Craftsman Drill Press

Cable_Hogue · May 20, 2015

I have that same wet wheel stone grinder Frank. Mine's pretty rusty. Might get to it eventually.
I did take some pics of my table crank mechanism taken apart. It came apart fairly easy, but I was very patient with it.
A lot of clean up on this one, but it came out very nice. The greese in it was so hard it wouldn't turn. Now it is working great. I still need to paint the housing and get it installed.

FrankLee · May 21, 2015

Cable_Hogue said:
I have that same wet wheel stone grinder Frank. Mine's pretty rusty. Might get to it eventually.
I did take some pics of my table crank mechanism taken apart. It came apart fairly easy, but I was very patient with it.
A lot of clean up on this one, but it came out very nice. The greese in it was so hard it wouldn't turn. Now it is working great. I still need to paint the housing and get it installed.

After 60+ years, that old grease petrifies into stone. You're fortunate that no teeth were broken off the lift gears.

Do you plan on replacing that bearing?

What are you using for lubrication during your reassemblies? I've been using Super Lube Grease and Super Lube Oil with good results.

5/16/2015:

My drought ended... I brought these two drill presses home today to preserve. Neither were suckage-worthy prices, but they weren't too bad either. Both tables are in pristine condition!

dp#14 is a 150, floor standing model 113.24511:

dp#15 is a 100, bench model 103.23131 with several nice features:

15137.13150

5/17/2015:

I started tearing down dp#14 today. It had the typical issues with the stuck column and the spindle pulley screw.
The column came free from the base with some heavy-duty persuasion with a BFH. The pulley screw with messed-up threads eventually backed out with some spray lube, firm pressure, and the correct size screwdriver.

15139.13300

Cable_Hogue · May 21, 2015

FrankLee said:
After 60+ years, that old grease petrifies into stone. You're fortunate that no teeth were broken off the lift gears.

Do you plan on replacing that bearing?

What are you using for lubrication during your reassemblies? I've been using Super Lube Grease and Super Lube Oil with good results.

I haven't replaced the bearing yet. You think I should? It seems ok so far, but it's probably pretty cheap and I do still have it apart.
I was thinking of the white lithium grease but I'll consider your suggestion. Auto parts store?

FrankLee · May 21, 2015

Cable_Hogue said:
I haven't replaced the bearing yet. You think I should? It seems ok so far, but it's probably pretty cheap and I do still have it apart.
I was thinking of the white lithium grease but I'll consider your suggestion. Auto parts store?

If the bearing is smooth after cleaning it should be ok. It doesn't need the tight tolerances like quill bearings would.

In the past, I bought Super Lube at Harbor Freight, but more recently on Amazon.

5-29-2015

I discovered another interesting part variant with dp#16.

As I stated above, I was able to date this drill press to pre-1952. This drill press, like all other 100 and 150 drill presses, has a column OD of 2-3/4". This drill press came with this Multi-Speed Attachment, and unlike later models, the machined ID for the Multi-Speed pulley is smaller; closer to 2-3/8".

This pulley from dp#16 did not have or need the round-wire snap rings. I'll need to find/make the wire rings for the later, more common, 2-1/2" ID columns. The round-wire snap rings are .072" .

After mulling it over for a couple days, I came up with a solution to make a couple round-wire snap rings. I tested using bendable wire and finally was able to fabricate a couple rings using two 14 gauge (2mm), straight gauge bicycle spokes. Heated with a torch until glowing, then quickly wound around a 2" pipe. Then, cut and tweaked. They work great! Bicycle spokes have very good spring tension and retain their shape very well.

So, now this pulley will fit three different column IDs:

with the round-wire snap rings and with the outer sleeve, it fits columns with ~2-1/2" ID; later Craftsman 100s and 150s.
without the rings and with the outer sleeve, it will fit a column with ~2-3/8" ID; early Craftsman 100s.
without the rings and without the outer sleeve, it will fit a column with ~2" ID; smaller Craftsman 80 drill presses.

