How to value/sell a 'vintage' Delta Drill Press?

Kevin509 · Dec 12, 2014

Hey Fellow Garage Journalists!

I've got a bit of a predicament in that I have a Drill Press in my garage that I don't use but I also don't have the first idea about how to accurately assign a value to it and try to sell it. I was hoping you guys could help me understand what I have so i don't end up getting taken advantage of by somebody who knows more than I do.

It's made by The Delta Manufacturing Co in Wisconsin, But I couldn't locate a serial number (maybe someone knows where to look for that?) so I don't know the exact model name. Everything on it works perfect and the only flaw I know of with it is that the cover on top that covers the belt is just sitting on top, I seem to be missing the hardware that actually bolts the cover in place. Other than that the only thing to note is I believe the light on the side is something my Dad added to it but it works great.

Anyway, here's some photos:

I'd appreciate your thoughts!

exmaxima1 · Dec 12, 2014

Kevin509 said:
Hey Fellow Garage Journalists!

I've got a bit of a predicament in that I have a Drill Press in my garage that I don't use but I also don't have the first idea about how to accurately assign a value to it and try to sell it. I was hoping you guys could help me understand what I have so i don't end up getting taken advantage of by somebody who knows more than I do.

That looks like a 40's DP-600 drill press with production table. There should be casting marks near the top with numbers to that effect. Those are excellent drill presses and last forever.

As far as value, I paid $100 for mine, and it has the slow speed pulleys, but it is 3-phase. Assuming you have a single phase motor, and considering the condition and production table, I would think that $175-250 is plausible.

Now tell us more about the Belt Sander sitting next to it!

Askme42 · Dec 12, 2014

worthless. I can come take it off your hands if you want. :lol_hitti

BMcC · Dec 12, 2014

I think value is a regional thing, but that is a late 40's 17" drill press with the production table. And you have the lamp...

Check the left side of the head for a plate that might have been painted over with that orange. The serial number will help you figure out what year.

- edit - Exmaxima1 is faster than my slow typing...

Karl_B · Dec 12, 2014

Around here, I would be tickled to pick that up for $75-100, but go up to $150-200 without too much convincing. Shipping would kill the deal for me or I might try to make an offer a little higher, even.

Kevin509 · Dec 12, 2014

Thanks for the quick input guys! Somehow I was thinking it was worth quite a bit more than the $100-$200 range but I'm glad I know now! I'll probably hang on to it for sentimental reasons at that price range. Who know's maybe I'll need it one day.

zkling · Dec 12, 2014

Pretty nice machine, interesting paint job. As mentioned it is a 17" delta, high speed, JT33 spindle with production table. The production table will actually work against you in selling as to the average user it will be a hindrance (hard to clamp to).

I have a early 40's 17" machine with the standard table and it is a good machine for the home shop. I also have a 15" with production table and it is setup as a special tapping machine or jig drilling. I'd hang onto it unless you really need the space. The light is nice, but nothing special and not OEM. Sadly someone put a few holes in the table.

Davefr · Dec 12, 2014

Kevin509 said:
Thanks for the quick input guys! Somehow I was thinking it was worth quite a bit more than the $100-$200 range but I'm glad I know now! I'll probably hang on to it for sentimental reasons at that price range. Who know's maybe I'll need it one day.

You're being low balled IMHO. A 17" machinist DP with factory table lift and a wide speed range is worth way more then the ordinary old 15" woodworking DP's on the market.

As long as it's not damaged and runs good I'd say you're in the $300-400 range but price is regional. Is the table perpendicular to the column? The first image makes is looked crooked.

1982fxr · Dec 12, 2014

if I'm buying I'd go up to $250 real fast, if i didn't already have a couple old ones I'd top out at $350ish.

selling---$350-400 minimum but understand it could take 6 months and lots of craigslist ******** the higher the price goes.

as said, prices are regional. and depend on in person condition

Kevin509 · Dec 12, 2014

Davefr said:
You're being low balled IMHO. A 17" machinist DP with factory table lift and a wide speed range is worth way more then the ordinary old 15" woodworking DP's on the market.

As long as it's not damaged and runs good I'd say you're in the $300-400 range but price is regional. Is the table perpendicular to the column? The first image makes is looked crooked.

