Atlas Drill Press

[btonns]

I finally set up my old Atlas drill press. I plan to clean off the grime and polish the chrome, but leave the original paint. I like the patina look.

I decided to open up the motor to check out the wiring. Most of the internal wiring inside the motor is very brittle. The motor is a Dunlap 1/3 hp Model #115-5454 1750 rpm with a 1/2” shaft. Does anyone have any new 1/3 hp or 1/2 hp recommendations with a 1/2” shaft? I need to figure out the spacing, but I think it may be Nema 48. Eventually, I’ll get the old motor refurbished, but I need something to use for the time being.

Also, does anyone have any quill return spring covers or Atlas badges/emblems that they are looking to sell?




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[FrankLee]

I finally set up my old Atlas drill press. I plan to clean off the grime and polish the chrome, but leave the original paint. I like the patina look.

I decided to open up the motor to check out the wiring. Most of the internal wiring inside the motor is very brittle. The motor is a Dunlap 1/3 hp Model #115-5454 1750 rpm with a 1/2” shaft. Does anyone have any new 1/3 hp or 1/2 hp recommendations with a 1/2” shaft? I need to figure out the spacing, but I think it may be Nema 48. Eventually, I’ll get the old motor refurbished, but I need something to use for the time being.

Also, does anyone have any quill return spring covers or Atlas badges/emblems that they are looking to sell?

Kudos for keeping the original paint! Try Grez-Off on the painted parts.

I don't have any recommendations for a replacement motor. Is that Dunlap motor hooked up to the switch on the head frame casting?

Try removing the column cap and see if it fits as a spring housing cover. That worked for me once on an Atlas machine.

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[btonns]

Kudos for keeping the original paint! Try Grez-Off on the painted parts.



I don't have any recommendations for a replacement motor. Is that Dunlap motor hooked up to the switch on the head frame casting?



Try removing the column cap and see if it fits as a spring housing cover. That worked for me once on an Atlas machine.



Please update your profile with your geographical location.

Thanks. I just ordered some Grez Off from Amazon. Luckily, I have Bar Keeper’s Friend and Paste Wax.

I’ll have to check to see if the column cap fits. Otherwise, I found a plastic version on eBay. I’d prefer chrome, but plastic would be fine in a pinch.

The original switch on the head wasn’t hooked up. The wiring to that switch was very brittle. I removed the head after I took this picture to pull the wiring out that went around the column.

The switch to the motor itself is mounted to the motor mount. At some point, someone added a 3 prong cord, but it seems too thin. I picked up a 14 gauge cord to use for the replacement motor.

I would like to re-use the original switch mounted on the head if it works.


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[bubinga]

I finally set up my old Atlas drill press. I plan to clean off the grime and polish the chrome, but leave the original paint. I like the patina look.

I decided to open up the motor to check out the wiring. Most of the internal wiring inside the motor is very brittle. The motor is a Dunlap 1/3 hp Model #115-5454 1750 rpm with a 1/2” shaft. Does anyone have any new 1/3 hp or 1/2 hp recommendations with a 1/2” shaft? I need to figure out the spacing, but I think it may be Nema 48. Eventually, I’ll get the old motor refurbished, but I need something to use for the time being.

Also, does anyone have any quill return spring covers or Atlas badges/emblems that they are looking to sell?




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Have you checked Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for a second-hand motor? There are normally Motors on Facebook Marketplace in Craigslist that should be suitable.

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[JoCoSawdust]

Beautiful DP btonns! +1 what Frank said about the column cap working for the return spring cover. It's the same part, they just put a -C after the part number for the column cap. There's a few listed on eBay now. Always cheaper if it's listed as a column cap! As for the motor, I don't get overly concerned about branding on a motor for a DP that age. They were generally sold without motors so as long as it's period correct it won't be out of place.

 

[bubinga]

OP, where do you live?

 

[btonns]

Have you checked Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for a second-hand motor? There are normally Motors on Facebook Marketplace in Craigslist that should be suitable.

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Yes, I have been searching Facebook. craigslist, letgo, and offerup. Hopefully, something will pop up. It is hard to find a new motor with a 1/2" shaft.

 

[btonns]

OP, where do you live?

Cincinnati, OH

 

[btonns]

I tried the column cap and it might fit. I would have to file down some ribs on the cap.

I took apart the motor to show everyone the state of the insulation on the original wiring. I may attempt to solder in some new wiring or heatshrink over the original wiring. I will repack the bearings as well. The thermotron switch was missing a screw, so hopefully it will function after I add a screw. It seems fairly straightforward how it fits together.

I am still going to keep my eye out for used or new motor as a spare.

 

[bubinga]

Cincinnati, OH

Oh okay I am in Ohio Valley I thought if you were local I might I might have something laying around **** if I were you I'd try to fix that motor you have there cuz that looks good on there.

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[ihavea4]

Looking good! Did you test the motor at all before you opened it up? I just started disassembling my drill press, but I'm unsure what to do with the motor. I have basically zero electronics experience, so I'd be curious to hear what you're doing with your motor, if anything?

 

[FrankLee]

There are quite a few very good threads and posts in GJ on Craftsman motor refurbs. Unfortunately, many of these posts are buried in threads and are difficult to find.

Craftsman motors model 115.6962 are very common and very typical of other vintage Craftsman and Dunlap motor models. A search on that model should yield some good information.

Another good source for Craftsman motor refurb how-to's is to search for bench grinder refurbs. These may be easier to find. In many cases, the basic anatomy of Craftsman motors and Craftsman bench grinders are nearly identical. Below is a link to a very good thread by torqueman2002.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447537

 

[bubinga]

There are quite a few very good threads and posts in GJ on Craftsman motor refurbs. Unfortunately, many of these posts are buried in threads and are difficult to find.

Craftsman motors model 115.6962 are very common and very typical of other vintage Craftsman and Dunlap motor models. A search on that model should yield some good information.

Another good source for Craftsman motor refurb how-to's is to search for bench grinder refurbs. These may be easier to find. In many cases, the basic anatomy of Craftsman motors and Craftsman bench grinders are nearly identical. Below is a link to a very good thread by torqueman2002.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=447537

Thank You Frank Lee
Good Info. Bookmarking it