Craftsman Drill Press Question/Fix-(103.23141)

[Model A Fan]

I have a Craftsman drill press (standing floor model) and I recently moved it from my mom's house to mine and somewhere along the way, some stuff became loose. I'll describe my issues and I hope someone with more wisdom will be able to help me resolve the issues. Assuming I can fix the two issues, what would the value of this drill press be? It is in good overall shape, kind of a survivor/unrestored one. It works fine and has the center pulley which is rather desirable. I'd like to sell it once I get it working properly again. I can get more photos later, but these are the ones I have right now which are applicable to the problems I need to fix.

Problem 1: When I pull down on the handle, the handle does not automatically retract like it used to. I tightened the spring housing (on the left side) and now when left alone, there is spring tension pushing down the spindle and when I push up on it (retract the spindle), it automatically will push the spindle back down (as if drilling). How do I fix this to have the spindle automatically retract?

Problem 2: I pulled the middle pulley out of the head while moving/transporting it, and now I can't get the belts tight enough going from the motor to the center pulley to turn the center pulley and front pulley to make the spindle spin. Is there a diagram somewhere of the layout for this?

Question 3: How much is it worth? What would be a reasonable asking price? I bought it several years ago but have since acquired a massive Delta one.

Thank you for your help!

 

[FrankLee]

I have a Craftsman drill press (standing floor model) and I recently moved it from my mom's house to mine and somewhere along the way, some stuff became loose. I'll describe my issues and I hope someone with more wisdom will be able to help me resolve the issues. Assuming I can fix the two issues, what would the value of this drill press be? It is in good overall shape, kind of a survivor/unrestored one. It works fine and has the center pulley which is rather desirable. I'd like to sell it once I get it working properly again. I can get more photos later, but these are the ones I have right now which are applicable to the problems I need to fix.

Problem 1: When I pull down on the handle, the handle does not automatically retract like it used to. I tightened the spring housing (on the left side) and now when left alone, there is spring tension pushing down the spindle and when I push up on it (retract the spindle), it automatically will push the spindle back down (as if drilling). How do I fix this to have the spindle automatically retract?

When increasing spring return tension, ALWAYS turn the tension knob counter-clockwise. Your description indicates a clockwise tightening. This can deform/damage the spring.
Another cause of a sluggish return is a dirty and sticking quill lock. Remove the quill lock assembly and clean the bores and cylinders.

Problem 2: I pulled the middle pulley out of the head while moving/transporting it, and now I can't get the belts tight enough going from the motor to the center pulley to turn the center pulley and front pulley to make the spindle spin. Is there a diagram somewhere of the layout for this?

Make sure the set screw is loose and the base turns in the column. Use the flats on the bearing shaft to loosen and tighten the front belt. Adjust the motor mount to tighten the rear belt.
There are a couple manuals on Vintage Machinery. Some genius admin there decided to move some drill press related things to an Accessory category. It ***** when searching for things.

Question 3: How much is it worth? What would be a reasonable asking price? I bought it several years ago but have since acquired a massive Delta one.

Location and condition are key. You may need to do some local research.

Thank you for your help!

 

[FrankLee]

Photos were added while I was composing my post above.
Your machine looks to be in better than average condition. However, there are quite a few interesting custom modifications which may or may not affect value.


Oh, your belt issue may be because the belts are reversed. I believe the short belt goes in front. I would recommend that the front belt be installed on the bottom steps and the rear belt on the top steps.

The set screw on the middle pulley is at an angle in its base and requires a 5/32" allen wrench. Do not tighten too much.

 

[Model A Fan]

Photos were added while I was composing my post above.
Your machine looks to be in better than average condition. However, there are quite a few interesting custom modifications which may or may not affect value.


Oh, your belt issue may be because the belts are reversed. I believe the short belt goes in front. I would recommend that the front belt be installed on the bottom steps and the rear belt on the top steps.

The set screw on the middle pulley is at an angle in its base and requires a 5/32" allen wrench. Do not tighten too much.

Thank you for the replies. I did not even register that the two belts were different lengths, I was trying to put it back together while I had a little free time and must have mixed them up.

The two main modifications I've noticed (I don't have an unmodified version to reference) is the On/Off push/pull "lever" and the pulley on the back right corner (unknown what its for though).

Is there a ballpark average? I've seen them run $100-$500 depending on options and condition. I want to price it to sell but not give it away...

 

[FrankLee]

Well, in my area, WITHOUT the middle pulley, that may go for ~$150-$200. If you can sell the pulley on ebay, that should go for ~$200.