Cable_Hogue · May 25, 2015

I got number 5 today Frank.

I've been on the lookout for a bench top model, and Craigslist was good to me today.

It's in pretty good shape with the old craftsman bullet style motor, and a Vari-Slo in what looks to be pristine although dusty condition.

I was also lucky enough to get a craftsman cross slide vise, and the little craftsman drill press vise, both in very good shape. These are all going on my workbench when I get them restored. :bounce:

Cable_Hogue · May 25, 2015

FrankLee said:
5-21-2015

The Float-Lock vise cleaned and preserved.

That is a very cool piece!

FrankLee · May 25, 2015

Cable_Hogue said:
I got number 5 today Frank.
I've been on the lookout for a bench top model, and Craigslist was good to me today.

It's in pretty good shape with the old craftsman bullet style motor, and a Vari-Slo in what looks to be pristine although dusty condition.

I was also lucky enough to get a craftsman cross slide vise, and the little craftsman drill press vise, both in very good shape. These are all going on my workbench when I get them restored.

Nice finds... very nice!

Cable_Hogue said:
That is a very cool piece!

Yeah, thanks. It's got a few battle scars, but lots of life left and very smooth once cleaned.

Cable_Hogue said:
I don't know if you have it bolted down yet Frank, but if you have a mind to, I'll trade you my little craftsman vise for your craftsman light.

Sorry, that work light is long gone.

5-31-2015

This morning, I disassembled the head frame from dp#16, an early Craftsman 100, model 103.23140.

It was obvious that I was not the first to do so. Lock washers were added to the spindle pulley retaining screws, O-rings replaced the original rubber washers, and a shim was installed on the spindle pulley shaft between the bearings.

nine4gmc · May 25, 2015

Both you guys ****!! Congrats on the great scores, love it all!

Cable_Hogue · May 25, 2015

I don't know if you have it bolted down yet Frank, but if you have a mind to, I'll trade you my little craftsman vise for your craftsman light.

FrankLee · May 25, 2015

The Quill Snap Ring
In my Craftsman Drill Press Evolution post, I mentioned that at some point, a groove was added to the lower quill to allow for a snap ring.

I believe that snap ring may have been designed for use with the mortising attachment or other quill attachments when removing the original feed stop bracket. It also serves another very important purpose. Here's how...

Prior to the snap ring, the quill gasket along with the feed stop bracket clamped to the quill act as a bumper when raising the quill.

The picture below on the left is how I found the feed stop bracket on dp#16. Over time, after many cycles of lowering and raising the chuck, the feed stop bracket slid down the quill.

The picture on the right is after I fully re-seated the feed stop bracket on the quill. The difference is about 3/8".

Below are a couple pictures of the top of the quill when fully raised. With the feed stop bracket out of place, the picture on the left shows how the quill raises higher into the head frame allowing the spindle collar to make contact with the bottom of the spindle pulley shaft. The picture on the right shows the proper position of the quill when the feed stop bracket is fully seated on the quill.

When the spindle collar makes contact with the spindle pulley, the outer race of the lower bearing bumps up against the retaining screws. That's when the screw becomes bent and damaged. Sometimes, it's nearly impossible to remove them.

The quill gasket installed above the snap ring provides an absolute stop for the quill and prevents damage to the retaining screws.

6-28-2018
Reseating the Feed Stop Bracket

Quote:
Originally Posted by KJ2018
Have the subject drill press that I began work on. Mainly clean up so far. Has a light grinding noise while running.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/...1&d=1526045222

Quote:
Originally Posted by FrankLee
The grinding noise could be the feed stop bracket rubbing on the threaded spindle thrust collar. Verify that the feed stop bracket is fully seated onto the quill. I can see a gap where the quill bumper should be contacting the head frame casting.

Quote:
Originally Posted by KJ2018
Let me ask you about that gap. What do I need to do to correct that? ...