Appreciate the input! The table is adjustable as far as its orientation to the column.

rsanter · Dec 12, 2014

To me that looks like $150
If you ask $200 it may take a while to sell
If you ask $100 it will sell quick and you will be giving someone a total bargain

Start by listing it our classifieds, then go Craig's list

Bob

redmondjp · Dec 12, 2014

The added holes drilled into the table are commonly referred to as "The Arc of Shame"

I've been watching the Seattle-area CL for drill presses for several years now, and genuine US-made quality machines like this one don't show up for sale that often any longer (and when they do, they are often at insane asking prices for incomplete machines).

I'd price it at $350-400 and take no less than $300 (compare that $300 to what it costs to buy a "quality" drill press today). Ebay is another possibility, with the "local pickup option"/no shipping selected. You've got a nice machine - I've not seen very many that have that many speed options and the crank table height adjuster, along with a worklight (original or not, it is very nice to have).

RatchetMan · Dec 12, 2014

I agree with others who say that's about $150-200. And that's only if you find someone who appreciates the old stuff. I find drill presses super handy but people just don't seem to appreciate them. I think it must be the size and the amount of space they take up.

Davefr · Dec 12, 2014

rsanter said:
To me that looks like $150

Bob

Wow!! To the guys throwing out these low ball numbers, I'd love to see examples from your local CL of similar 17" metalworking drill presses (w/table tilt AND table elevation AND a wide speed range).

Whitworth · Dec 12, 2014

I've never seen a Delta 17 inch or equivilent advertised for $100 - $150 unless it's a parts machine. Maybe I'm just not lucky or maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.

The only thing bad about that machine (other than the paint job) is it's heavy and will only appeal to a limited number of buyers, so it might not be a quick sale. I'd list at $450 and negotiate as low as $350

Gary

Packard V8 · Dec 12, 2014

I'd give $250 all day long and if it didn't have any runout, maybe $350.

jack vines

1982fxr · Dec 13, 2014

you guys are on crack with this $100-150 ****

redmondjp · Dec 13, 2014

1982fxr said:
you guys are on crack with this $100-150 ****

And unfortunately, this is exactly what you get with most potential buyers on CrazyList. You've got to hold out for that one buyer who actually understands the value that they are getting, and that can take some time (and an amazing amount of patience - you can only read so many "wil u tak 50" email replies before your head explodes).

RivennHewn · Dec 13, 2014

I'd pay $300 for that, then another $20 for some paint.

Karl_B · Dec 13, 2014

The range in pricing just reflects the different types of buyers out there. The guys who are looking for a quality drill press that vintage and size will pay the most. I'm not actively looking for one and I could do everything I need with a bench top model. You have a range of prices from a range of buyers. Decide if any of those dollar values are enough for you to part with it, and then market accordingly.

My real advice would be if aren't using it, start using it and keep it.

whyNick? · Dec 13, 2014

OP, if I were you I'd build up my post count and then list that thing in the GJ classifieds, that's where you'll get the best price...

exmaxima1 · Dec 13, 2014

1982fxr said:
you guys are on crack with this $100-150 ****

Not really. I bought my early 40's DP-600 from a retiring tool & die maker. He bought it in 1954 and wanted $75 for it---I gave him $100 and thanked him.

At home I have a USA-made Wilton 15" press with variable speed drive. The seller had got it as a return from Grainger, but the motor was mounted wrong. As a result, there was only one speed and it slipped. The guy wanted $40 for it---no negotiations, and he helped me load it into my van.

Like one of the other posters remarked, few people value older, quality machines.

Davefr · Dec 13, 2014

exmaxima1 said:
Not really. I bought my early 40's DP-600 from a retiring tool & die maker. He bought it in 1954 and wanted $75 for it---I gave him $100 and thanked him.

At home I have a USA-made Wilton 15" press with variable speed drive. The seller had got it as a return from Grainger, but the motor was mounted wrong. As a result, there was only one speed and it slipped. The guy wanted $40 for it---no negotiations, and he helped me load it into my van.

Like one of the other posters remarked, few people value older, quality machines.

Yes, we've all stumbled onto once in a lifetime/"you ****" deals.

However that's not reflective of market price. I would never advocate one of our GJ members price this item that far below market value.

Jim C. · Dec 13, 2014

From the pictures, it looks like you have a pretty good drill press. The Delta 17" is a well regarded machine and was built to last. I don't see the serial number tag in the photos you provided so it's impossible to determine the exact year that it was manufactured. It looks like it may have been manufactured in the early to mid 1950s. The hardware for the pulley cover is frequently missing. That stuff can be found online with a little persistence and some cash. The big production table is also a desirable feature. Yours has a few extra holes in it but it's not too bad. Your drill press also has the stub spindle assembly which is a little more rare than the standard spindle that came with most machines. Finally, it looks like your drill press has the slow speed pulleys. That's great for those who plan to use the machine for drilling into metal. It doesn't hurt that a lot of the original hardware is still present too, as is the complete pilot wheel. The custom red paint job doesn't really help in terms of value, but that can be fixed if someone is willing to do a complete restoration.

