So, this drill press was my first real venture into vintage tools. It replaced a 80s era Craftsman drill press that I had snagged off the free section of CL. At the time, I didn't really recognize the manufacturer but after getting it home, I went online to search for a manual and information. The manual I found was published by/for the Department of Defense.
Anyway, the entire DP was slathered in industrial gray paint including all the polished pieces. I started to clean those pieces and at some point decided to tear down the entire thing, strip off the paint and give it new life. Underneath all that paint (and a bracket holding the switch) I found a brass tag, which after cleaning, contained all the information about the machine and...identifying it as property of the US Government. Evidently, the government must have made a mass purchase of these for use on military bases.
Anyway, the motor is not original but it is such a solid machine and from that point decided that I'd replace all my foreign machine with good old vintage american iron. Also, I've since found a 1hp Wagner Motor that is more period appropriate that I will eventually install. At $40, the DP was within the $50 limit I typically allow myself to splurge on for tools, plus I sold my Craftsman DP (that I picked up for free) for $60.
Anyway, the entire DP was slathered in industrial gray paint including all the polished pieces. I started to clean those pieces and at some point decided to tear down the entire thing, strip off the paint and give it new life. Underneath all that paint (and a bracket holding the switch) I found a brass tag, which after cleaning, contained all the information about the machine and...identifying it as property of the US Government. Evidently, the government must have made a mass purchase of these for use on military bases.
Anyway, the motor is not original but it is such a solid machine and from that point decided that I'd replace all my foreign machine with good old vintage american iron. Also, I've since found a 1hp Wagner Motor that is more period appropriate that I will eventually install. At $40, the DP was within the $50 limit I typically allow myself to splurge on for tools, plus I sold my Craftsman DP (that I picked up for free) for $60.
You might want to consider putting the head all the way up on the column to maximize space and prevent belt slap.