Craftsman Drill Press

[Smokeshow69]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Evapo-rust to the rescue! They'll look aged but perfect.

Sent from my smart toaster using The Garage Journal mobile app

I was just touching them and rust was coming off so they will clean up well! I want them to match my nice machine


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Smokeshow69]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

I'm an Evapo-rust fan, great stuff. I know what you mean, I just spent a few hours aging a slotted screw so it looks "right" on my vise!

Sent from my smart toaster using The Garage Journal mobile app

I can appreciate the work that goes into the details! If it doesn’t have the correct look, it isn’t correct [emoji51]


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[kirk69nova]

Still looking for one of these, what do you all think of this one? $70 dollars and looks like its in nice condition.

https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/79227777_1464054183743131_9063829923252142080_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ohc=YvNwcOK0WlQAQkmjyTLgLpwT2_pvSUaAT7_umy-hhH9PxXL_893ebQ_vg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.**&oh=3a323e159c948ba0a25644fd78d965bc&oe=5E875793
https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/78395884_1464054207076462_3067913139740737536_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ohc=ZpgzTjsjGyYAQl49Bs2R-EUYdB3fRggzFyoyVy8MGIhxGMpfvZVUUNntw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.**&oh=c5173ccc9c97d8fd3f478a1b96e29ee0&oe=5E8BF415
https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/77222439_1464054197076463_2811416558952251392_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ohc=NWpTfKb9ClgAQnkh0Lf7VQRrYUoX4N2ZucfmWvSWWNOFSSGq0qhBm1uPQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.**&oh=1430a9153ae7264d48d330869be1f43b&oe=5E737306

 

[Smokeshow69]

Still looking for one of these, what do you all think of this one? $70 dollars and looks like its in nice condition.



https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/79227777_1464054183743131_9063829923252142080_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ohc=YvNwcOK0WlQAQkmjyTLgLpwT2_pvSUaAT7_umy-hhH9PxXL_893ebQ_vg&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.**&oh=3a323e159c948ba0a25644fd78d965bc&oe=5E875793

https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/78395884_1464054207076462_3067913139740737536_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ohc=ZpgzTjsjGyYAQl49Bs2R-EUYdB3fRggzFyoyVy8MGIhxGMpfvZVUUNntw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.**&oh=c5173ccc9c97d8fd3f478a1b96e29ee0&oe=5E8BF415

https://scontent-iad3-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/77222439_1464054197076463_2811416558952251392_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ohc=NWpTfKb9ClgAQnkh0Lf7VQRrYUoX4N2ZucfmWvSWWNOFSSGq0qhBm1uPQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.**&oh=1430a9153ae7264d48d330869be1f43b&oe=5E737306

Price depends on your location but that one looks very nice! Looks like it is a 40’s based on the color of the paint. I can’t quite make out the date on the motor?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[lafester]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Looks good to me, just the one broken knob. Easy to sell them for $150 if you don't like it.

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[FrankLee]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Still looking for one of these, what do you all think of this one? $70 dollars and looks like its in nice condition.

Price depends on your location but that one looks very nice! Looks like it is a 40’s based on the color of the paint. I can’t quite make out the date on the motor?

Looks good to me, just the one broken knob. Easy to sell them for $150 if you don't like it.

That is a good price if parts are in good condition. In addition to the broken feed handle, the cast head frame handle and cast table handle are missing or not shown.

The battleship gray paint was used from the earliest King-Seeley models through 1956.

Because there are machine screws holding on the head frame trim panel, that machine is no later than a 1950 model. Other early features are the non-safety collar on the chuck and hex nuts in the head frame, table and quill locks.


There's one other difference on machines of that vintage that's never been mentioned before. The center of the feed handle hub has a larger diameter than later models.

If you get that machine, I have a broken handle from dp#65 that you can have. It has full threads, but the small end is broken. You should be able to use both to make one acceptable handle.
Broken knob shown here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8086835



.

 

[jbltwin1]

I'd do $70 and I don't NEED it! Dang. Mike.

 

[GreyEyes]

Point out the broken knob and the missing table and head lock handles and offer less.
The quill is not fully retracted so check for a broken spring. May just need to be adjusted. Hard to tell from the pic but it looks like the knurled tension knob lock may have been replaced with a hex head bolt. (or the knurl could just be dirty and doesn't show well in the picture).

