Craftsman Drill Press

[FrankLee]

Well I picked up my new beauty this Saturday. Was really impressed with the condition it was in. The spindle doesnt return without moving the handle back. If I remember correctly these should be spring assisted to return back up but I might be confused.

Also the bushing on the motor could be replaced but not major. I thought the on off switch was pretty creative.

That is in very nice condition!

Yes, the quill should return without assistance. If the feed handle hub does not simply slide out of the head frame, I believe all you'll need to do is adjust the spring tension.

Here is a link to the spring adjustment procedure. Look for the procedure for late model 150's.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6347474#post6347474

It's also possible that the quill lock is sticking or that any old lubrication has turned gummy. Both can impede a smooth quill return.


I've never replaced those motor mounts, but search for "resilient motor mount rings" for replacements.

 

[shadycrew31]

That is in very nice condition!

Yes, the quill should return without assistance. If the feed handle hub does not simply slide out of the head frame, I believe all you'll need to do is adjust the spring tension.

Here is a link to the spring adjustment procedure. Look for the procedure for late model 150's.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6347474#post6347474

It's also possible that the quill lock is sticking or that any old lubrication has turned gummy. Both can impede a smooth quill return.


I've never replaced those motor mounts, but search for "resilient motor mount rings" for replacements.

Excellent thank you sir, i'll start digging into that after the holidays. Truly appreciate all the helpful information you all collected over the years in this thread.

Once I get my electrical ran and cabinets installed I will post a pictures of its spot in the shop.

 

[Unruh]

Started on the motor for my Craftsman Drill Press. I always forget to take good before, during and after pics.

Here is the motor as I was taking it apart. It needed a new switch that seemed to be always in the on position. So to use is I would have to plug it in and unplug it each time. Also I was louder than I was expecting it to be.

And after I got it all painted and put back together. I put in a new switch and replaced the ball bearing. It really purrs now. I'm hopefully gonna be painting the drill press the next couple of days.

 

[bubinga]

looks good!

 

[Unruh]

I painted it two days ago and allowed the paint to dry good. I'm always in such a rush that I seem to mess things up go too quick. In this case I painted then worked on the motor in between. I still need to run down and get some new bolts to mount the motor and a new belt.

Here is the before.

After! I still need to add some handles and some other little cosmetic things, but couldn't be happier.

 

[bubinga]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Looks Great!!
Love The color. Very retro looking!

 

[Unruh]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Looks Great!!
Love The color. Very retro looking!

Thank you!! Here it is in it’s new home.

 

[bubinga]

Thank you!! Here it is in it’s new home.

 

[FrankLee]

Started on the motor for my Craftsman Drill Press. I always forget to take good before, during and after pics.

Here is the motor as I was taking it apart. It needed a new switch that seemed to be always in the on position. So to use is I would have to plug it in and unplug it each time. Also I was louder than I was expecting it to be.

And after I got it all painted and put back together. I put in a new switch and replaced the ball bearing. It really purrs now. I'm hopefully gonna be painting the drill press the next couple of days.

I painted it two days ago and allowed the paint to dry good. I'm always in such a rush that I seem to mess things up go too quick. In this case I painted then worked on the motor in between. I still need to run down and get some new bolts to mount the motor and a new belt.

Here is the before.

After! I still need to add some handles and some other little cosmetic things, but couldn't be happier.

Thank you!! Here it is in it’s new home.

Very nicely done!

It still amazes me how those 70 year old motors can run like new again.

 

[Outlawmws]

I wouldn't have thought that red would be a good color, but seeing it complete, its a great set off color! Good choice! That came out great!

 

[bubinga]

I wouldn't have thought that red would be a good color, but seeing it complete, its a great set off color! Good choice! That came out great!

Yeah, It's indeed different.
Kind of a different kind of retro look.

 

[Unruh]

Very nicely done!
It still amazes me how those 70 year old motors can run like new again.

Right! I was really surprised when I found out how old it was and then again by the craftsmanship.

I wouldn't have thought that red would be a good color, but seeing it complete, its a great set off color! Good choice! That came out great!

Yeah, It's indeed different.
Kind of a different kind of retro look.

Thanks for the kind words; however, I actually saw RSwannabe’s garage build. He used red on his and I loved it.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=251805&page=8

Post #155

His has more chrome on it and is striking.

 

[sheltonfilms]

Right! I was really surprised when I found out how old it was and then again by the craftsmanship.





Thanks for the kind words; however, I actually saw RSwannabe’s garage build. He used red on his and I loved it.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=251805&page=8

Post #155

His has more chrome on it and is striking.

Speaking of more "chrome", I think it would be cool for someone to take a 12 1/4" press and cut an Aluminum band and engine turn it to match the bigger brothers. If I had one I would do it.

 

[454ragtop]

Picked up this Frankenpress today, these are the sellers pics, haven't unloaded it yet. Is this a Craftsman table? Not shown in the pics on the rear corner it looks like it is machined to accept a tilting aux. table. I need some of the DP220 parts, figure I can sell some of the extra parts to get my money back.

Weird, don't know why the pics didn't load, added them same as I always do.