About two years ago, I bought a really clean, complete 1951 Delta 17" that included everything yours has (production table, pilot wheel, stub spindle, original hardware, original motor, etc.) and gladly paid $400 for it. In terms of value, I'd say that your drill press is definitely worth more than a couple hundred dollars. Selling it for any less than $325 - $350 would be giving the buyer a really good price. Just my opinion.

Jim C.

logikal · Dec 13, 2014

An old friend of mine bought one over the summer, very similar but much dirtier. The table was perfect though. He spent 290 after some haggling so I don't see why you cannot obtain 350 or more. Don't listen to these low ballers.

exmaxima1 · Dec 13, 2014

logikal said:
An old friend of mine bought one over the summer, very similar but much dirtier. The table was perfect though. He spent 290 after some haggling so I don't see why you cannot obtain 350 or more. Don't listen to these low ballers.

It really does depend on location. In the Midwest, prices are lower than the coasts (and reflected in our incomes). Like others have said, throw a price on CL and see what bites...

383 240z · Dec 13, 2014

I paid $300 for one in not as nice condition as yours last year. Id do it again. Mine did not have the light, or a production table. It did have a very damaged regular table, the low speed pulleys was set up for 110V and worked. It also had some of the foot feed parts.

Here is a link to the pic's http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/h377/383240z/shop build/ceilingwithpaint_zps2cdcdfec.jpg

If you were on the right side of the country, I'd give you $300 for it. I could use another one!!! Keith

1982fxr · Dec 13, 2014

Davefr said:
Yes, we've all stumbled onto once in a lifetime/"you ****" deals.

However that's not reflective of market price. I would never advocate one of our GJ members price this item that far below market value.

thank you

Packard V8 · Dec 13, 2014

exmaxima1 said:
It really does depend on location. In the Midwest, prices are lower than the coasts (and reflected in our incomes). Like others have said, throw a price on CL and see what bites...

In forty years of watching the used DP market here in the machine tool desert that is Spokane, I've never, ever seen a DP600 with the production table for sale at any reasonable price.

Having said that, the used US machine market here is actually dropping in price. I've bought two Craftsman and two Delta 14" for less than $100. That's less in today's inflated dollars than the same DPs would have brought twenty years ago. Seems young, theoretically strong guys won't buy a DP without a table crank lift.

jack vines

Jim C. · Dec 13, 2014

Packard V8 said:
In forty years of watching the used DP market here in the machine tool desert that is Spokane, I've never, ever seen a DP600 with the production table for sale at any reasonable price.

Having said that, the used US machine market here is actually dropping in price. I've bought two Craftsman and two Delta 14" for less than $100. That's less in today's inflated dollars than the same DPs would have brought twenty years ago. Seems young, theoretically strong guys won't buy a DP without a table crank lift.

jack vines

The drill press I described above came from Washington State and I thought I got it for a fair price.

Jim C.

Packard V8 · Dec 14, 2014

Agree, $400 for your DP600 is a fair price. In forty years of watching pretty closely, I've never been fortunate enough to see one here of that quality for that price.

As Jim well knows, there are two Washington States. The wet west side has the population and the industrial base and thus more tools and machinery circulating. The cold east side has neither. It's pretty slim pickin's over here.

jack vines

Hornman · Dec 14, 2014

In the DFW area that drill press would sell for $400-500 on Craigslist. The quality older dp's are trendy right now.

Jim C. · Dec 14, 2014

Packard V8 said:
Agree, $400 for your DP600 is a fair price. In forty years of watching pretty closely, I've never been fortunate enough to see one here of that quality for that price.

As Jim well knows, there are two Washington States. The wet west side has the population and the industrial base and thus more tools and machinery circulating. The cold east side has neither. It's pretty slim pickin's over here.

jack vines

Hi Jack. I actually did not know there were two Washington states in terms of old machinery availability. The story on my drill press is that it started it's life in a machine shop at a hydroelectric dam near Bellingham. It still has the dam's brass inventory tag on its head casting. At some point it was sold as surplus to a custom knife maker. The knife maker eventually sold it to a woodworker who kept it for a few more years. He got word that I was looking for a nice Delta 17" drill press and offered it to me. I jumped at the chance to buy it. The problem was that it was in Washington and I was in Illinois. A friend of mine in northern California knew the seller and agreed to pick up the drill press for me and store it in his shop. About six months later, my friend was traveling to Illinois, and was kind enough to haul it to my shop in an open trailer. Thankfully it never rained during the trip. It had been a "quest machine" and on my wish list for a few years. Needless to say, I was VERY happy to get it. It's definitely a keeper.