The paint looks good and the rust on the center band on the motor looks very light, should polish up pretty well.

 

[itsDROCK]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Hey guys I bought a DP (photos on the previous page) that I’m cleaning up. It has over spray from white spray paint that I can’t get off. I’ve tried Grez Off and Cleaner Wax. Wiped off with paper towel didn’t do much. Green scotch brite was too abrasive. Going to try laying a Simple Green soaked paper towel on the paint. Open to any other ideas before I just button her back up and call it a day. Thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DaveT]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Hey guys I bought a DP (photos on the previous page) that I’m cleaning up. It has over spray from white spray paint that I can’t get off. I’ve tried Grez Off and Cleaner Wax. Wiped off with paper towel didn’t do much. Green scotch brite was too abrasive. Going to try laying a Simple Green soaked paper towel on the paint. Open to any other ideas before I just button her back up and call it a day. Thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have not tried this myself but I have seen other post that digest oven cleaner.

 

[FrankLee]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Hey guys I bought a DP (photos on the previous page) that I’m cleaning up. It has over spray from white spray paint that I can’t get off. I’ve tried Grez Off and Cleaner Wax. Wiped off with paper towel didn’t do much. Green scotch brite was too abrasive. Going to try laying a Simple Green soaked paper towel on the paint. Open to any other ideas before I just button her back up and call it a day. Thanks.

Maybe a clay bar?

 

[atch]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Hey guys I bought a DP (photos on the previous page) that I’m cleaning up. It has over spray from white spray paint that I can’t get off. I’ve tried Grez Off and Cleaner Wax. Wiped off with paper towel didn’t do much. Green scotch brite was too abrasive. Going to try laying a Simple Green soaked paper towel on the paint. Open to any other ideas before I just button her back up and call it a day. Thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I would suggest you try lacquer thinner on some place that won't show to make sure that it won't remove the original paint. I've found that it removes spray paint. I believe that acetone will do the same thing.

 

[sheltonfilms]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Wonder if a Mr Clean Magic eraser would work?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[itsDROCK]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Thanks for the suggestions so far. I forgot to add I did try a Magic Eraser too. Didn’t work great and got torn up easily.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ClappedOutBport]

Xylene is the solvent for spray paint. It'll tear it up, but it at the least it will lighten and remove some of the below paint. Worse it may remove it too. The olde/globbier the over-spray the harder it is to remove.

 

[bmihlfeith]

Finally found one!

It has all the bells and whistles - Vari-Slo, table lift, accessory light (not shown in pics) and the guy even had an extra "industrial" table (which I'm going to use) that also has an accessory table with it.

It was in good condition, not a single mark on either of the THREE tables. I went ahead and broke it down for a good cleaning and painting because it was filthy.

Anyone know where the slotted table may have come from?

The table lift doesn't work with the larger table as is (it works fine with the stock table.) I think I'm going to use a piece of pvc or abs pipe with a >2.75" ID and use it between the table lift and the bottom of the bigger table. I think that will allow it to lift the table without any interference. The bottom side of the larger table doesn't allow for unimpeded contact with the table lift mechanism. The pipe, think "spacer", should slide in without interfering, I'm hoping anyway.

 

[lafester]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

That table came from a 3rd gen Emerson commercial version. Looks like a good score to me!

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using Tapatalk

 

[Smokeshow69]

Finally found one!



It has all the bells and whistles - Vari-Slo, table lift, accessory light (not shown in pics) and the guy even had an extra "industrial" table (which I'm going to use) that also has an accessory table with it.



It was in good condition, not a single mark on either of the THREE tables. I went ahead and broke it down for a good cleaning and painting because it was filthy.



Anyone know where the slotted table may have come from?



The table lift doesn't work with the larger table as is (it works fine with the stock table.) I think I'm going to use a piece of pvc or abs pipe with a >2.75" ID and use it between the table lift and the bottom of the bigger table. I think that will allow it to lift the table without any interference. The bottom side of the larger table doesn't allow for unimpeded contact with the table lift mechanism. The pipe, think "spacer", should slide in without interfering, I'm hoping anyway.

