key for the Jacobs model number 34-33C chuck is an 11 tooth 5/16” pilot key. Jacob’s sales the key as part number JCM2948 and model number S-K3C and is should look like this.
These keys will have a turned down (smaller) tip on the end of the key. This tip was designed to remove and install the threaded safety collar; however, it does not work well, and I have had the tip break off on several keys. I prefer a spanner wrench to install and remove the chuck (see below for spanner information). Also, the OEM key is likely not a self-ejecting key and was probably model number K3. The S in the model number means it is a spring loaded self-ejecting pilot and the C means it has the turned down tip for the safety collar.
You can order replacement keys from Jacobs and other suppliers such as this one from Grainger.
Bearings, Spindle Pulley Assembly (x2)
For all of these drill presses 100, 150, Emerson Gen 1-5 including the commercial models, the two spindle pulley assembly bearings are the largest. They are both 6205 bearings. They measure 25mm bore x 52mm OD x 15mm tall.
The OEM bearings are double shielded (often expressed with ZZ or 2Z in the part number), but you can use shielded (ZZ) or sealed (often expressed with 2RS or RR in the part number). I normally order my bearings from Accurate bearings, but a simple search will produce lots of options from various sellers. I prefer Japanese or American bearings over Chinese bearings. This is a link to a Nachi double shielded 6205ZZ bearing on Amazon. Remember you need two of them.
6205 ZZ C3 Nachi Bearing Japan 25X52X15mm 6205ZZ Double Shield: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
www.amazon.com
Bearings, Quill (x2)
On all of these drill presses except the commercial models, the two quill bearings are 6202 5/8” bore. A standard 6202 bearing has a 15mm bore so you need a special bore bearing. The 6202 5/8” bore measures 5/8” bore x 35mm OD x 11mm tall. (Note- some of the part diagrams only identify one bearing but there are two). Both of the OEM bearings are double shielded, but you can use shielded or sealed bearings. As I said, I order my bearings from Accurate bearing, but you can get them anywhere as long as they are the correct measurements. This is a link to a NSK 6202 5/8” bore double sealed ball bearing from Amazon. Remember, you need two of them.
6202-10-2RS 6202-5/8-2RS NSK Sealed Ball Bearing, 5/8" Bore Same Day Shipping: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
www.amazon.com
For the Emerson Gen 3 & 4 Commercial models, the quill bearings are different.
The top quill bearing is a 6203ZZ bearing measuring 40mm x 12mm with a 17mm bore. The OEM bearing is double shielded, but a replacement can be shielded or sealed. Here is a link to a Nachi 6203ZZ bearing on Amazon:
6203-ZZE cm NACHI Brand Metal Shield Ball Bearing 17x40x12 6203 ZZ 6203Z: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific
www.amazon.com
The bottom quill bearing on the commercial models is a double row ball bearing. To remove it from the spindle you will need to drift the roll pin retaining the thrust collar and remove the thrust collar. (Note- thrust collars are unique on all craftsman drill presses and must be reattached exactly as they were removed in order for the proper gap of the Jacob’s Chuck safety collar to align). The bearing is a 5503 double row ball bearing, double shielded measuring 40mm x 17.5mm with a 17mm bore. Here is a link from eBay for a Nachi equivalent 5203ZZ bearing.
Spindle Washer (Rubber) & Quill Bumper (Rubber)
On all of these 15.5” drill presses (except the commercial models) there are two rubber washer/ O-Rings. Often these are in bad shape given the age of these drill presses. Garage Journal member FrankLee no longer sales these; however I am now selling them on the classifieds page.
SOLD SOLD SOLD I am all sold out. The information for you to order your own O-rings from McMaster-Carr is below. I am selling sets of: 1 Quill Gasket Square Profile Oil Resistant Buna-N O-Ring 1 5/8" x 2" x 3/16" McMaster-Carr part # 4061T292 1 Spindle Rubber Washer Oil-Resistant Buna-N...
www.garagejournal.com
Note- if you are rebuilding a
motor for your drill press, there is a lot of information about the various Craftsman motors here on GJ. I have a thread specifically about Craftsman vintage motors here:
I was requested to outline some of my comparison information about Vintage Craftsman General Purpose Motors by a fellow GJ member. Most of this information was available on the forum prior to the 2021 forum update but has been lost or difficult to locate ever since. I am not an electrician and...
