1989 ProPower Drill press?

[scottc5]

I've been looking for a drill press (I think I'm after a floor model going to use it for metal work). Anyway this one popped up on craigslist and I had the guy send me a close up picture of the label. It says:
ProPower
The Professionals Choice
16 speed drill press
mfg: 1989
Model 194266
Capacity 5/8"
195-3500 rpm
Made in Taiwan

Hes also got a picture of the motor, its shows 3/4 hp, 12.5A

It looks well... a little odd, its got a wood drilling platform attached to what looks like the original round metal drilling platform underneath. The floor base has caster wheels ( I think this is another base w/wheels and the original base sits on this base, but I would have to get a better picture to be sure).

I have never heard of the company, probably because I was born in the year it was made... So has anyone heard of this company/model. I cant quite tell if this is a nice drill or a **** one with the weird stuff on it.

 

[gungatim]

sounds like a standard re-branded Taiwan drill press that everyone from HF to cummins to local hardware/farm stores used to sell...if it's any consolation, I've got one probably identical, 16", 5/8" chuck, but bench mount and it's been just fine in the woodshop for the last 25 yrs...spindle runout isn't as precise as a US machine from that era, but plenty good enough for what I do...

 

[tarbellb]

^^^ Yup.

They arent terrible DPs, Taiwan made back then is actually decent stuff. Its no where near the quality of a USA DP from the same era. But it was half the price then.

Depending on price its a OK buy, I wouldnt pay more then $100-150 depending on condition.

Its low speed of 195 is good for metal work, as is the 3/4hp motor.

Check for runout on the quill, go through ALL the paces when testing, ie put it under load, run the table up/down, check the belts, etc...

It will likely do everything you want it to until you want to upgrade.