Craftsman 150 Drill Press - Just Starting Out

[dcpugh]

Hi All - A couple years ago I acquired a very nice, functional Craftsman 150 Drill Press. I think it's from the late 1950s or early 1960s. It runs pretty smoothly and seems to be in good shape overall.

However, I can't help myself and I want to do a restoration on it. I'm seeking some advice on a few things:

1. How should the quill gasket be fitted. Right now, it's just floating on top of the quill itself and I'm not sure where it goes. Also, where should I get a new one? You can see in the attachment that it's just loosely sitting there. It's also pretty crusty and brittle.

2. What's the best place to mount a power switch? There is none now. If I wanted to drill into the headstock for a small toggle switch, how would I do that?

3. Is there any technique to not have the table or headstock drop like a stone when I loosen the clamp arm for either. I almost lost a finger the other night when I was cleaning it.

I will post more pictures as I get started on the project, but wanted some early thoughts from the forum.

Thanks!

Dave

 

[Cruzan80]

The nice part is these are very easy to clean and refurbish. Getting the table/head to stay when loosening is an acquired skill. The best way I can describe it is to put upward pressure on one side, causing it to / against the pole. Works much better with the table instead of the head. Various people have replaced the quill gasket, and a search will turn up options (IIRC, ZJiggy's thread had options). Mine has an outlet box bolted to the outside of the motor, and someone had drilled a pressure switch into the side of the head (possibly for a lamp)? Various people have engineered options on how to power them with a switch.

 

[CalsXS2]

I wouldn't drill a hole in the head for a switch. If it has the original motor, there should be a spot for it in the base of the motor.

 

[tool_scrounge]

As stated, an oring works quite well and provides more cushion than cork.

 

[dcpugh]

Thanks all for the replies! Much appreciated and I feel most welcomed to the forum. I will keep the board updated with my progress!

Cheers
Dave