 

[Dentaltec]

View media item 89079View media item 89078View media item 89077View media item 89076View media item 89075

 

[Outlawmws]

DT that's a GREAT restore! But you can't just post pics and not say anything about it!

 

[FrankLee]

Picked up this Frankenpress today, these are the sellers pics, haven't unloaded it yet. Is this a Craftsman table? Not shown in the pics on the rear corner it looks like it is machined to accept a tilting aux. table. I need some of the DP220 parts, figure I can sell some of the extra parts to get my money back.

Weird, don't know why the pics didn't load, added them same as I always do.

Yes , that table is from a 3rd or 4th gen Emerson Craftsman drill press.

 

[bubinga]

View media item 89079View media item 89078View media item 89077View media item 89076View media item 89075

DT that's a GREAT restore! But you can't just post pics and not say anything about it!

Yes DT, That is Nice. You were blessed to find one with the "Vari-Slo".
Need to tell us a little about it when you get the time.

 

[Dentaltec]

DT that's a GREAT restore! But you can't just post pics and not say anything about it!

you are right I was in a rush to get out to dinner but wanted to share the photos.

About 4 months back I came to GJ to ask about what NEW DP I should purchase for drilling metal. I was urged to get a old real press and not one of the new disposable varieties. After searching craigslist for a few weeks this one came up, it had some really nastiness about it but also had an almost complete veri-slo which I knew made the $150 price worth it. I found a really awesome guy in So Cal that restores these old machines. James is his name and I cannot recommend him highly enough. His website is https://www.ironageenterprises.com

He fixed a bunch of the ugly, got it in fully working condition and fixed the veri-slow. Is it perfect? Heck no, but it looks great in my shop, and is actually being used. I drilled out a bunch of fixture holders and drilled and tapped them this past weekend and was so thrilled with how little run out this chuck had and how well the slow speed worked for the metal I was drilling.

Could not be more happy,

 

[454ragtop]

Yes , that table is from a 3rd or 4th gen Emerson Craftsman drill press.

Thank you Frank, and Happy New Year!

 

[Dentaltec]

are these table lifts even more difficult to find than Vai-Slo parts?

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[FrankLee]

are these table lifts even more difficult to find than Vai-Slo parts?

Yes, they absolutely are! Do you have a lead on one?

 

[Outlawmws]

Yes, they absolutely are! Do you have a lead on one?

Never seen on for a craftsman in the wild. Have one for my gigantic Canedy Otto Project DP, and assembled the parts to also add a lift to the head...

 

[bubinga]

are these table lifts even more difficult to find than Vai-Slo parts?

Yes, they absolutely are! Do you have a lead on one?

Never seen on for a craftsman in the wild. Have one for my gigantic Canedy Otto Project DP, and assembled the parts to also add a lift to the head...

If you don't care about the "coolness factor" might try a scissors jack under the table, with a board across it, from the junk yard or flea market, and a electric impact wrench.

 

[Dentaltec]

I found this reversible MOD pretty clever but I have a hard-on for the old orig accessory. Probably a pipe dream to find one

 

[LOW1]

Re: Craftsman Drill Press - Quill Lock Question

What a great thread. So for $200 I bought a decent condition craftsman drill press model 10323140. Not the world's greatest deal but very little rust, original paint and everything seems to work except that the quill lock is sluggish and does not seem to fully release. From reading this thread it seems like the likely cause is that the two halves of the internal lock mechanism are "gunked up" from old grease, etc. So how do I get these out so that I can clean them? Insert a wood dowel from the "nut side" of the quill lock and push them back out? Removing the bolt didn't help.

 

[FrankLee]

Re: Craftsman Drill Press - Quill Lock Question

What a great thread. So for $200 I bought a decent condition craftsman drill press model 10323140. Not the world's greatest deal but very little rust, original paint and everything seems to work except that the quill lock is sluggish and does not seem to fully release. From reading this thread it seems like the likely cause is that the two halves of the internal lock mechanism are "gunked up" from old grease, etc. So how do I get these out so that I can clean them? Insert a wood dowel from the "nut side" of the quill lock and push them back out? Removing the bolt didn't help.

Congrats on the drill press!

Yes, I use wooden dowels to punch lock cylinders out. Once cleaned, you'll notice a big difference.

Where are your pictures?!?!

 

[bubinga]

If you don't care about the "coolness factor" might try a scissors jack under the table, with a board across it, from the junk yard or flea market, and a electric impact wrench.

I found this reversible MOD pretty clever but I have a hard-on for the old orig accessory. Probably a pipe dream to find one

Oh yeah, I forgot, Yours is a floor standing model right?
My jack idea would just be for a bench model.

 

[LOW1]

Re: Craftsman Drill Press - Quill Lock Question

Where are your pictures?!?!

Just like pictures of grandkids, I thought it not polite to post them until I was asked.

 

[FrankLee]

Re: Craftsman Drill Press - Quill Lock Question

Just like pictures of grandkids, I thought it not polite to post them until I was asked.

That original paint is very nice! The chrome and trim are also in remarkable condition!

What are your plans for it? Are you going to tear it down and clean the rest of the innards?

