Craftsman 150 drillpress chuck wobble problem?

[Bob Wight]

The problem came on suddenly, I'd had a bronze sleeve bearing chucked in and it was spinning @ low speed. Slowly sanding with emery cloth to reduce the OD to the needed dimension for the project @ hand. the next time the press was put into duty the chuck had a bad wobble that it never had before? Searched online, but haven't been able to find a owners manual/advice or any any help.
Thanks for any help or useful information that you may have.
Bob

 

[FrankLee]

The problem came on suddenly, I'd had a bronze sleeve bearing chucked in and it was spinning @ low speed. Slowly sanding with emery cloth to reduce the OD to the needed dimension for the project @ hand. the next time the press was put into duty the chuck had a bad wobble that it never had before? Searched online, but haven't been able to find a owners manual/advice or any any help.
Thanks for any help or useful information that you may have.
Bob

Hello Bob and welcome.

There are several causes for a wobble; bent spindle or bad bearings. Because yours occurred suddenly, is it possible that the chuck came loose from the spindle taper? Loosen the safety collar and see if the chuck comes off easily.

If you can take some photos or possibly upload a video to YT.

Also, please update your profile with your general location.




Owners manuals can be found on VM.

 

[Bob Wight]

FrankLee,
Thanks for the response. I'll check the press and get back you.
Bob

 

[Bob Wight]

FrankLee,
Would you have any idea where I may find a replacement spindle to replace my bent spindle, assuming I'm able to remove the damaged one from my d.p.? Your wealth of information available through your links is amazing and much appreciated. Feel free to communicate with me by email.... [email protected] .
Thanks,
Bob

 

[FrankLee]

FrankLee,
Would you have any idea where I may find a replacement spindle to replace my bent spindle, assuming I'm able to remove the damaged one from my d.p.? Your wealth of information available through your links is amazing and much appreciated. Feel free to communicate with me by email.... [email protected] .
Thanks,
Bob

A donor machine locally, or someone here may have one, but eBay is probably going to be your best bet. Below is a quill/spindle assembly that would fit. The price is not outrageous.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-CR...Press-Quill-and-Spindle-Assembly/282837903235

The seller says it was from a restored machine and it's obvious to me that it was a half-assed job. The quill was reinstalled upside down and the spindle collar set-screw is not in the correct location. If you're interested in this one, you may want to ask about run-out.

Because you have nothing to lose, you may be able to straighten yours with a BFH and a block of wood. You'll need a dial indicator to check progress.

 

[Bob Wight]

Thanks FrankLee,Ill let you know how I make out.

 

[lafester]

These things don't just bend that easy do they? Can we get a pic of the damage?
Seems like the force needed to bend one generally comes from the head crashing into the table.

 

[454ragtop]

Actually, they're pretty spindly for what they are. Suspect a lot get bent with some side loading. Usually pretty easy to bend back straight again as well.

 

[FrankLee]

I've had several with bent spindles, but the worst were DP#7 and DP#34. The previous owners both said that when they were drilling with large bits, the bit caught and spun the work. It goes to show how important it is to clamp down the work and drill at the appropriate speed.

 

[Bob Wight]

I've found the cause of the problem, someone had replaced the original 1750 RPM motor w/a 3450 RPM one? Never caught it, even I always ran it on the lowest speed. Where would the best place to try to locate a replacement used motor and what might be causing the wobble? The spindle is removed what would would suggest to test for probabale cause? Appreciate the imput from everybody.
Bob

 

[FrankLee]

I've found the cause of the problem, someone had replaced the original 1720 RPM motor w/a 3450 RPM one? Never caught it, even I always ran it on the lowest speed. Where would the best place to try to locate a replacement used motor and what might be causing the wobble? The spindle is removed what would would suggest to test for probabale cause? Appreciate the imput from everybody.
Bob

Whenever I need a Craftsman motor, I check craigslist for inexpensive complete machines with an appropriate motor for my needs.

Usually, the lower rpm motors come with band saws, jig saws, drill presses, lathes.
Usually, the higher rpm motors come with table saws, sanders, planers, jointers.

Here's one for example: https://maine.craigslist.org/tls/d/band-saw/6479380167.html ... not sure how far this is from you.


Check this post and the one following for runout info.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6507328&post6507328

 

[Bob Wight]

Franklee,
Thanks for the excellent info. Going to check-out this P.M. and will report the findings.