www.garagejournal.com
Additionally, here is a link to the craftsman page on Vintage Machinery. Along the top of this page there is a tab for publication reprints, and you can most likely find the Owner’s Manual for your motor:
Lastly, Vintage Machinery has a replacement bearing lists that also may be of use:
wiki.vintagemachinery.org
Quill Feed Replacement Rods
For all Craftsman 15.5” drill presses, there are two sized quill feed rods depending on what modle drill press you have. Often, I see members who purchased a used drill press with missing rods and/or knobs. Luckily, a Garage Journal member Oldironowner makes reproduction rods and I have purchased a set from him in the past. These are top quality at a great price. Here is a link to his sale thread:
Up for sale here are reproduction Craftsman 100/150 quill handles. CNC machined out of 316 Stainless steel. Available in sets of three only. Available in 3/8-16 thread or 1/2-13 thread. Knobs not included. $50 a set plus shipping. 73586C89-7978-49BD-9A29-088D44620401 by J Brauer, on Flickr...
www.garagejournal.com
Quill Feed knobs
On all of the King Seeley 100 and 150 series and the Emerson Gen1 (150) series drill presses the knobs are a reddish plastic similar to Bakelite. I have not found a direct replacement; however, this link may help you in finding a suitable replacement in black:
Manufacturer and Distributor of Standard Machine Parts. Your Partner for Standard Machine Components and Assembly Hardware for Industry.
www.jwwinco.com
Replacement decals and data plates
On all the models of drill presses and motors, if you are unable to clean up your badges and want to replacement them. Garage Journal member MattBlast can reproduce almost anything. I have used him for model number data plates, motor data plates and I am very pleased with the results. Here is his link:
A beat up old sticker on a newly restored grinder makes it look bad. Many restorations require that the label be removed (and destroyed in the process) to repaint. When I restore a grinder I go all out - sandblast, paint, new bearings, replace cord, replace rubber feet, etc. I want my old...
www.garagejournal.com
100 Series Engine Turned Panel
For all 100 series drill presses with the engine turned insert panel on the headstock. If your panel is missing or too damaged and you want to place it. You can purchase some engine turned vinyl and apply it to the original or cut out a replacement out of aluminum and apply the vinyl to it. The vinyl is available in small circles and large circles. I am not sure which is a closer match to the original panel but you can do a search for Engine Turned Vinyl and compare it to you original panel. Here is a link to some small engine turned vinyl.
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Silver Small Engine Turn Sign Plotter Cutter Vinyl at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
Other things you may need:
Spanner Wrench
The best tool I have found to install and remove the safety collar on the Jacobs Chuck is this GEARWRENCH 3/4" to 2" Adjustable Pin Black Oxide Spanner Wrench 3/16" Pin - 81861, made by Gearwrench Apex Tools, It looks like this.
These are available from several suppliers such as this link from ZORO.
Order Gearwrench 3/4" to 2" Adjustable Pin Black Oxide Spanner Wrench 3/16" Pin, 81861 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.
www.zoro.com
Drive Screws
These things are known as Drive Screws, Panel Screws, and Screw Nails. I use drive screws to reattach data plates to all my drill presses. They come in variety of sizes and the holes in the data plates and in the cast-iron will determine your needs. These things are cheap, so I tend to order several sizes but the size I use most is #4 ¼” long. A pack of 100 from McMaster-Carr is $4.00.
Column Pipe
I use a 6’ tall piece of 4” PVC sewer pipe with a cemented cap on one end to soak the column inside. Both the pipe and cap can be purchased at any big box hardware store.
Consumables I use:
Simple Green
After disassembly, I place all metal parts that do not have graphics in a bath of Simple Green for 24 hours to degrease and remove paint. HD has a good deal on 2.5 Gal for $20.00. Note, I only soak aluminum parts for 2 hours then rinse off.
Citric Acid
I mix 1 shot glass per gallon of cold water for my Citric Acid solution to remove rust. I place all metal parts that do not have graphics into a citric acid bath (outdoors) for 24 hours. I buy 10 lbs bags of Milliard brand citric acid from Amazon for $40.00. Note, I do not soak aluminum parts in citric acid.
Mother’s Mag & Aluminum Polish
I use Mother’s Mag & Aluminum Polish to polish all bare metal surfaces (other then the table) to a high shine Chrome like finish. You can find it at any of the Auto parts stores for about $10.00
Meguiar’s Liquid Cleaner Wax
I use Meguiar’s Liquid Cleaner Wax to clean and polish all plastic parts (knobs, belt cover, etc.) as well as all data plates.
PB Blaster Penetrating Catalyst
I use PB Blaster to loosen rusted and stuck parts during disassembly. You can get a 18 oz can from Lowes for $ 7.00.
