Need some advice on purchasing a Powermatic 1200

Jbrates · Dec 23, 2015

So I have been lurking on here for quite some time, mainly because i do not have much to offer to the conversation. I have been searching craigslist for a drill press, and have finally found something i really want. It is a powermatic 1200 model # 5-5595. It is being sold for $200, which seems to me a steal. Any new drill press will cost me at least 200 and will surely be Chinese made. I only have 240 single phase in the shop but with a $150 teco vfd can create 240 3 phase. Just want to know what to look for when buying and if this seems like a good deal. I dont mind spending some time taking it apart and refurbishing it a bit.

zkling · Dec 23, 2015

As long as the drive isn't destroyed, go get it!!! Great all around size drill press. Take note of the speed chart for all those "slower is better fools".

McBrownie · Dec 23, 2015

zkling said:
As long as the drive isn't destroyed, go get it!!! Great all around size drill press. Take note of the speed chart for all those "slower is better fools".

Seeing that most standard drill presses have a slow speed of 600-700 rpm and an intermediate "slow speed" pulley brings that down to 250-300 rpm, I think this proves that the "fools" are doing the right thing by slowing things down.

zkling · Dec 23, 2015

McBrownie said:
Seeing that most standard drill presses have a slow speed of 600-700 rpm and an intermediate "slow speed" pulley brings that down to 250-300 rpm, I think this proves that the "fools" are doing the right thing by slowing things down.

Amazingly tool designers know to what capacity the machine can perform. Drilling is a combination of cutting speed (rpm) and feed pressure, the latter being most often the limiting factor. The fools that I am referring to are those that think you should be spinning a 1/2" drill around 100 or less RPM. The "most" drill presses you are referring to are really only about ~3/8" in steel machines. Drilling operations, especially with twist drill bits, are very power and pressure intensive operations. Example, look at that powermatic, even that 20"? machine is only rated to 3/4".

I know you and others get a ***** out of your converted bench top drill press and block grinder. And that's great, they work for you, but in the grand scheme of manufacturing, they are tinker toys, especially when converted. BTDT

JZiggy · Dec 23, 2015

Merry Christmas, zkling.

zkling · Dec 23, 2015

JZiggy said:
Merry Christmas, zkling.

I feel that the sentiments are not heart felt, but same to you and yours :beer:

1badbird · Dec 23, 2015

Go get it now! I have an 1150 and absolutely love it.

Jbrates · Dec 23, 2015

Just need to find a way to transport it!! how do you go about moving the damn thing? I have a van, and could probably get my hands on a pickup. any tips on getting it into the back of a van/truck? take it apart?

JZiggy · Dec 23, 2015

zkling said:
I feel that the sentiments are not heart felt, but same to you and yours

Always hard to tell on the internet. But take these comments at face value

drivesitfar · Dec 23, 2015

JB: do you have a trailer hitch on your van? if so you can rent a utility 5 x 9 UHaul for $20 for the day and maybe have a friend lift it up or the $25 version has a ramp you can use with a dolly.

i'm sure you can take it apart and if you are planning on restoring it maybe that would be the easiest method.

good luck

Bob Hall · Dec 24, 2015

I have one and it's a great machine. Condition is everything on old machines, but these very, very tough ,machines and can be restored without too much trouble. It is really heavy, probably about 650-700 pounds. And top heavy at that. I had mine loaded with a forklift. An engine hoist will do it, that's how we unloaded it.Try to haul it laying down. Rest the head on an old tire ( without the wheel). If it has to be upright, the head can be lowered down the column to lower the center of gravity. If all is working correctly ( a big if) you raise to table up as far as it will go, set a very stable block of wood between the head and table. Use the table raising mechanism to lower both head and table together down as far as it will go. Make sure the table raising mech. is in good shape before trying that. It would be dangerous to lower the head by hand, it probably weighs 300 pounds by itself. Here's a link to a manual for it over on Vintage Machines sight.

Be careful!!

http://www.vintagemachinery.org/pubs/655/2744.pdf

Jbrates · Dec 24, 2015

Thanks bob and drivesitfar, I think i will pick it up in the next week or so. I will use your advice. Thanks!

Jbrates · Dec 24, 2015

Hi all, Not sure of the policies on here, i know some of you get annoyed with the constant repeat questions, but I want to get all the feedback i can get. If the powermatic does not work out, i have these three others i am looking at. I want to know how they compare to the powermatic, and if the prices seem reasonable. Thanks
The first one is a delta and the asking price is 125.

The second one is a wilton model 2500 and the asking price is 300

And the last is a walker turner and the price is 200.

454ragtop · Dec 25, 2015

None of those are even in the same class as the Powermatic with it's large tee slotted table with a table raiser, slower speeds, and all around HD. I've moved DP's as large or larger than the Powermatic by hand, with 1 other guy. Slide the drill press to the truck or van, raise the table as high as possible and swing it to the left side, away from the handles. Gently lower the DP till it's resting on the front edge of the table, then lift the base and slide it into the vehicle, resting on the front edge of the table and the side edge of the base.
Good luck, Jim

Bob Hall · Dec 25, 2015

I really like Delta anything. That's a 15" or 17" and not really comparable to the PM1200 given equal condition, but the price is a steal. It could not be had around here for less than $200 or even more.

The Wilton is way too new for me to comment.

I cannot tell what model the Walker Turner is, but it looks very beefy and seems like a good deal at $200 if a bench top unit will work for you. It also appears to be in really good condition.

zkling · Dec 25, 2015

Jbrates said:
Hi all, Not sure of the policies on here, i know some of you get annoyed with the constant repeat questions, but I want to get all the feedback i can get. If the powermatic does not work out, i have these three others i am looking at. I want to know how they compare to the powermatic, and if the prices seem reasonable. Thanks
The first one is a delta and the asking price is 125.

Between those 3, the 1st delta, it's a 15" standard table. It's really about only a 3/8" max machine though (I have the production table version setup dedicated to tapping).

Pass on the wilton.

The Walker Turner, pretty sure that was a floor press that someone shortened the column on, removed the actual table and is just using the base as the table. Not nearly as convenient as the 1st delta, all three of which are far behind the initial Powermatic.

Need some advice on purchasing a Powermatic 1200

Jbrates

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zkling

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McBrownie

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zkling

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JZiggy

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zkling

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1badbird

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Jbrates

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drivesitfar

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Bob Hall

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Jbrates

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Jbrates

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