Camelback drill press ID

[Rileysan]

I came across this drill press when responding to a CL ad. The guy let me into his barn to see about purchasing other tools when this caught my eye. I asked the owner if I could take a photograph and he agreed. It is for sale, but we didn't discuss a price - nor is it currently listed anywhere.

From what I have gleaned, it is a "Camelback" style drill press that has been converted to electric. It is operational as it sits.

Can anyone identify this from my (poor) picture?
Should I have made an offer?
What is something like this worth?

Edit: Forgot to add the picture

Brian

 

[jabberwoki]

Looks like the brand is written on it?

 

[justanengineer]

The manufacturer's name should be on the main casting where its curved there, not sure but that might say Rockford in which case I believe Doc Nichols still has or at least had one similar. The machine in your pic appears to be somewhat cobbled for whatever reason. Normally on camelbacks the spindle has a set of bevel gears connecting it to a mainshaft going horizontally across the top, which is flat belted to a countershaft on the rear of the machine's base driving it. The countershaft is then driven by either an overhead lineshaft or a motor. I've seen and owned several early models with motors added, usually next to or above the countershaft on the base but otherwise normally powering the drill.

JMO, but that machine is basically scrap unless it can be put right. In good working but oily/dirty/old condition here I'd expect $2-300 tops for such a drill, the high end reserved for machines with a power feed on the spindle that yours does not have. For that "fixed" machine I'd be $50-75 tops if I really was stuck on it. The mods may not limit its use too much, but personally I like camelbacks for 4 things. 1. cool factor, 2. big drill capability, 3. long quill travel, 4. power feed. Yours doesn't have 4, 3 is limited by the mods, and #1 isn't the same w/out a flat belt and mainshaft for me.

Not the same machine, but shows you how another basic machine should look.

 

[zkling]

Pass, only the large ones are really worth owning IMHO. Get a more modern drill press and get much more use out of it.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Might be a W.F. & J Barnes.. They were made in Rockford. Check http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=73&tab=4

Have you tooled thru the other GJ thread http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116677&showall=1 on old drill presses? Might try that too..

Good luck..

 

[Rileysan]

Good information, all. I love learning new things!

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

Camel back drills presses are super cool. I wish I had room for a Sibley.. to go with my other South Bend, IN made machine tools....