Quote:
Originally Posted by FrankLee

lower and lock the quill
loosen the nut at the bottom of the feed stop rod
loosen the nut/bolt on the feed stop bracket
push up the bracket onto the quill until fully seated
re-tighten nuts and bolt
unlock quill

In the past, I have used a low strength thread locker/bearing mount compound on the quill/feed stop bracket on machines without the snap ring.

The base and column from dp#16 cleaned up nicely. On later models, that T-slot plateau is painted.

6-6-2015

I discovered that dp#15, a 100 model 103.23131, has the same bracket/quill/spindle/pulley/screw issue as dp#16:

This morning, I enlarged and tapped the left-rear hole on this Craftsman DP table for the anchor bolt for the Float-Lock vise. That thing is nice!

15157.14380
15159.14444

6-13-2015

More progress on dp#16.... most of it is cleaned-up and it's going back together.

I discovered another interesting thing on this spindle pulley. There is a small hole drilled from the first step through to the underside near the shaft. I can't determine whether this was from the factory or a previous owner. I'm not sure, but I believe it's there to help remove or possibly lube the top bearing.

This pulley also has some scoring on the shaft from the lower bearing. A previous owner used some kind of adhesive to secure the inner race. I needed a puller to remove the lower bearing. The upper bearing and spacer slid right off.

15166.14660

6-20-2015

dp#16 is complete and very nice!.

The DIY Hubby · Jul 3, 2015

Just love these vintage <a href="http://www.thediyhubby.com/drill-press-reviews/">drill</a> presses. They never seem to come my way! You guys are very lucky... or maybe I just need to get out more. :sad:

nine4gmc · Jul 3, 2015

You rocked it as always!

nine4gmc · Jul 3, 2015

Don't feel bad hubby, I've only ran across two in person in my life. The first hurt my heart, I got to a garage sale a few minutes late and a guy was wrestling a floor model out of the shed alone, I helped him load it in his truck and watched it drive away. The other was a bench model at an auction and I had to dig deep to get it but its mine now and not going anywhere!

FrankLee · Jul 11, 2015

7-13-2015

I sold dp#16 this evening. That was probably the oldest one I've had, pre-1952, and also one of the nicest.

8/3/2015

I wasn't using it, so I sold the power hacksaw today.

nine4gmc · Jul 11, 2015

You are killing it!!! The pin spanner has to be the best route, along with lots of Kroil and elbow grease but if you find a better way, be sure to post!!

Dorsey · Aug 6, 2015

FrankLee said:
2/11/2015:
Here are a few feature and part changes that occurred throughout the 100 and 150 eras.

Here are the parts that I have discovered, so far, that are not:
- The return feed spring changed on the late 150s. Earlier springs will not swap to the late 150s.
- The spring tension knob eliminated on the late 150s
- The pinion shaft on the late 150s will not work on the 100 or early 150's. However, the 100 and early 150 pinion shaft WILL work on the late 150s.
- Some feed handle rods. The hub with feed handles can be swapped as an assembly.
- The head-frame trim and badge

I bought this CM 150 a few months ago and am getting ready to start restoration. It is a 103. and is complete and working except I think that the Feed Return Adjustment Knob has been replaced with a bolt. In reading this thread, I see the quoted mention that the knob may have been eliminated on the late 150s. What do you guys think? Is it correct as is, or should I start looking for a replacement part. FrankLee - awesome thread and work. I got the manual for my CM block grinder and tool sharpening attachment you pointed me to in another thread. Thanks.

FrankLee · Aug 6, 2015

Dorsey said:
I bought this CM 150 a few months ago and am getting ready to start restoration. It is a 103. and is complete and working except I think that the Feed Return Adjustment Knob has been replaced with a bolt. In reading this thread, I see the quoted mention that the knob may have been eliminated on the late 150s. What do you guys think? Is it correct as is, or should I start looking for a replacement part. FrankLee - awesome thread and work. I got the manual for my CM block grinder and tool sharpening attachment you pointed me to in another thread. Thanks.