 

[LOW1]

Re: Craftsman Drill Press - Quill Lock Question

That original paint is very nice!

What are your plans for it? Are you going to tear it down and clean the rest of the innards?

Everything else seems to be functioning fine. If it ain't broke . . . Once I get the quill lock de-gunked I will probably just do a through surface cleaning and call it good. I don't have a lot of use for it but it will be nice to have when I do need one. For $200 I figure I can't go too wrong.

 

[FrankLee]

Re: Craftsman Drill Press - Quill Lock Question

Everything else seems to be functioning fine. If it ain't broke . . . Once I get the quill lock de-gunked I will probably just do a through surface cleaning and call it good. I don't have a lot of use for it but it will be nice to have when I do need one. For $200 I figure I can't go too wrong.

If you're not going to dismantle, I'll offer a couple observations....

Are you missing the nut for the feed stop rod? The original is a 3/8-16.

The spindle is protruding above the spindle pulley excessively. That tells me the feed stop bracket slid down the quill toward the chuck. That happened on every Craftsman 100 drill press that I've ever seen.

Check the following post for the consequences. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4880745&post4880745

 

[RSwannabe]

There is what looks to be a nice condition model 80 for sale on Portland Or Craigslist for $10 right now.

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/tls/d/portland-craftsman-drill-press/6785702442.html

Someone go get it fast.

 

[RSwannabe]

Thank you!! Here it is in it’s new home.

Unruh, great work! It looks fantastic and like its ready for another 70 years of service.

 

[bubinga]

There is what looks to be a nice condition model 80 for sale on Portland Or Craigslist for $10 right now.

https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/tls/d/portland-craftsman-drill-press/6785702442.html

Someone go get it fast.

0MG can't believe that price!!

 

[RiseAbove]

Great thread! I was hoping to find a thread like this that goes into great detail, as i just picked up my first Craftsman drill press today. I can't seem to find much information on its model number though.

It's a Craftsman that is stamped 103 23041 on the base plate of the drill (the other information and black paint on that plate appears to be worn away as seen in the photo), and the stamp on the motor reads M2 53 - 115 6962. The badge on the head/neck reads 'Sear, Roebuck and Co' and 'Made By Kings-Seeley Corporation'.

Does anyone know around what year it is? Am i right in thinking it's the bench top model, and not a converted floor standing model? Is the motor the original one it came with, or is it most likely a replacement? It seems solid and in good condition. It seems to look complete, but i'm not knowledable on these at all. It fires right up and runs very smoothly. It came with what looks like the original chuck key.

I paid $65 for it. I usually only clean up and restore old hand tools, so I'm definitely going out of my usual comfort zone by planning to renovate it. I also picked up a Craftsman block bench grinder yesterday, so I'm looking at renovating them both. I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew.

Here's some photos:

 

[sheltonfilms]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

That’s definitely a 53 benchtop I would say.

53 on motor.
80s only came out as floor models in 1954.
No headband (52 and 53 only).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[FrankLee]

Great thread! I was hoping to find a thread like this that goes into great detail, as i just picked up my first Craftsman drill press today. I can't seem to find much information on its model number though.

It's a Craftsman that is stamped 103 23041 on the base plate of the drill (the other information and black paint on that plate appears to be worn away as seen in the photo), and the stamp on the motor reads M2 53 - 115 6962. The badge on the head/neck reads 'Sear, Roebuck and Co' and 'Made By Kings-Seeley Corporation'.

Does anyone know around what year it is? Am i right in thinking it's the bench top model, and not a converted floor standing model? Is the motor the original one it came with, or is it most likely a replacement? It seems solid and in good condition. It seems to look complete, but i'm not knowledable on these at all. It fires right up and runs very smoothly. It came with what looks like the original chuck key.

I paid $65 for it. I usually only clean up and restore old hand tools, so I'm definitely going out of my usual comfort zone by planning to renovate it. I also picked up a Craftsman block bench grinder yesterday, so I'm looking at renovating them both. I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew.

Here's some photos:

The model number is actually 103.23641 which makes it a 13-1/2" Craftsman 80. Yes, it was originally a bench model.

Because there is no head frame trim and the hub, tension knob, quill lock and feed stop bracket are painted instead of chrome plated, yours is a 1952 or 1953 model. The year code 2 53 on the motor supports that.

It'll clean up nicely and service you well.

 

[RiseAbove]

The model number is actually 103-23641 which makes it a 13-1/2" model 80. Yes, it was originally a bench model.

Because there is no head frame trim and the hub, tension knob, quill lock and feed stop bracket are painted instead of chrome plated, yours is a 1952 or 1953 model. The year code 2 53 on the motor supports that.

It'll clean up nicely and service you well.

Thanks for the reply and information. I'm definitely going to be using this thread to help me restore it and keep it as original as i can.

 

[honza.vosalik]

After more than 6 months I put new bearings in this drill press, put it all together and got it running. I also put new belt and rubber washers from Frank.

I planned on reselling it, but I'm hesitating after seeing in what great shape the other parts are. At the same time I don't have space for three DPs, lol. So it might come down to selling the little Dunlap instead