Craftsman Drill Press

[Dirtydan69]

So I've read quite a bit of this thread though not all. How do I tell what I have? Just picked it up the other day with a couple other nice craftsman and home raft pieces.

 

[Outlawmws]

That's a Model 100, probably within a year or so of the '52 date code on the motor.

 

[Dirtydan69]

Thank you. It looks to be in pretty good shape. It seems to have been used mostly for woodworking but that means a lot of dust. The power cord is shot. Very brittle. That's the first thing I'll replace.

 

[FrankLee]

So I've read quite a bit of this thread though not all. How do I tell what I have? Just picked it up the other day with a couple other nice craftsman and home raft pieces.

That's a Model 100, probably within a year or so of the '52 date code on the motor.

Your specific model number will be 103.23140 or 23141. The model information plate is on the base near the column.

I agree on the date. If Craftsman catalog renderings are correct, the '52 and '53 models did not come equipped with the engine-turned head frame panel. Also, the hub, feed handles, feed-stop bracket, and tension knob were painted, not chrome plated.

Thank you. It looks to be in pretty good shape. It seems to have been used mostly for woodworking but that means a lot of dust. The power cord is shot. Very brittle. That's the first thing I'll replace.

It does look in good shape, especially the motor. That's very common with power cords. I usually replace with the 14 gauge grounded power tool replacement cord from Home Depot.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-9-ft-14-3-Power-Tool-Replacement-Cord-AW62632/100661452

What are your other machines?

 

[compunaut]

Vintage Craftsman Drill Press

See attached photos for a DP I'm looking at. Based on the great info in this thread, I'm guessing it's a pretty early Heritage 15 1/2 model 80 or 100? Looks like a tilting table.
Chuck is said to be frozen, but otherwise works as it should. Paint can't be original (can it)? I'm out-of-town, so I have to talk somebody into going for me, and it's an hr drive each way
Asking price is $60 OBO: Is it worth all the trouble?

 

[Smokeshow69]

Re: Vintage Craftsman Drill Press

See attached photos for a DP I'm looking at. Based on the great info in this thread, I'm guessing it's a pretty early Heritage 15 1/2 model 80 or 100? Looks like a tilting table.

Chuck is said to be frozen, but otherwise works as it should. Paint can't be original (can it)? I'm out-of-town, so I have to talk somebody into going for me, and it's an hr drive each way

Asking price is $60 OBO: Is it worth all the trouble?

Yes correct it is an early model but needs a bit of work[emoji38] I am pretty good at finding these that need work. Looks like it is missing one handle, the head trim and also the paint is not original. I think $60 may be to much but $40 would be good as long as the motor works. Worse case scenario if you can't fix it you could use it for parts ? I would check the handle hub over well! 2 of mine are broken and they are about $30 on eBay so they can get pricey ... Still a good machine worthy of some love !


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[FrankLee]

Re: Vintage Craftsman Drill Press

Asking price is $60 OBO: Is it worth all the trouble?

IMO, no.

There are several missing, damaged and suspect parts...

• feed stop assembly; bracket, rod, thumb screws
• head frame lock lever
• chuck looks odd; there is a large gap between the chuck and threaded collar
• chuck collar is broken
• head frame badge
• table lock cylinder looks odd; it could have been switched with the longer head frame lock cylinder
• tension knob and hub painted over

Those are just some of the visible issues. The motor and spindle/quill are unknowns. IMO, you'd easily spend three times that amount and lots of labor to turn that into a decent machine. I would pass at half that price.

 

[compunaut]

Re: Vintage Craftsman Drill Press

IMO, no.

There are several missing, damaged and suspect parts...

• feed stop assembly; bracket, rod, thumb screws
• head frame lock lever
• chuck looks odd; there is a large gap between the chuck and threaded collar
• chuck collar is broken
• head frame badge
• table lock cylinder looks odd; it could have been switched with the longer head frame lock cylinder
• tension knob and hub painted over

Those are just some of the visible issues. The motor and spindle/quill are unknowns. IMO, you'd easily spend three times that amount and lots of labor to turn that into a decent machine. I would pass at half that price.

Thanks for your very thorough input, Frank.

 

[Rushton]

This past February I posted some questions about a Model 150 (103.24511) I'd been able to acquire via a Craigslist ad that had seen only light use. Now I've finally been able to start the cleanup process and thought I'd share a few pictures of where I stand.

Here's the original photo I posted of this drill press. As you can see, it was in great condition.

