15" Rockwell drill press pulley removal

[nknirk]

Hello,
new member here. I recently acquired an old Rockwell floor model drill press 15-081. I have the manual but it isn't clear how to access the set screw underneath the forward pulley. The screw on my model is a 8-32 x 3/8 round head screw. There just seems to be no room to get under the pulley from the top or bottom to get that screw! Any tips out there in garage journal land? Much appreciated. -NK

 

[BFBOB]

I have that model. There's a hole in the bottom (largest) pulley in the stack that is there just for the purpose of getting a screwdriver (Allen wrench on mine) in to loosen the setscrew.

 

[nknirk]

That did it. Thank you so much!

 

[nknirk]

I have that model. There's a hole in the bottom (largest) pulley in the stack that is there just for the purpose of getting a screwdriver (Allen wrench on mine) in to loosen the setscrew.

Does your model have the screw underneath to set the spring? Mine does not have the screw. I have to set it by hand. It has two nuts on the end of the pinion shaft that secure the spring. If I tighten the nuts firmly to hold the spring set, then the pinion won't turn or move the quill up and down. If I keep them loose, then the spring loses its tension totally. If I split the difference and leave it a little loose, then the nuts eventually work themselves loose and the spring comes disengaged again. What am I doing wrong please?