Craftsman 103 Drill Press

[Myers B]

Hello, I am new to the forum.

I am going to be doing a full year down and rebuild on this 103.24821 drill press. I appreciate any tips or advice along the way. If you guys see any other issues or incorrect pieces, just let me know.

It has a few known issues. A broken pinion handle and incorrect motor switch are the main issues.

Did craftsman offer a light attachment for these presses? I’m also thinking about looking for a table lift. At a minimum though, I would like to find a period correct vice for it.

Thanks

Ben

 

[jg4660]

Check out this thread -, it has an incredible amount of info on these drill press's.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227480

JG

 

[Myers B]

Thanks, I’ve been reading through that for a day or so now. Lots of good info.

I'm a little confused about the switch wiring. Most of the DP motors I've seen have a toggle switch built into the base of the motor mount, but this one has the wire going out the top of the motor and there aren't any holes in the base for a toggle. I am not sure if the motor base was replaced, or if has a "correct" base for the era and it just didn't incorporate the switch.

 

[FrankLee]

Thanks, I’ve been reading through that for a day or so now. Lots of good info.

I'm a little confused about the switch wiring. Most of the DP motors I've seen have a toggle switch built into the base of the motor mount, but this one has the wire going out the top of the motor and there aren't any holes in the base for a toggle. I am not sure if the motor base was replaced, or if has a "correct" base for the era and it just didn't incorporate the switch.

Welcome Ben!

Interesting. I don't ever recall seeing a motor base like that. I've got a similar split phase motor from 1960 with the smaller base, no switch.

​

Yours has a capacitor in the base tho. I guess the "60" series did not come equipped with a switch.

Also, It looks like a po had your motor apart. The vents should(?) be centered over the base.

 

[Myers B]

A gentleman sent me the link to the original manual for the motor.

It looks like it was originally corded and didn’t have a switch of any kind on it. It seems odd for a drill press. The only way to make it function is to cut the cord and wire an external switch as the previous owner did, adding a single gang toggle.

Is it reasonable to assume that the original motor was replaced with the one that is on it now?

 

[FrankLee]

A gentleman sent me the link to the original manual for the motor.

It looks like it was originally corded and didn’t have a switch of any kind on it. It seems odd for a drill press. The only way to make it function is to cut the cord and wire an external switch as the previous owner did, adding a single gang toggle.

Is it reasonable to assume that the original motor was replaced with the one that is on it now?

Craftsman drill presses of the time did not come equipped with motors, so buyers had a choice. Based on the date stamp and the colors, I believe that motor was purchased at the same time as the drill press.

I would estimate that 50% of the drill presses I bought had some kind of custom switch and many of those were in a handi-box slapped onto the side of the head casting. You might consider a foot switch.

 

[Myers B]

Thanks Frank,

So the current configuration is most likely the most "period correct" wiring method? I would like to put something together that looks a little cleaner than the gang box hanging off the side.

 

[Myers B]

Also, I received your email, thanks for the additional information! I'll send oldironowner a message concerning the handles.

 

[Myers B]

I am in the process of rebuilding this press, and am needing to find another feed stop nut and spacer. Does anyone happen to have a source for them?

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