So far, I've cleaned and waxed the column (along with a light sanding with 320 grit wet-dry in mineral spirits), de-rusted the base and repainted it using some Rustoleum Rust Reformer primer and then a Rustoleum spray enamel top coat, cleaned up and waxed the table using mineral spirits and a Scotch-brite pad followed by some carnuba paste wax, and I'm now starting on the quill assembly after pulling it out of the head.

The bearings in the spindle assembly seem tight and I can't detect any movement other than the free rotational spin one would hope for. However, the quill gasket and rubber washer seem a bit dodgy just due to age. So, I will order replacement O-rings for those per FrankLee's earlier post about the O-rings he found as substitute parts (thanks Frank!). Other than replacing the gasket and rubber bushing, I plan to simply clean and then re-lubricate with some synthetic lube.

Next, I'll pull the hub/pinion/spring assembly for a good cleaning and re-lubrication. With that out, I'll clean up the interior of the drill head frame and check the pulleys and their bearings to see if anything needs to be done with those (I suspect not). Then it will just be a matter of cleaning the various locking assemblies and having everything ready to be reassembled.

I'll post some additional pics once I've made some more progress.

 

[FrankLee]

This past February I posted some questions about a Model 150 (103.24511) I'd been able to acquire via a Craigslist ad that had seen only light use. Now I've finally been able to start the cleanup process and thought I'd share a few pictures of where I stand.

Here's the original photo I posted of this drill press. As you can see, it was in great condition.


So far, I've cleaned and waxed the column (along with a light sanding with 320 grit wet-dry in mineral spirits), de-rusted the base and repainted it using some Rustoleum Rust Reformer primer and then a Rustoleum spray enamel top coat, cleaned up and waxed the table using mineral spirits and a Scotch-brite pad followed by some carnuba paste wax, and I'm now starting on the quill assembly after pulling it out of the head.


The bearings in the spindle assembly seem tight and I can't detect any movement other than the free rotational spin one would hope for. However, the quill gasket and rubber washer seem a bit dodgy just due to age. So, I will order replacement O-rings for those per FrankLee's earlier post about the O-rings he found as substitute parts (thanks Frank!). Other than replacing the gasket and rubber bushing, I plan to simply clean and then re-lubricate with some synthetic lube.

Next, I'll pull the hub/pinion/spring assembly for a good cleaning and re-lubrication. With that out, I'll clean up the interior of the drill head frame and check the pulleys and their bearings to see if anything needs to be done with those (I suspect not). Then it will just be a matter of cleaning the various locking assemblies and having everything ready to be reassembled.

I'll post some additional pics once I've made some more progress.

That is looking great! I'm looking forward to watching more progress!


Your posts and pictures are providing interesting and valuable new clues and details about the evolution of these classics. For instance, I was under the assumption that Emerson Electric started producing Craftsman in 1964. Your seller stated that he bought it in 1966; much later than information posted on VM. Now I see that VM has conflicting information:

Emerson Electric:

In 1962 Emerson bought all of King-Seeley Corp.'s design patents, tooling, and parts for Sears, Roebuck & Co. Craftsman and Dunlap lines. Emerson began production of machines in 1964.

King-Seeley:

In 1964, all of King-Seeley's design patents, tooling, and parts stock were bought by Emerson Electric Co. of Paris, TN; Emerson then took over production of machines for Sears.

It appears that your dp has the later style of motor mount with the stud and clip (please confirm). I had assumed that came later as an Emerson feature, not King-Seeley.


Thanks for posting!

 

[Rushton]

That is looking great! I'm looking forward to watching more progress!

... It appears that your dp has the later style of motor mount with the stud and clip (please confirm). I had assumed that came later as an Emerson feature, not King-Seeley.

Thanks, Frank. Yes, this DP has the stud and clip style motor mount. Here's the parts diagram from the Owners Manual that the original purchaser gave to me:

What can I look for that would give some better idea of whether this was built by Emerson Electric or King-Seely? Perhaps a serial number that would indicate the year of manufacture?

 

[FrankLee]

Thanks, Frank. Yes, this DP has the stud and clip style motor mount. Here's the parts diagram from the Owners Manual that the original purchaser gave to me:

What can I look for that would give some better idea of whether this was built by Emerson Electric or King-Seely? Perhaps a serial number that would indicate the year of manufacture?

All(?) Sears machines have a three digit model number prefix. The 103 prefix means it was manufactured by King-Seeley. The Emerson prefix is 113.