You are correct... your adjustment knob and the locking thumbscrew are not original. The factory parts are visible in the picture below... parts #9 and #17 in the exploded diagram.
If it works well as is, there's no need to change it. If you're looking for an original knob, they will occasionally show up for sale on ebay.

My entry dated 3/15/2015 in post #100 shows the integrated spring attachment that replaced the tension knob.

zeet · Aug 7, 2015

Great thread full of useful information, FrankLee! You just answered a question that's been bugging me about those lower quill-bearing retention screws... Thanks!

But the CL finds that are listed in this thread are what really get me! Bench-top with a Vari-Slo? Table lift? Floating Vise? Multi-Speed? I watch CL like a hawk but I have yet to see any of those cool accessories surface here in Southern California.

Warped5 · Aug 7, 2015

Hey Zeet! Here ya go:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161786837270?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

FrankLee · Aug 7, 2015

Dunlap Motor, dp#15

8/7/2015:

zeet said:
Great thread full of useful information, FrankLee! You just answered a question that's been bugging me about those lower quill-bearing retention screws... Thanks!

I'm glad the info here is helpful.

zeet said:
But the CL finds that are listed in this thread are what really get me! Bench-top with a Vari-Slo? Table lift? Floating Vise? Multi-Speed? I watch CL like a hawk but I have yet to see any of those cool accessories surface here in Southern California

Most of my machine finds were via craigslist with some from estate sales or yard sales. I did have some luck with a "wanted ad" for a drill press in the tools-for-sale section of craigslist. However, most of the responses I got for those were guys thinking their DPs were made of gold.

Here's a decent DP at a good price about an hour south of me. No extra features, but a solid machine. If it were closer, I'd own it already.
http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/5144753681.html

8/8/2015:

I haven't had much time lately to get dp#15 back together, but I did get it's Dunlap motor apart and started cleaning it. It is a very decent motor. It needs a new cord, but the internal wiring is in very good shape. I am doing a full refurb with new paint, bearings and cord. I've had plenty of motors apart, but this will be the first full motor refurb for me.

This must have been a food hiding place for some critter. I found several sunflower seed husks and a kernel of corn inside the motor housing.

8/10/2015:

New motor bearings are ordered... Accurate Bearing part number 87502. While I was at it, I also ordered a new thrust bearing for my table lift.

For the motor paint, I think I'm going with the same color combination as my grinder; flat black for the end caps and base with charcoal metallic for the center band.

8/13/2015:

The new motor bearings arrived today, the motor end caps are painted, and the smaller motor parts are cleaned.

8/16/2015:

Finally some progress today.

I bought dp#15 as a bench model. I'll be assembling it as a floor model 100/150 hybrid with a Multi-Speed Attachment, and the next-generation table with Float-Lock vise seen above in post #130.

I first needed to swap my grinder stand; a floor model DP base, column and table (from dp#5 IIRC), with a bench model (from dp#12).

New grinder stand:

Then, I had to clean and paint the base and clean the column.

The column was nasty, but cleaned-up nicely.

It's coming together.

8/17/2015:

This evening I completed phase one of the motor refurb; installation of the freshly painted end-caps and new bearings. It runs great! Phase two will be removing the base and band and painting them, then replacing the cord. Doing this in two phases greatly reduces the jostling of the original wiring.

8/19/2015:

This motor is not equipped with a capacitor. That simplifies things a lot! The base and band have been removed and painted. I need to find or make new low-profile rivets for the label plate.
The switch is in great shape! I've never seen a switch with removable components before. I removed the top end/toggle lever of the switch, shot the innards with some QD, lubed and reassembled. It should last another 61 years.

8/20/2015:

The motor carcass is painted and back together. I'm not completely thrilled with what I had to do for the badge rivets, but it works. Wiring is next.

8/22/2015:

The motor is complete and ready for installation.

More progress on dp#15...

zeet · Aug 8, 2015

Warped5 said:
Hey Zeet! Here ya go:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161786837270?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Hey Warped, thanks for the "heads-up"! A bit out of my price range at the moment and since I'm currently working on a Lo-speed for a pretty nice version of the same press I'll just have to admire that Vari-Slo from afar.

