Re: The Classic Craftsman 100/150 Drill Press
So, yes to those who spotted the headstock sitting near the floor base. This is the ultra-rare 103.0304, which is believed to only have been made in 1942 and shipped directly to store. It does not show up in any catalog. This is the history behind my search. Long story ahead, machine details will be in a following post.
This search started about 10-11 years ago, when I was living in Pittsburgh. Got a 103.0303 (benchtop version) from a mechanics shop off a CL ad. There were no pictures, and simply said "Old vintage drill press, $30". Which could mean just about anything in the rust belt. Had the pulley cover, but was missing the vertical Craftsman nameplate. Finally, I figured out what it was by the model tag (originally covered in grease). One of the first larger tools I bought out of college. Once I started looking into it, and read about the floor model, I knew that would be the unicorn search and eventual keeper. Meanwhile, the little benchtop has been a workhorse this entire time
Maybe a couple of years ago, a buddy sent me a CL link to what appeared to be a 0304, for a premium price, considering condition (IIRC, it was about $250-300, and decently rough looking). Drove out to one of the sketchiest houses I have ever been to, in the middle of nowhere, to find the reason it was tall was they had coupled two different columns together (neither was oem), and had a patio umbrella base.Needless to say, I passed.
I did see one other one listed about a year ago, again pretty rough shape. Guy wanted $450, and wouldnt budge, as he knew how rare they were. As much as I had been searching, at heart I couldnt justify paying that for what was mostly a carcass.
And now the fun circumstances around this saga:
My 6yo son just left on Tuesday morning for Camp Grandma for a week, and we are ripping out a bathroom down to the studs, moving all the plumbing, and then tiling and hopefully being able to finish everything in about a week. Dumpster showed up Wed morning.
Same Tuesday, I had spotted a industrial shop liquidating a few things, and was able to snag a DoAll 16" bandsaw for $100. I didnt actually know exactly what it was, but it looked big, and they said it ran, so for $100, pretty safe bet. Talked my wife into letting me go grab it. Of course, what was supposed to be 2.5hrs turned into about 4-5hrs. So she was already not happy with me when I finally got home When I was talking with the guy and loading it up, a friend sends me a text that just says "Start driving" and a Craigslist link. Open it up, and my heart stops for a second. WORST POSSIBLE TIMING! Finished up loading and called my friend. He was nice enough to talk with the seller, and get some details for me. They were cleaning out Dad's house, and needed it gone by the weekend.
Also, it was on the other side of Colorado, about a 5hr drive one-way.
At this point, my mind starts to run thru possibilities. How can I somehow make this work? What if I wake up at 2-3am, leave and be back noon? Or leave at 3-4, and get back past midnight? I get home (remember, my wife already isnt happy), and try to break the news gently. Doesnt go great, but I finally convince her that if I am willing to drive this far, it must be big deal. So in return for not buying (or even allowed to browse CL or FB) until early August, I got permission to go on Wed. at a decent time, so I could be rested enough to keep working the next day.
Woke up, packed some snacks and did some quick demo on the bathroom. Dumpster was supposed to get dropped off at 10ish, so I told the guy I should arrive by 4 (figured I would leave by 11 at the latest). All went according to plan, and I was on my way at 11. About 2:30-3hrs in, all of a sudden I hit stopped traffic on I-70. In a valley between mountains with no service... Turns out that right before a tunnel where they were already doing construction, there was an accident/fire, and shut down the highway...
FOR TWO HOURS! For those who dont know Colorado, a detour would have taken at least 3.5hrs to go around, even if I knew about it beforehand. Instead, I was stuck with everyone else, with all of our cars off, and people stretching and taking walks. During this time, 4pm was quickly approaching. The only thing going thru my head was that if I drove 3hrs, then got stuck for 2hrs, only for this guy to think I was a No-Show and sell it, I was going to lose my mind. One of the people near me was able to get some texts in and out semi-successfully. He was nice enough to text the seller and just say "Accident in Glenwood Canyon, Drill press buyer still on his way". Everything cleared up and I could get service at about 4:15. Called the seller, who was fine with the delay. With that weight off, called my wife to let her know I had gotten stuck, but was moving again.
Btw, first text I get once I get service again? From my friend, reading "Hows the drive going?"...
Finally arrive to the seller about 630. Look over the press (even though in my mind, I am not leaving without it unless something is VERY WRONG). All looks great. I asked if there was anything else they were trying to get rid of, as I had seen a Long C grinder next to it in the listing (see attachment). Turns out they were going to keep that, but I got a 15x18 webbed surface plate. The guy tells me that the drill press is pretty heavy, so I should back up as close as I can. Once we verified it was running, and I paid him, I asked if I could borrow a flathead screwdriver. Removed the two screws on the motor mount that prevent removal, wiggled motor off, dropped it off in the trunk. Head removal was next, and was a breeze, same with the table. Lastly, I just picked up the column and base, and loaded it. The couple were just staring at me slack-jawed. Turns out they also live near Denver (about an hour from me), but because it was so heavy, they didnt feel like it was worth it trying to get it home...
Part of me was upset they had me drive 5hrs to pick it up, instead of an hour, but I also had a feeling it wouldnt have been for sale if it made the trip. So in the end, it worked out. Right before I left, he asked me both what it was worth, and why I was willing to drive so far for it. I told him that I see very clean drill presses sell for about 200-250 in Denver and then told them the history of this unit. Explained that it was not the capacity or features that made me want it, but rather the "cool old tool" factor. They asked if I was interested in some other stuff, and was invited to their yardsale in August. Got back in the car, drove home and arrived bust before midnight. 13hrs total on the road, and about 620 miles round tip. Easily qualifies as the furthest I have travelled for a machine, and probably will stand for quite some time.
And the best part...Is that it still fits in the overall "purchasing plan" for the garage. What started out as happenstance has become a trend and now almost an unspoken mandate. All large power tools were purchased below original list/catalog price (not inflation compensated, but ad price).This includes everything including the Knee Mill, Metal Lathe, Unisaw, both bandsaws (12, 18"), grinders, sanders, etc.
So if I count the motor on it as being the pricing of a DP with motor, it still qualifies for under original retail. 103.0303 pricing (benchtop) was 39.95, Atlas benchtop was 44.95 (so a $5 difference). The Atlas floor model with a 1/2hp motor (which this has, but it is a 1950 motor) was 65.95. Subtract the $5 "premium" for industrial duty (Atlas) vs heavy duty (Mohawk), and I am at 60.95...And the machine was $60. I do have a period correct Long C motor to put on the back.
Interesting factoid...The floor model without a motor was 48.95 (so $4 difference between bench and floor model), but to add a motor was between $13-17 (bench offered 1/3, floor was 1/2 offered).
The attached picture is from the ad. I will detail the good/bad in another post, and plan on doing a full tear-down with documentation, along with my '47 CM 100 DP That way people can see similarities and differences. I am also keeping the '47, as I have a vari-slow to mount on the top.
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