 

[Rushton]

All(?) Sears machines have a three digit model number prefix. The 103 prefix means it was manufactured by King-Seeley. The Emerson prefix is 113.

Well, this model clearly has the 103 prefix in both the operating manual and on the base plate.

 

[compunaut]

Here's a 1954 CM drill press with a matching wood lathe. Asking $350 but don't they make a cute couple?

 

[Nick Ricci]

Does anyone have a source for a replacement or equivalent new replacement feed return spring for a later model 150 floor model without the spring tension adjustor knob? 103.24511 model.

View media item 72971
Started with this, this is my first vintage power tool restoration

View media item 72972

 

[FrankLee]

Does anyone have a source for a replacement or equivalent new replacement feed return spring for a later model 150 floor model without the spring tension adjustor knob? 103.24511 model.

Nicely done, Nick!

Please post a picture of your spring. I may have one that will work.

 

[Rushton]

...In an earlier post, I replaced those screws with hex-socket cap screws. I no longer do that because those cap screws are hardened. It would be very difficult to remove them if the threads get buggered up. The softer standard screws are the best option here. They can be drilled out, snapped, or chiseled like you did.

Frank, I just bought some hex-socket cap screws to replace the standard screws so I'm glad I've seen your more recent comment about no longer making this replacement because those cap screws are hardened. Makes a lot of sense. I'll now just make sure the originals have good clean threads, put some anti-seize on them and reinstall them for my refurbishing of the 150 I'm working on.

Perhaps you could edit your original post #116 to reflect your change of practice as you've done in some of your other posts? Just a thought...

 

[FrankLee]

Frank, I just bought some hex-socket cap screws to replace the standard screws so I'm glad I've seen your more recent comment about no longer making this replacement because those cap screws are hardened. Makes a lot of sense. I'll now just make sure the originals have good clean threads, put some anti-seize on them and reinstall them for my refurbishing of the 150 I'm working on.
227480
Perhaps you could edit your original post #116 to reflect your change of practice as you've done in some of your other posts? Just a thought...

Thanks for catching that! On a 150 with the quill snap ring, it's not as critical. But yes, I'll go update that earlier post.

 

[Nick Ricci]

Nicely done, Nick!

Please post a picture of your spring. I may have one that will work.

Ok I am away from my garage for the weekend I will get a picture on Tuesday thanks for the help!

 

[compunaut]

There's a vintage Craftsman 'Mohawk' available on CL not far from here. Asking price is $150, which seems pretty steep to me.
Still, it's a handsome machine and even has an intact, original 'Craftsman Ball Bearings" decal on one side.

 

[Cruzan80]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Yeah, I am seeing a $50 machine. Missing the distinctive CM vertical nameplate on their headstock, missing screw for holding the feed lever tight, looks like a replacement motor. Does have the Bakelite knobs on the feed handle, the original motor push bolt and the depth nuts. Table looks clean.

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[Nick Ricci]

Nicely done, Nick!

Please post a picture of your spring. I may have one that will work.

Here is the picture of my return spring. You can see where it failed at the bottom. View media item 73067

 

[FrankLee]

Here is the picture of my return spring. You can see where it failed at the bottom.

Here's the spring I have available. It's a little less wonky.

PM me if you're interested.

 

[compunaut]

This older bench-sized drill press might already be mine if my extended family could drive up from Denver to pick it up. Alas, they can't manage it for me at this time.
Only $50 asking price on CL. Anyone have thoughts on the relative value?

 

[Outlawmws]

Without the third pulley, it's a good price, but not what I would consider great. Don't sweat it too much.

 

[Cruzan80]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

The same guy also had an Atlas-made CM bench top DP, but must have sold it. Agreed that it is decent for this area, not amazing. Seen them sold for between 30-60/75. The nice part about that one is it looks fairly complete, original motor, nothing too bad on the table, nice paint. Only concern is why the quill is fully extended in photos (bad return spring?).

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[FrankLee]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

This might already be mine if my extended family could drive up from Denver to pick it up. Alas, they can't manage it for me at this time.
Only $50 asking price on CL. Anyone have thoughts on the relative value?

Without the third pulley, it's a good price, but not what I would consider great. Don't sweat it too much.

The same guy also had an Atlas-made CM bench top DP, but must have sold it. Agreed that it is decent for this area, not amazing. Seen them sold for between 30-60/75. The nice part about that one is it looks fairly complete, original motor, nothing too bad on the table, nice paint. Only concern is why the quill is fully extended in photos (bad return spring?).