Ironic that the day of my statement about scarcity that press would show up on Ebay practically on my doorstep, though!

zeet · Aug 16, 2015

Well shoot!... I didn't think this would happen so soon...Especially after my post about finding these Craftsman gems with the accessories to be so scarce; But this morning, while having my coffee and scouting CL for unicorns and grails I discovered an ad for an "old, heavy, cast iron drill press" for $95.

I responded as soon as I stopped choking on my coffee and started the hour-long drive before I even heard back... Figured I better be close at hand if I got a call-back! :^)

It turned out to be a benchtop Craftsman 150 with Vari-Slo AND table lift! The selector arm for the Vari-Slo is broken - Someone probably tried to move it without the motor running - But that should be a quick fix!

:^)

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FrankLee · Aug 16, 2015

zeet said:
Well shoot!... I didn't think this would happen so soon...Especially after my post about finding these Craftsman gems with the accessories to be so scarce; But this morning, while having my coffee and scouting CL for unicorns and grails I discovered an ad for an "old, heavy, cast iron drill press" for $95.

I responded as soon as I stopped choking on my coffee and started the hour-long drive before I even heard back... Figured I better be close at hand if I got a call-back! :^)

It turned out to be a benchtop Craftsman 150 with Vari-Slo AND table lift! The selector arm for the Vari-Slo is broken - Someone probably tried to move it without the motor running - But that should be a quick fix!

:^)

WOW!!! That's a nice score! Very nice table too.

I don't see a thrust bearing on that gear box. Please take some pix when you open it up.

Outlawmws · Aug 16, 2015

And zeet ***** big time! :3gears:

nine4gmc · Aug 16, 2015

Outlawmws said:
And zeet ***** big time!

x2!!

Warped5 · Aug 16, 2015

ZEET! Ya did good!

Congrats!

zeet · Aug 17, 2015

Thanks, guys!

Will do, Twertsy. I've got another project to clear from the bench before I dig into this one, that way I can stay on it until it's finished and put it to work!

The DIY Hubby · Aug 17, 2015

Great find Zeet. I would love to restore one of those! Please post pics of your progress when you start the project.

zeet · Aug 22, 2015

I got started on that bench top 150 yesterday... I decided to start with the post.
The lathe isn't lang enough so I decided to use a drill press instead;

First an adapter for the base from an aluminum plug. Center drilled on one side and turned to the I.D. of the post on the other... There's a slight taper to help with centering;

Then a live center for it to rest on. A chunk of 4 x 4, drilled for the small end of the MT-3 taper and then followed part way with a drill for the wide end then screwed to a bit of plywood for a better footprint;

Next was the drive... This seemed like a good solution (It does help to have an extra chuck lying around to act as a vise ;^)

The shank is a 3/8 carriage bolt. One of the nuts has a piece of strap drilled for drive-screws tacked on to it... The other's just a locknut.

So here are the components of my new "Bench-Top-Drill-Press-Post-Cleaning-Kit";

Loaded in the press;

After a minute or two with 80 grit;

And after a couple passes with 220 grit

Hope you guys find this entertaining!

zeet · Aug 22, 2015

FrankLee said:
WOW!!! That's a nice score! Very nice table too.

I don't see a thrust bearing on that gear box. Please take some pix when you open it up.

8/21/2015:

Table Lift,
aka, Head and Table Adjusting Mechanism for Drill Presses and the Like

So, I looked up the patent for the table lift 2260635; actually the formal name is Head and Table Adjusting Mechanism for Drill Presses and the Like. The file date is March 26, 1941.

In the patent drawing, the thrust bearing (part #30 in fig 2) is shown installed on the inside of the gear housing and is designed to support the weight of the head frame, if that is to be adjusted. On drill presses equipped with Multi-Speed or Vari-Slo Attachments, the head frame must remain stationary.

