Atlas drill press

[Vizsla33]

I am new to this forum and joined as I am in need of advice on an atlas drill press I am considering purchasing. It is a model 74 and the serial number is 176188. It is a floor drill press and not a bench top. I can send pictures if need be. The owner inherited it from his great grandfather, the original owner. To say it’s rough would be an understatement. I can bring myself to but a new drill press made in China. So, my questions. What is it worth? How much time and money am I looking at restoring it? I am handy but not experienced at refurbishing items.
Here is the link to the sale item. The guy is asking $250.
In advance, I appreciate any input and advice.

 

[Vizsla33]

He is a photo

 

[1982fxr]

Looks pretty clean actually. What area, that has a lot to do with price.

 

[lafester]

I like it, but it is a little high. Slow speed pulley or table lift would make a big difference in value.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Vizsla33]

It is in northern West Virginia

 

[Vizsla33]

Here is another photo. I plan to look at it tomorrow. Any advice is appreciated.

 

[1967 R502]

I just bought a small benchtop atlas and if this had been in my area I woud have jumped on it for that price. It looks super clean.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

As someone else said, your region has a lot to do with it. I collect prewar Craftsman DPs, most of which are Atlas-made. I've never paid more than 125 for one and it had the slow speed pulley (which is worth as much or more than a press). The one you're looking at looks complete and in fantastic shape for its age. They're great machine if everything is working as it should and if everything is not working as it should, they're easy and cheap to fix.

 

[1982fxr]

Here is another photo. I plan to look at it tomorrow. Any advice is appreciated.

You'll want to do a standard run through same as with any drill press new or old. Ought to be some videos on YouTube...

Check the base for cracks, whole machine for damaged parts etc.

 

[thundermug]

I've got that model. Paid $100 for it and put another $75 into it for missing parts.
My opinion is: Not worth $250 to me.
Opinions aside: How bad do you want it? Would you miss the $250 more than you would miss the sale?

 

[tool_scrounge]

$250 seems high. I have owned a few over the years. The main things I have seen on them is:

1) Tolerance issues. Sometimes the 63-6 spindle pulley fit on the 60-19A sleeve is a bit loose. This is only held in place by set screws. The belt tension causes the pulley to tilt back and forth a little every turn of the pulley. This then can damage the bore of the pulley, making it even looser. The more you use it, the worse it gets.

2) The overuse of Zamak (pot metal). For example, the 50-44 lock and 50-45 lock sleeve on the drill press table were made from Zamak. Zamak in this case is more slippery (lower coefficient of static friction) than steel and tended to slip even when well tightened. I would substitute the Craftsman 100/150 drill press handle and clamps which were made from steel and clamped much better.

I would buy a Clausing, Craftman 100/150, USA made Delta/Rockwell, Walker Turner or Buffalo drill press over an 6X/7X Atlas drill press.

 

[Vizsla33]

Ok, showing complete ignorance here but does a slow speed pulley look like? I assume I can buy parts like a table lift and the pulley. I bough it today for $150. No cracks and it runs well. It’s been in the same basement for 43 years. Suggestions on where to gets a new belt kit is appreciated.

 

[lafester]

Nice! $150 is much better and you should be able to recover your money if you find one you like more. Slow speed pulley is mounted in the column. If you have a 2 3/4 column you can probably use one of Jziggys creations.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=317867

Belts you can get at any auto store. Table lift is not so easy... atlas made the best one but they are hard to find.

 

[930dreamer]

I have one that's pretty close to the OP's, I also found a huge Clausing for $300.