1997 Craftsman 1 1/2 HP Drill Press

[propmaker]

I picked up a 1997 Craftsman drill press today from the original owner for 125.00. Looks like it was only used a few times. I've been looking something with more than 3/4 HP which is pretty standard and I'm not looking for a rebuild project. I hole saw aluminum and steel often and the 3/4 hp DPs always just bog down. Is anyone using one of these, general thoughts or any "hacks" for improvements? Thank you

 

[kbuhagiar]

You did well!

 

[John McA]

Look into speeds and feeds for the materials you are drilling, lube saves your bits. Maybe try to keep alum. and steel separated? Most alum. is closer to wood in terms of rpm.
A decent clamping method, a sacrificial board, a fence for drilling multiple holes.
Consider a chuck upgrade. Install a work lamp, have an adjacent bit storage and work support rolling cabinet?

Good luck,
John McA

 

[PoorUB]

I have a 1 HP drill press and I wouldn't have any issues running any size hole saw.

IMO, the problems you have are because a smaller drill press,
#1 can not go slow enough RPM
#2 no rigid enough,
#3 Belt slippage


Figure out how to correct this three points and it should work. The rigidity issue you are pretty much stuck, but you may be able to deal with the speed and belt slippage.

Horse power is really not much of an issue as you need to run the RPM way down and with the belt reduction you should have the power to run the hole saw.

 

[exmaxima1]

Looks like a great deal. The table is excellent and the 3 pulley setup gets a broad range of speeds. I would be on the lookout for a 1140 rpm (or a 3 phase motor with VFD) motor if you use alot of hole saws---lowers the speed a significant amount.