Atlas/Craftsman drill press

[EastEnd]

I recently acquired an old atlas/Craftsman floor model drill press (model 101.03662). I was planning on restoring it and flipping it. Looking at it I’m hesitant. The patina is beautiful, some of the original blue is still on it. I believe these were made by Atlas Presss Co for Sears between 1930-1941, feel free to correct me if I’m wrong, I’ve done minimal research at this point. Knowing I’m going to sell it I want some opinions on what to do. I would love to paint and polish it but is it worth more in the condition it’s in? I did a full resto-mod on a mid 60’s King Seally, those are pretty common. Is the Atlas rare? The center speed control pulley also has the blue patina so I’m assuming it is factory original. I know the pulley is hard to find, I wanted one for my King Seally, I could only find one in Indiana for $250. I ended up gutting a router speed control and using that. I put in some pics of what I did to my drill press so you can see what I want to do to the Atlas. Should I leave it alone? As much as I like resto-mods I also would hate to destroy a piece of history. Would I be wrong to strip off the patina?

 

[Zrxrunner]

You'll get 50 different answers from 50 different people on restorations. Reselling comes down to getting back out of it the time and materials you put in. On drill presses, might ne kind of difficult. I like what you did with the first one, but would have left the craftsman strip and badge on the top if it were mine. I like the old atlas machines, and have a tabletop one too. I'm just planning to clean up and polish what I can, and replace bearings and loose parts as needed. I like the old patina more on those. My two cents anyways.

 

[Iluvbeer]

It's a shame you got rid of the original badging on that Craftsman. That is what made it so cool. Personally, I don't like when people ruin the patina of something old.

 

[Roberts210]

Your changes decreased the value of that cool old DP.

 

[EastEnd]

You'll get 50 different answers from 50 different people on restorations. Reselling comes down to getting back out of it the time and materials you put in. On drill presses, might ne kind of difficult. I like what you did with the first one, but would have left the craftsman strip and badge on the top if it were mine. I like the old atlas machines, and have a tabletop one too. I'm just planning to clean up and polish what I can, and replace bearings and loose parts as needed. I like the old patina more on those. My two cents anyways.

I really appreciate the feedback back. Just to clarify a couple things. I do have the original craftsman badging for my king Seally. I had an issue with the motor and have a friend of mine rebuilding it for me. I have the badging wrapped up and it looks great. I’m probably going to remove the head a couple more times before I’m done and don’t want to damage it. This one was a gift from an old friend. He wouldn’t let me buy it from him, said he knows I will take care of it. I went overboard and polished everything. I’ll pass this one on to my son. The Atlas I came across and bought it for $200. I will sell it when I’m done. I have high anxiety and polishing things is calming for me. I don’t expect to factor my time in the selling price, it’s therapy lol. I’m going to restore and polish most of it. I think I’m going to leave the rust and grey/blue patina and seal coat it, polish and paint everything else. The patina is beautiful. I’ll post some updates as I go. Thanks again everyone for the input. I really do appreciate your time

 

[tool_scrounge]

The Alta’s drill press is inteeresting in that the upper table is by Atlas and the lower is a later King Seeley (150 Craftsman).

A replacement belt guard should be straightforward to find. The chromed spindle guard on top of belt guard is usually harder.