Mystik No.2 JT-6 High Temp Grease with Moly EP #2
I use this grease to grease and pack my Jacobs Chucks. You can get a 14 oz tube from Grainger for $7.00
Super Lube Synthetic Grease NLGI 2
I use Super Lube Grease to grease and lube all moving parts in my drill presses. You can get a 14 oz tub from Amazon for $11.00.
Protexall Super Slick Stuff Lubricant
I use Protexall to lubricate all my bolts, nuts, washer and bare metal that does not get grease on all my drill presses. You can get a 11 oz can from Amazon for $ 8.00
SC Johnson Paste Wax
I use Johnson Paste Wax to wax and protect polished drill press columns and tables. You can get a 1lbs tub from Home Depot for $7.00.
Prime and paint
For all of my drill presses I prime the bare metal with a metal etching or self-etching primer and then paint. I prefer a hammered finish paint on my drill presses; however, in the interest of helping you all out here is some paint reference information.
For the 100 and 150 series, I am aware to two OEM color options.
Battleship grey, the closest color to the OEM that is available in a spray paint is Ace Hardware’s machinery grey spray paint.
Here is a pic by Garage Journal member Hoorn showing some motor parts painted with the Ace Hardware Machinery Grey.
Power Bronze, the closest color to the OEM that is available in a spray paint is Rust-Oleum champagne mist metallic spray paint.
Here is a pic by Garage Journal member Hoorn showing a 100 series floor base repainted with the champagne mist. The part sitting on top of the base is from a 1957 12” disc sander in the original power bronze.
For Emerson Gen 2-5 machines, the closets off the shelf match I found was is Krylon Tough Coat Rust Preventative Spray Paint in Gloss Blue/ Gray for Metal, Steel, 12 oz A01625007. I was getting these cans from Grainger, but the supply chain issues and Covid have made this next to impossible to get. This spray paint is very abrasive and chemical resistant making it a perfect choice for a drill press and the color is next to dead on. When it was available, I paid about $9.00 a can from Grainger. In this pic you can see a side by side OEM Craftsman paint (yellow circle) and the Krylon Tough Coat (red circle). The Krylon is more glossy but very close.
However, for Emerson Gen 2-5 machines I now use the same etching primer, but I use a mixed PPG paint and apply it with an air compressor HVLP gun.
PPG has automotive paint supply stores in most cities, and I got my spray gun from Harbor freight. The paint is the PPG Commercial Performance ALK-200 and the pre formulated color is (3134-Case-Gray-920255). I chose a stain finish for the paint and there is no mixing of a hardener required. This paint is very close to the OEM color. I purchased a gallon for about $75.00 but if you are doing only one drill press then a quart will be more than enough. I used less than 1” of the gallon on a Gen 4 Commercial Drill Press. In this pic you can see the PPG paint freshly painted and an OEM Craftsman Drill Press light bracket side by side.
Here are a few specs for the PPG paint.
One part paint (no mixing)
Can be shot HVLP
Acrylic Modified Alkyd Enamel Interior/ Exterior
Fast Drying (Air-2-3 Hours) 7 days full cure
Moderate chemical resistance
Pencil hardness D3363
Comes in 5 different finishes
Cost effective
Accessories
For the King Seeley 100 and 150 series and the Emerson 150 Gen 1 machines one problem I have discovered is the limited speeds available with the 4-step pulley. This was an issue back in the 1950s as well and Craftsman had a solution. Actually, two mechanical solutions were sold as accessories.
The Craftsman Vari-Slo Speed Control allowed the user to adjust the speed of the drill press on the fly. These are hard to find and often sell for $300.00. The Vari-Slo gave the user speed ranges from 300-3750 RPMs.
The Craftsman Multi-Speed Attachment (MSA) was an elegant solution of introducing a third pulley into the belt system of the drill press. Actual Craftsman MSAs are also hard to find and also run for about $300.00. The MSA gave the user speed ranges from 200-15,000 RPMs. Garage Journal member JZiggy makes an outstanding reproduction that he sales here on the forum. I own 3 of his “Slow Speed Pulleys and I love the design. Here is a link to his thread:
Price shipped USPS: $200 via PayPal 1/6/26 -- Almost 5 years supplying the upgraded kits with consistent positive feedback from customers. Slight price adjustment reflecting increased cost of materials. 10/9/21 -- I am kicking off my new and upgraded design! There are a couple ready to go and...
www.garagejournal.com
these are but a few of the accessories available, there are a lot more accessories and attachments for these amazing machines.
Well, I hope someone finds this helpful.
Thanks for the interest.