My lift is installed such that it will only adjust table height. That is why I have the thrust bearing installed on the outside of the gear housing; so it can support the table weight. Otherwise, it would serve no purpose.

Right you are, FrankLee... The thrust bearing was indeed inside the housing... One nice thing... It was a nice bearing... I mean literally. The bearing manufacturer was "Nice" :^)

Here are a few photos during the mid-stage of cleanup... Just after chipping off the fossilized grease.

BTW, I decided against repainting the lift. A little cleaning brought the paint back to a very cool Navy-like gray that matches my floor press. (guess where the lift lives now!)

Warped5 · Aug 22, 2015

Zeet, need finer grit IMHO.

Get it SHINY ... then apply some Johnson's paste wax ....

FrankLee · Aug 23, 2015

8/23/2015:

zeet said:
FrankLee said:

WOW!!! That's a nice score! Very nice table too.

I don't see a thrust bearing on that gear box. Please take some pix when you open it up.

Click to expand...

Right you are, FrankLee... The thrust bearing was indeed inside the housing... One nice thing... It was a nice bearing... I mean literally. The bearing manufacturer was "Nice" :^)

Here are a few photos during the mid-stage of cleanup... Just after chipping off the fossilized grease.

BTW, I decided against repainting the lift. A little cleaning brought the paint back to a very cool Navy-like gray that matches my floor press. (guess where the lift lives now!)

That lift looks to be in great condition! Good call on not repainting. I will seldom repaint anything unless absolutely necessary.

I just got a new thrust bearing last week, I need to check out the original again tho, the new bearing is from PRC.

Warped5 said:
Get it SHINY ... then apply some Johnson's paste wax ....

Yes, Johnson Paste Wax on all bare metal surfaces is a good suggestion.

zeet · Aug 23, 2015

FrankLee said:
Yes, Johnson Paste Wax on all bare metal surfaces is a good suggestion.

Thanks for the Johnson Paste Wax tip, I was wondering about that....On it! :^)

JZiggy · Sep 1, 2015

FrankLee, I am really curious to see if you know anything about the Craftsman 150 press I picked up tonight. The head frame is pretty normal though it had a 3/4hp motor (pics later). But get this -- the column is 8' tall, and has a curious lift on it:

FrankLee · Sep 1, 2015

Pressmate Drill Press Table Elevator

9/1/2015:

JZiggy said:
FrankLee, I am really curious to see if you know anything about the Craftsman 150 press I picked up tonight. The head frame is pretty normal though it had a 3/4hp motor (pics later). But get this -- the column is 8' tall, and has a curious lift on it:

Eight feet!? That's a new one for me! It makes your other 100 look like a bench model. What is the column wall thickness?

The way that lift clamps/bolts to the table make me think it was a universal fit. Any markings on the lift?

Very interesting find!

nine4gmc · Sep 1, 2015

8'

I'm with Frank, I think that may be a universal table lift but it's cool.

JZiggy · Sep 1, 2015

I honestly did not believe the guy when he listed it as 8 feet in the ad. It barely fit in the car.

It's a 2.75" OD, just like my 100 in the background.

What do you think the utility of such a tall column would be?

I agree that it looks like a universal lift... the table had a hole drilled in it to accommodate it. No markings are obvious but I'll have it apart later and will keep looking.

JZiggy · Sep 1, 2015

Post #15, here's one like mine. He indicates it is a Craftsman brand?

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/drill-table-lift-137485/#post643517

JZiggy · Sep 1, 2015

Interesting development... the table actually has a boss for this handle.

(Sorry for cluttering your thread, FrankLee)

FrankLee · Sep 1, 2015

JZiggy said:
Interesting development... the table actually has a boss for this handle.

I believe that hole is intended for key storage, but it worked very well for the lift. Possibly the lift was designed to use that hole.
I searched a few Craftsman catalogs.. '68-'72, and did not see the lift.

JZiggy said:
(Sorry for cluttering your thread, FrankLee)

No problem... always learning something new.

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