What is going on here? Is there something attached to the inside of the feed handle hub? Maybe related to the small pulley?

 

[Model A Fan]

Well, in my area, WITHOUT the middle pulley, that may go for ~$150-$200. If you can sell the pulley on ebay, that should go for ~$200.

What is going on here? Is there something attached to the inside of the feed handle hub? Maybe related to the small pulley?

"Franklee", I'm not sure why those holes are there. I'll check tonight! Perhaps it was for some pulley system with a foot pedal?

 

[Zeus36]

If you have the room, it's great to have a secondary drill press for tons of things other than drilling. Plus yours has the extra pulley stack. You can do the drilling with the Delta and have that King-Seeley Craftsman drive pretty much accessory with an arbor from 1/8" to 1/2". Turn it into a a sander, buffer, thickness planer, router, wire wheel, fixed Dremel tool.....etc.

Or use one for wood only and the other for metal - depending on the speed of the Delta. You may find your Craftsman able to run the slower speeds for drilling metals.

That one would be a keeper for me.

 

[Model A Fan]

If you have the room, it's great to have a secondary drill press for tons of things other than drilling. Plus yours has the extra pulley stack. You can do the drilling with the Delta and have that King-Seeley Craftsman drive pretty much accessory with an arbor from 1/8" to 1/2". Turn it into a a sander, buffer, thickness planer, router, wire wheel, fixed Dremel tool.....etc.

Or use one for wood only and the other for metal - depending on the speed of the Delta. You may find your Craftsman able to run the slower speeds for drilling metals.

That one would be a keeper for me.

I understand the allure of multiple still presses, but my ultimate goal is to divest myself of some extra stuff. I'm finally getting my workshop set up. I also have a bench top model of a Delta drill press, so this is a third one... the Delta is the common model that seems to pop up frequently.

Here are some additional photos of the press.

 

[Model A Fan]

Here's the Delta I have a well(not the little one).

 

[Davefr]

Here's the Delta I have a well(not the little one).

Nice machine. The foot feed attachment is pretty scarce on these. I'd get that table lift rack installed correctly. If you loosen that big heavy production table, it'll come slamming down hard because the rack isn't anchored.

 

[Model A Fan]

When increasing spring return tension, ALWAYS turn the tension knob counter-clockwise. Your description indicates a clockwise tightening. This can deform/damage the spring.
Another cause of a sluggish return is a dirty and sticking quill lock. Remove the quill lock assembly and clean the bores and cylinders.


Make sure the set screw is loose and the base turns in the column. Use the flats on the bearing shaft to loosen and tighten the front belt. Adjust the motor mount to tighten the rear belt.
There are a couple manuals on Vintage Machinery. Some genius admin there decided to move some drill press related things to an Accessory category. It ***** when searching for things.


Location and condition are key. You may need to do some local research.

I would have thought that clockwise would tighten. I will rectify tonight. On the second point, can you please tell me where I need to find the set screw and what "flats" are?

What my problem right now is, is the front pulley has the rear pulley's belt stuck on it and I can't get enough slack to pop off the belt. As for adjusting the rear belt tension, some of the bolts are hidden by the drill press itself. Which ones do I unscrew?

In this condition and assuming I correct the spring tension and belts; what would a reasonable asking price be? Thanks again.

 

[FrankLee]

I would have thought that clockwise would tighten. I will rectify tonight. On the second point, can you please tell me where I need to find the set screw

The set screw is at an angle in the base of the middle pulley. 5/32 allen wrench.

and what "flats" are?

The middle pulley bearing shaft is mounted offset from the center of its base. Loosen that set screw and use the flats with a 1/2" wrench at the top of the bearing shaft to turn the shaft with base so the pulley moves closer to the spindle pulley. This should loosen the belt enough to remove it.

Review Jeff's video:

What my problem right now is, is the front pulley has the rear pulley's belt stuck on it and I can't get enough slack to pop off the belt.

If the pulley set screw in the base is loose, and the short belt is in front, you might be able to carefully lift out the pulley with the belt still installed.

As for adjusting the rear belt tension, some of the bolts are hidden by the drill press itself. Which ones do I unscrew?

There is a bolt on each side of the head that lock in the motor mount rods. Loosen each bolt and the motor mount should slide in and out to loosen or tighten the rear belt.

In this condition and assuming I correct the spring tension and belts; what would a reasonable asking price be? Thanks again.

I'm still not sure.