Clausing Drill Press Worth it?
- Thread starter antman213
- Start date
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Thats a nice machine.
larry4406
Well-known member
Check the spindle. Doesn’t look like it’s for a standard Jacobs style.
I used one like that at work for many years. Great machine, a little noisy due to the variable sheave drive, but will last a lifetime. Note the motor shaft as it might be hard to find a replacement motor to match. A new belt costs about $50. If the quill bearings are good, and the table lift works, $400 seems fair.
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Prob MT3
tool_scrounge
Well-known member
i would want to run the Reeves type variable speed drive thru it’s full range before purchase. With it in pieces, I would want a discount for the risk
Woods_Wanderer
Well-known member
Looks like an MT(3?) spindle, that's a good thing. I'd buy it personally, but then I can't seem to restrain myself around old drill presses.
oldmachinenut
Well-known member
I would grab that in a heartbeat.
Cleave
Well-known member
That's beautiful. I've done a lot of work on lesser drill presses and would love one that solid.
As others said, it is probably a Morse Taper (MT) inside the spindle. If you're not familiar with it, its a standard taper interface, you can get drills with a MT that go directly in there. Also you can get drill chucks that fit in there with a MT as well.
As others said, it is probably a Morse Taper (MT) inside the spindle. If you're not familiar with it, its a standard taper interface, you can get drills with a MT that go directly in there. Also you can get drill chucks that fit in there with a MT as well.
Roberts210
Well-known member
I'd hit it. But ditto on trying to run the Reeves drive through the full range. Factory recommendations are to run it throught the full range daily.
The Clausing does seem a lot beefier But they are both Reeves
tool_scrounge
Well-known member
I agree with Antman. The Clausing is beefier. But spare parts are more readily available for the Rockwell and cheaper. I would make the decision on which is in better condition, especially if the Delta can be operated.
RoninB4
Well-known member
-I've run many of the Clausing in shops over the decades, I consider them the standard for professional shops. The Delta, if newer than 1975, seems less robust in construction. However, the condition of any machinery is far more important than the brand. I try not to buy lightweight machinery because I've come to expect industrial duty from anything I buy. I have some consumer grade things and usually have to be more careful with operations. Buying a better built item means better duty and better resale but if it needs repairs you'll need to estimate the cost and whether you want to take on another project or just use the item.
I had a chance to purchase a Hardinge HLV-H lathe for asking price of $2000 (or less) but the bed had been precision ground, meaning the tailstock needed to be raised. This $12000 lathe would have been a great buy but I didn't want another project so I passed.
The Clausing looks a bit rusty and if the spindle bearings are also rusty then you'll need to add more money to it besides the motor. You can feel the bearings by rotating the spindle but it's not the same as hearing/feeling it run under power. Do you want to take a chance with a better built machine or just use it? It would be a tough choice even for me. Good luck, let us know what you decide.
I personally hate Reeves style variable speed drives. They are very noisy and a PIA. Parts are extremely expensive if you can even find them. Although that's a very robust machine my preference would be a belt/pulley model, 3 phase and VFD it. You'll likely be into that machine for a whole lot more than $400 when all is said and done.
Last edited:
tool_scrounge
Well-known member
Per the Powermatic manual, one thing you can do to quiet down the belt squeal of a Reeves drive is to rub a block of paraffin wax on the edges of the belt. I presume for safety sake, they want you to do this operation with the motor power off. It does work.
But I prefer step pulley machines with a variable speed motor.
RTM
Well-known member
Reeves drives were on the way out when I started working in industry in 1982. First one I saw was in terrible condition. So happy when VFDs became more available 10ish years later.
I ended up with the Delta series 2000. Got it under a 100 bucks and it has some serious issues but I think I could fix it. Judging by the table it doesn't look like it's had much use. I think someone tipped it over early in its life.
In any case I notice the Arbor is very low. Is this normal or does this appear to be some sort of adapter that I could change?
The biggest issue is the fork that raises the front Reeves pulley. I'm thinking I will end up fabricating something out of mild steel Since there's no way I'll be able to get this part.
In any case I notice the Arbor is very low. Is this normal or does this appear to be some sort of adapter that I could change?
The biggest issue is the fork that raises the front Reeves pulley. I'm thinking I will end up fabricating something out of mild steel Since there's no way I'll be able to get this part.
Attachments
lafester
Well-known member
I had a powermatic and currently have a rockwell and the powermatic was much quieter. Probably all comes down to belt condition but I will try the paste wax. I still run with vfd so it's not really an issue and I like the big belt over a small v belt. WD40 also works but it does not last. I did briefly own a clausing and they are very well made, but the 17" rockwell has a wider column and base.
Packard V8
Well-known member
The chuck is low because it's on an adapter stuck in a #2 Morse Taper spindle. There is a Jacobs Taper spindle which will mate directly with the chuck and do away with all the extra length of the MT spindle.
Just me, but I've never understood why so many medium duty DPs came with the MT spindle; most of them always have the adapter/chuck in place, so why not order it with the correct spindle?
jack vines