Well don’t you ****! That is one loaded up drill press. Very nice


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[bmihlfeith]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Good to know. Not sure why the PO would add the table, but I like it. It adds quite a bit of heft to the machine.

 

[bmihlfeith]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Well don’t you ****! That is one loaded up drill press. Very nice

yeah yeah....I got a fairly good deal. Paid $225 for it but had to drive 2 hours each way to get it. Arizona is a desert, a desert for machine tools too!

While this is a good deal and a "you ****!" I've overpaid for quite a few of my other "nice" tools.

You quickly forget the price if you get the right tool. A good deal you just might remember a little longer.

I have three FPU Polish vises....one I basically stole, one I got a fair deal on, and one I bought on the online auction site....paid too much, but I wanted it.

I also just got the score of a lifetime where I picked up about $10k worth of tools and tooling for $300....right time, right place. So I expect to have a very long drought of good deals and paying too much.

Just like everyone says....patience, and be willing to drive and more patience! I've been looking for this DP for over three years now.

 

[FrankLee]

Finally found one!

It has all the bells and whistles - Vari-Slo, table lift, accessory light (not shown in pics) and the guy even had an extra "industrial" table (which I'm going to use) that also has an accessory table with it.

It was in good condition, not a single mark on either of the THREE tables. I went ahead and broke it down for a good cleaning and painting because it was filthy.

Anyone know where the slotted table may have come from?

The table lift doesn't work with the larger table as is (it works fine with the stock table.) I think I'm going to use a piece of pvc or abs pipe with a >2.75" ID and use it between the table lift and the bottom of the bigger table. I think that will allow it to lift the table without any interference. The bottom side of the larger table doesn't allow for unimpeded contact with the table lift mechanism. The pipe, think "spacer", should slide in without interfering, I'm hoping anyway.

Welcome! Sweet find!

 

[smalltown]

Looks like a drill press on day one !

 

[atch]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

yeah yeah....I got a fairly good deal. Paid $225 for it but had to drive 2 hours each way to get it...

There's definitely suckage here. Those table lifts go for way more than what you paid in total (of course you already know that).

 

[Outlawmws]

Awesome find!

 

[FrankLee]

dp#76

I picked up dp#76 last evening in Flint, Mi. It was a major challenge to complete the deal, but it was worthwhile.

A big shout-out and thank-you to GJ member alinc100 for another great lead! The seller's ad had none of the obvious search keywords I use, only the two pictures below of the drill press in a group of other garage stuff. I never would have found it without his tip.

The machine is a pre-'51 Craftsman 100 model 103.23140 with plenty of great options and accessories. I didn't have a chance to unload it and thoroughly check things out last night, but I think it's all there and in good shape.

​

12/7/2019 @ 09:00

I've got the machine unloaded and moved to the basement, the head frame dismantled and parts initially inspected. For the most part, everything looks very good.

• The spindle pulley retaining screws were both snapped... somewhat common. One of the remaining portions of the screws backed out grudgingly. The slot on the other screw is fubar, so that will need some attention.
• The top edge of the small step of the spindle pulley is damaged. It looks like it was scraping something, perhaps the V-S, but I haven't seen any evidence of that on the V-S yet. That small step would rarely be used anyway, so it's a minor issue.
• The Vari-Slo looks very good. No breaks. Still assembled and dirty.
• The H&TL looks very good. Still assembled and dirty.
• The Delta lamp looks good. The brackets are slightly bent and the cord needs replacing, but that's typical on these.
• The hold-down clamp looks very good.
• The motor has a date code of G1 48 and a rather large dent on the badge/band.
• The vise? Well, it's a cheap import, but it works. Still dirty.
• As a bonus, I found a column sleeve insert for an MSA in the top of the column. I thought that was interesting.

​

12/17/2019

The table lift cleaned up beautifully!

​

1/3/2020

The refurb of dp#76 is complete... another nice one!

​

 

[GreyEyes]

Dang FrankLee, you have been on quite a roll here the last few weeks!

 

[smalltown]

Odd how so many vari-slow drill presses are popping up for sale. I've only seen one for sale about a month ago and it was gone in moments.

Another great looking unit Frank !