For the reasons Cruzan pointed out, I'd be all over that for $50! Nice original paint keeps getting harder to find.

Springs in the 13-1/2" drill presses are unique to that size, but there are other replacement options.

 

[FrankLee]

dp#32 complete and in it's new home

I finally completed dp#32. This was by far the nicest, cleanest and most original machine I've seen!

​

But even more impressive is it's new home. I rarely get to deliver a reconditioned machine, so this was a real treat... three Lamborghinis, an Alfa Romeo, an MG and a Porsche!

​

 

[smalltown]

Frank that drill press looks like it belongs in there. Nice job !

 

[ndfan6464]

Man nice work Frank!! Wish I had a tenth of your skills and knowledge.

 

[FrankLee]

Frank that drill press looks like it belongs in there. Nice job !

Man nice work Frank!! Wish I had a tenth of your skills and knowledge.

Thanks. The real credit belongs to the previous owner, RIP, who took great care of all his machines. I was just lucky enough to find it.

 

[trijeff]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

One thing led to another and I really ended up doing a number on this Vari-Slo that came with my benchtop 150.

 

[Cruzan80]

Compunaut, there is a 150 benchtop that just got listed on Denver CL. $125, which would be a bit steep normally, but this looks like it went thru a full restoration. Table looks great, badge in nice condition, original motor. Just figured I would pass it along if you were looking for a benchtop in that price range.

https://denver.craigslist.org/tls/d/craftsman-150-drill-press/6252463865.html

 

[FrankLee]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

One thing led to another and I really ended up doing a number on this Vari-Slo that came with my benchtop 150.

Nicely done! Reinstalling or flipping?

 

[trijeff]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Thanks! Flip, to get one of JZiggy's third pulleys.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

One thing led to another and I really ended up doing a number on this Vari-Slo that came with my benchtop 150.

You did an awesome job on this ! My drill press has the pulleys but I need the front control unit/ lever and the first rod ! I really appreciate seeing the unit disassembled as I can easily see what I am missing . If any body has any parts I would be interested in purchasing them! Here is my poor Dp that is going to be getting some soon !



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[Dirtydan69]

I also picked up a Craftsman shaper/duplicator less the dupe attachments. It came with a set of gauges and some bowl turning attachments. A home craft bench top band saw, a craftsman grinder, a shaper, a jointer and a belt disc sander.

I've been working mainly on my motorcycles so haven't had much time until today to start messing around with them. Good the drill press cord changed out and all lubed up. It works great. Cleaned up the grinder a little and got the belt disc sander going. Just need a bigger garage to be able to work on the rest.

Your specific model number will be 103.23140 or 23141. The model information plate is on the base near the column.

I agree on the date. If Craftsman catalog renderings are correct, the '52 and '53 models did not come equipped with the engine-turned head frame panel. Also, the hub, feed handles, feed-stop bracket, and tension knob were painted, not chrome plated.




It does look in good shape, especially the motor. That's very common with power cords. I usually replace with the 14 gauge grounded power tool replacement cord from Home Depot.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-9-ft-14-3-Power-Tool-Replacement-Cord-AW62632/100661452

What are your other machines?

 

[Nick Ricci]

I also picked up a Craftsman shaper/duplicator less the dupe attachments. It came with a set of gauges and some bowl turning attachments. A home craft bench top band saw, a craftsman grinder, a shaper, a jointer and a belt disc sander.

I've been working mainly on my motorcycles so haven't had much time until today to start messing around with them. Good the drill press cord changed out and all lubed up. It works great. Cleaned up the grinder a little and got the belt disc sander going. Just need a bigger garage to be able to work on the rest.

That belt disc sander is really cool. I have been looking for one of those for the last 6 month or so, how do you like it?

Also, Hello Neighbor! I am in Gilbert!

 

[FrankLee]

That belt disc sander is really cool.

Ditto! I kinda regret selling mine.

 

[Dirtydan69]

That belt disc sander is really cool. I have been looking for one of those for the last 6 month or so, how do you like it?

Also, Hello Neighbor! I am in Gilbert!

Haven't had much chance to use it yet short of hauling it inside from its lowly place under a tarp in my side yard.

Howdy neighbor! What part of a Gilbert? I'm near Gary & Empire, just barely into San Tan in Pinal county. Queen creek is creeping closer all the time.