Jim C.

DWK23 · Mar 5, 2015

I have the exact same model. As clean or maybe cleaner with the production table, no holes or smiley face. Runout was minimal. I paid $395 and I have not regreted it for one second. That drill press will run for another 100 years. Don't get low balled, someone who knows a quality drill press will pay 350-400 for it. I actually posted a thread about mine on this website. It had some spindle wobble, but it was just a quick fix and know I can drill anything and everything I want. Check Delta Rockwell drill press spindle wobble in old threads, I was told by other users I paid a fair price.

Carla · Mar 5, 2015

Davefr said:
You're being low balled IMHO. A 17" machinist DP with factory table lift and a wide speed range is worth way more then the ordinary old 15" woodworking DP's on the market.

As long as it's not damaged and runs good I'd say you're in the $300-400 range but price is regional. Is the table perpendicular to the column? The first image makes is looked crooked.

Concur.......there are plenty of folks here who would quite happily buy that drill press at $150-$200...........but, if they were advertising to sell one like that, would happily tell you why they 'know' its 'got to be worth $500, at least, in that condition and with those features'.

Its a 'human nature' thing......many of us have 'gotten lucky' in purchasing widgets from folks who, for whatever reason, didn't care what the widget might or might not be 'worth', but simply wanted.....or needed....it removed.

(the stereotype is the 'old tools in the basement' at an estate sale, when the heirs of the deceased have sold the house, and 'need that old stuff taken away')

cheers

Carla

exmaxima1 · Mar 5, 2015

Carla said:
Concur.......there are plenty of folks here who would quite happily buy that drill press at $150-$200...........but, if they were advertising to sell one like that, would happily tell you why they 'know' its 'got to be worth $500, at least, in that condition and with those features'.

Old Deltas sell pretty often for good prices near Chicago:

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/4899339601.html

454ragtop · Mar 5, 2015

First, please note it is missing the pan under the pulleys that the belt guard is supposed to rest on, maybe Kevin has it around somewhere? Also missing the hold down knob, and possibly the rest of the hardware for the guard. Prices vary by region and availability, here in the NE that is $250 at the most in that condition, I have 3 of these now, have sold a couple others. They are great drill presses, though I prefer a Morse taper spindle myself, so to me it loses a little with the missing parts and the stub spindle, and probably gains a little being single phase. Of course a 3 PH just begs for a VFD and variable speed, so the single phase-3 phase can go either way. One of mine is a pristine late 60's example, original paint, 1 miniscule divot in the table, about 1/8", foot switch, OEM Rockwell 3 PH motor and magnetic control. Found it on Ebay at a machinery dealer in NJ, $250. buy it now. Was on there for months, couldn't believe no one bought it. Finally said the heck with it, and drove down and picked it up. Have bought these as cheap as $60, to as much as $250. for the one above, and another clean variable speed model.
Jim

cdrewferd · Mar 6, 2015

If you were anywhere in Colorado, I'd give you about $200-$250 for that drill press. I've been looking for a long time and keep missing out on them. Wish you were closer.

jholder · Mar 6, 2015

Just to throw in another viewpoint. I tend to see two types of sellers/sales. I would classify it as the CL sellers who put a high dollar value on these (usually the $250+ range), who probably have a good sense for it's true value (but not imho, it's market value due the second type of seller). Then there are the CL/estate sales/garage sale sellers, who are happy to move them for anything over $100. At least currently, vintage tools are still looked at as simply "old tools" by the vast majority of sellers. The second type of sellers aren't on GF, and probably will never use the tools themselves, and merely see them as something they can make a few bucks on. This has the affect of dropping the market value into the 100-150 range several people have talked about.
Having watched for a while down here, most of the DPs I've seen come through start in the 150-200 range (depending on size), and probably sell for 125-175. I picked up my CM 150 floor model for $125, I and I think that was probably about $25 on the high side, but it came from a very nice old lady whose husband had passed a few years prior.

harleybuilder · Mar 6, 2015

Vintage is only worth / valued what someone is willing to pay. It doesn't matter what someone tells you a item is worth if no one is willing to pay that.

How to value/sell a 'vintage' Delta Drill Press?

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