 

[FrankLee]

Dang FrankLee, you have been on quite a roll here the last few weeks!

Yeah... Fourteen DP's since Aug 28th. Eleven were/are refurbs, two were flipt as-is, and only one was a part-out. Refurbs of dp#75 and dp#76 to start yet (although I did already get the head frame on dp#76 completely dismantled this morning ).

Then, in addition, there were all the other machines.

Odd how so many vari-slow drill presses are popping up for sale. I've only seen one for sale about a month ago and it was gone in moments.

Another great looking unit Frank !

Thanks. Yes, Vari-Slo's and head & table lifts too. I've had two H&TL's recently and a few others have posted theirs as well.

 

[FrankLee]

That is awe inspiring.

I've seen the chain style table lifts that Craftsman used that they called the "Pressmate" (pn 27587), but were the rod type lifts also a Craftsman oem part? Do you have any part number info?

All the pics I see of them simply have the Patent No.

The screw crank lifts were Atlas made and offered in Craftsman catalogs between 1941 and 1960. The catalog number for that Atlas lift is 2419.

There are several links under the Options and Accessories section in the first post with lots of info.



.

 

[Billnis]

I just finished assembling my DP, I would be really happy with the results if it wasn't for a bad vibration when I raise or lower the quill. Does anyone have any Ideas that could be causing my problem. I replaced all of the bearings and lubed all of the surfaces that needed it. My DP is a 13 1/2" model 100 from the early 50's vintage. If I run the DP without moving the quill it runs smoothly. Only during the quill movement, up or down and the full length of travel the handle vibrates really bad. When I stop the movement it is smooth. I haven't checked the run out. I don't have a gauge to do that.

Thanks for any thoughts on what could be my problem.

Bill

 

[FrankLee]

I just finished assembling my DP, I would be really happy with the results if it wasn't for a bad vibration when I raise or lower the quill. Does anyone have any Ideas that could be causing my problem. I replaced all of the bearings and lubed all of the surfaces that needed it. My DP is a 13 1/2" model 100 from the early 50's vintage. If I run the DP without moving the quill it runs smoothly. Only during the quill movement, up or down and the full length of travel the handle vibrates really bad. When I stop the movement it is smooth. I haven't checked the run out. I don't have a gauge to do that.

Thanks for any thoughts on what could be my problem.

Bill

Very nice refurb! Hopefully, we can help resolve your problem.

Lots of questions:

• Are the new bearings correct size?
• Is the belt new?
  Old belts can retain memory of pulley radii.
• Is the belt too stiff?
  Even new belts can be too stiff.
• Where is the belt positioned on the pulleys?
  High spindle speed will amplify problems
• How tight is belt tension?
  Belts that are too tight can amplify problems.
• Any visible run out at the motor pulley?
  Not likely your problem if it's running smoothly without feed.
• Is the spindle pulley assembly fully seated into the head frame?
• Are the internal spindle pulley splines worn?

 

[GreyEyes]

I haven't checked the run out. I don't have a gauge to do that.

Chuck something up that is straight and about a foot long. (The axle shaft salvaged from an old printer is perfect for this) If the runout is bad it will be very visible. This would cause vibration all the time though, not just when you are moving the quill.

Very nice refurb! Hopefully, we can help resolve your problem.

Lots of questions:

• Is the spindle pulley assembly fully seated into the head frame?
• Are the internal spindle pulley splines worn?

^^^^These would be the 2 things I would check first.^^^^

Also, did you grease the splines during reassembly?
Does the quill move freely and quietly when not running?
Does it do this both when drilling something and running under no load?

 

[Billnis]

Lots of questions:

• Are the new bearings correct size?
  Yes they are correct.
  Quill Bearings - 6202-ZZ-10 5/8" Bore
  Pulley Bearings - 6205-ZZE
• Is the belt new?
  I have tried the old belt and I bought a link belt, both act the same.
• Where is the belt positioned on the pulleys?
  High spindle speed will amplify problems
  I have tried both the old and new belts in both the top and bottom positions.
• How tight is belt tension?
  Belts that are too tight can amplify problems.
  I have adjusted both tight and loose, no change.
• Any visible run out at the motor pulley?
  Not likely your problem if it's running smoothly without feed.
  Not that I can see
• Is the spindle pulley assembly fully seated into the head frame?
  I will check this out and update you.
• Are the internal spindle pulley splines worn?
  Maybe, apparently the end got pressed in a little when I was removing the bearings from the pulley. To get the spindle to fit, I had the file the slots a little just at the end. It goes up and down but not quite as smoothly as before, seems a little tight still.

By the questions you asked, I am suspecting the spindle pulley is possibly damaged and needing to be replaced.

The drill press did work before disassembly, but it ran loud. I thought it was just bad bearings. It runs much quieter now until I raise or lower it. The drill press has been in my possession for the last 20+ years and I use it only occasionally. Before that it was my Father's who I believe purchased it new.

 

[Billnis]

Also, did you grease the splines during reassembly?
Yes.
Does the quill move freely and quietly when not running?
It is a little tight up and down.
Does it do this both when drilling something and running under no load?
Both, about the same.

 

[GreyEyes]

Lots of questions:

[*]Are the internal spindle pulley splines worn?
Maybe, apparently the end got pressed in a little when I was removing the bearings from the pulley. To get the spindle to fit, I had the file the slots a little just at the end. It goes up and down but not quite as smoothly as before, seems a little tight still.
[/LIST]

By the questions you asked, I am suspecting the spindle pulley is possibly damaged and needing to be replaced.

Does the quill move freely and quietly when not running?
It is a little tight up and down.

Try more filing before condemning it. It has to move freely or it will chatter when going up and down. Examine the end where it was mushroomed over closely. If there are no cracks in it you should be able to file it enough to free it up. If it doesn't move freely it could also lead to the quill return spring being over tensioned so it is important to loosen it up.

 

[Outlawmws]

Also check the quill splines for any dings/roughness...

 

[FrankLee]

Try more filing before condemning it. It has to move freely or it will chatter when going up and down. Examine the end where it was mushroomed over closely. If there are no cracks in it you should be able to file it enough to free it up. If it doesn't move freely it could also lead to the quill return spring being over tensioned so it is important to loosen it up.

I concur.

The large diameter of the internal splines is ~5/8". The small diameter of the internal splines is ~1/2". The internal splines are ~5/8" long.

If the small id is mushroomed, use a 1/2" drill bit by hand to clean it up.

​

If the sides of the splines are also mushroomed, use a countersink style like shown to clean up the damaged splines from small id to large id. There should be plenty of spline remaining.

​

 

[Billnis]

My chatter problems are gone, thanks for the help.
I did what you suggested and now it runs true.
I think there is a little bit of excessive run out, but I think that has been there.
bit seems to wobble slightly until it contacts the material then it runs true.
I did the testing with a 2x4 so it was really soft wood. I can live with this problem unless someone knows an easy fix.
I am so glad this thread exists. Thanks so much.

Bill

 

[FrankLee]

My chatter problems are gone, thanks for the help.
I did what you suggested and now it runs true.
I think there is a little bit of excessive run out, but I think that has been there.
bit seems to wobble slightly until it contacts the material then it runs true.
I did the testing with a 2x4 so it was really soft wood. I can live with this problem unless someone knows an easy fix.
I am so glad this thread exists. Thanks so much.

Bill

Good news! Happy to help.

Regarding the wobble... did you remove the chuck from the spindle? If so, try removing again, thoroughly clean the male and female tapers, reinstall chuck 180 degrees and test again.

 

[itsDROCK]

Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press

Finally put her back together today. I disassembled and cleaned every part except for the motor. Disassembling the motor seemed intimidating to me being that it’s so old and I’m not well-versed in electrical. However, I did remove some of the old bearing grease and added oil to each bearing. I replaced the four bearings on the drill press itself too.

The white overspray was very difficult to remove and I ended up leaving it as you see in the photos. Too much of the original paint was coming off, exposing bare metal, and I decided not to go any further.

The work light doesn’t like to stay put. I may replace it down the road if it proves to be worthless. As for the column, i used the wire wheel on my craftsman block grinder because it was quick and easy. Sanding by hand, although much more time consuming, would have made for a better end result in my opinion. Thanks to FrankLee and everyone else who participates in this thread. It is a great resource and influenced me to pick up a craftsman instead of another brand.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk