Craftsman Drill Press

[FrankLee]

dp#89

I brought home dp#89 this afternoon. It's a very early Craftsman 100, model 103.23130.

The lock handles are missing from the table and head frame. Both prongs are broken off the tension knob. The motor is a rather anemic GE 1/6 hp, 1725 rpm. The plug was removed, so I don't even know if it runs.

Regardless, I believe I have all parts in my inventory to make this a very nice refurb... as long as the original paint on the head and table cleans up nicely.

[URL="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50324157978_2b154c6f69_b.jpg"] [/URL]​

9/11/2020

I dismantled dp#89 this morning.

​

9/16/2020

I got that dp#89 parts bin up on the bench this morning, tore down the sub-assemblies and started cleaning and soaking parts. The bearings spent a couple cycles in the sonic cleaner already and they're looking good so far.

The spindle measured an acceptable >0.003 run-out.




9/17/2020

Most of the small parts are cleaned. The bearings turned out very nice!

​

I'm waiting for my amazon order of Grez-Off to arrive before I can clean the cast iron.

 

[FrankLee]

reserved

 

[bubinga]

reserved

what does that mean Frank?

 

[softailgarage]

#89? Holy **** Frank, you ever consider getting help, you know, for that...drill press problem. It took me almost 3 years to find my first Craftsman, where do you find these?

 

[FrankLee]

dp#90

#89? Holy **** Frank, you ever consider getting help, you know, for that...drill press problem. It took me almost 3 years to find my first Craftsman, where do you find these?

What problem? To get help for a problem, you have to admit you have a problem. Oh, wait....

I am sick... I just bought drill press DP#4 only because it has a very nice head-frame band.

More proof... I went to get dp#90 this morning; a Craftsman 80, model 103.23640, with a few nice features. I thought the stand was cobbled together, but it actually is heavy duty and resembles the Delta style with the splayed feet. I haven't fully checked it out yet.

​

I find these machines on craigslist, facebook mp, garage sales, estate sales and occasionally referrals.



9/11/2020

I dismantled dp#90 this morning.

​

9/25/2020

DP#90 is coming along. This one is cleaning up nicely and will be the best of the last three.

​

 

[cclfn]

What problem? To get help for a problem, you have to admit you have a problem. Oh, wait....



More proof... I went to get dp#90 this morning; a Craftsman 80, model 103.23640, with a few nice features. I thought the stand was cobbled together, but it actually is heavy duty and resembles the Delta style with the splayed feet. I haven't fully checked it out yet.

Hey nice find Frank and I love the Delta retirement light on that one!
Wes

 

[FrankLee]

What problem? To get help for a problem, you have to admit you have a problem. Oh, wait....

I am sick... I just bought drill press DP#4 only because it has a very nice head-frame band.

More proof... I went to get dp#90 this morning; a Craftsman 80, model 103.23640, with a few nice features. I thought the stand was cobbled together, but it actually is heavy duty and resembles the Delta style with the splayed feet. I haven't fully checked it out yet.

Hey nice find Frank and I love the Delta retirement light on that one!
Wes

That was one reason I went for it. The MSA pulley and the two column collars were others.

That was an estate sale find and they only had that one picture. I thought it was a larger 100 model. https://www.estatesales.net/MI/Marine-City/48039/2605062

 

[Outlawmws]

what does that mean Frank?

For a related post that he knows he will need - I've done it on occasion.

 

[bubinga]

For a related post that he knows he will need - I've done it on occasion.

Ohhhhhhhhhh!! OK never saw that. Thank You!

 

[FrankLee]

Dp#91

I picked up dp#91 for a few parts for dp#88. It's an Atlas Craftsman 101.03622.

Three dp's in three days. I do need help. LoL!

​

9/12/2020

Dp#91 is mostly dismantled. There are more fubar parts than I expected, but the parts I need are in good shape.

​

Like most of the Atlas made drill presses, this column was difficult to remove. I had to use my make-shift press to extract it.

​

The column had a moderate amount of rust, so it spent about 22 hours soaking in citric acid.

Before
​

9/13/2020

Straight out of soaking chamber, no rinse


After light scrub with steel wool and rinse


After finishing sander


After "shoe-shine" sanding

​

9/13/2020

I could not remove the chuck from the spindle in the traditional way.. even with a pipe wrench on the thrust nut. So I had to modify the spindle press to accordingly.

​

Then, I had to dismantle the Supreme chuck and remove the pin and thrust collar from the spindle.

​

No wonder that chuck would not come off. It was J-B Welded on!

​

 

[Outlawmws]

Back getting tired? Maybe its time for an in-bed crane to do the lifting?

 

[RHJO51]

Worth $75? I messaged the seller....

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/320296895863247/?ref=messenger_banner

 

[FrankLee]

Worth $75? I messaged the seller....

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/320296895863247/?ref=messenger_banner

YES!!!! It has the ultra-rare cover. That's only the fourth cover I've ever seen.

 

[whateg01]

What does the cover rest on? what keeps it from falling rearward?

Dave

 

[FrankLee]

What does the cover rest on? what keeps it from falling rearward?

Dave

The post at the link below has all the information I discovered about the cover.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7182194

 

[bubinga]

Worth $75? I messaged the seller....

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/320296895863247/?ref=messenger_banner

YES!!!! It has the ultra-rare cover. That's only the fourth cover I've ever seen.

The post at the link below has all the information I discovered about the cover.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=7182194

IT's A "No Brainer"

 

[Smokeshow69]

YES!!!! It has the ultra-rare cover. That's only the fourth cover I've ever seen.

Super rare cover! That is a major you **** of the deal goes through!


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[RHJO51]

I purchased this DP. When I initially heard back from the seller he told me there was someone in front of me. Oh well, there goes that one. Surprisingly, he called me the next day to say the guy backed out and it was mine if I wanted it. I did, and after a 90 minute drive though the Bershires, I picked it up. Seller was asking $75 but told me the spindle was frozen and told me $40 was fine. Bingo, paid for my gas! Aside from the frozen spindle it's in decent shape. Missing one of the feed handles and the two knurled nuts for the depth stop. Under the false table top the table wasn't too bad and nothing JB Weld can't improve. Otherwise it seems complete.

It's a 100 series model 103.24820. I think this is mid 50s which could be the right time frame for the belt cover being original to the machine.

Looking at the belt cover, it's all there including the internal bracket. I think the chrome acorn nut on top is original because I can't beleive that craftsman would just have a nut there.

I was hoping the motor was orignial but I think from the tag it's 1962. Works, but a tad noisey.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I purchased this DP. When I initially heard back from the seller he told me there was someone in front of me. Oh well, there goes that one. Surprisingly, he called me the next day to say the guy backed out and it was mine if I wanted it. I did, and after a 90 minute drive though the Bershires, I picked it up. Seller was asking $75 but told me the spindle was frozen and told me $40 was fine. Bingo, paid for my gas! Aside from the frozen spindle it's in decent shape. Missing one of the feed handles and the two knurled nuts for the depth stop. Under the false table top the table wasn't too bad and nothing JB Weld can't improve. Otherwise it seems complete.



It's a 100 series model 103.24820. I think this is mid 50s which could be the right time frame for the belt cover being original to the machine.



Looking at the belt cover, it's all there including the internal bracket. I think the chrome acorn nut on top is original because I can't beleive that craftsman would just have a nut there.



I was hoping the motor was orignial but I think from the tag it's 1962. Works, but a tad noisey.

You got that for $40[emoji15][emoji15][emoji15] major suckage! That cover is worth probably 3 times as much! Nicely done!


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[FrankLee]

I purchased this DP.
...
Seller was asking $75 but told me the spindle was frozen and told me $40 was fine.

...

Wow! Just WOW! Congrats!

Did you figure out what is frozen? Spindle or quill?

What are your plans for this machine?



WOW!



Your cover is more complete than mine was. When you get a chance, please review the Drill Press Cover post for accuracy and completeness.



I just went back through this thread and lost count. Is this dp#7 for you?

 

[RHJO51]

I will take pics of the cover and hardware and will post.

Yes, there have been quite a few DPs come and go but nothing like Frank!. I have two workshops - the outside workshop for warm weather and the basement shop for cold weather. That said, I have two DPs in each shop. Two floor models, one with a vari-slo, one with a variable speed motor. There is a benchtop 150 with a vari-slo, and the sweet Atlas with a MSA. I sold the matching Cratsman with the MSA. I added pics below. Not clear what I'll do with this one with the cover. I was thinking of putting the cover on my floor model but I think it's original to this Dp I just bought and I don't know if I want to seperate. I'll refurb this DP and see what's what.

That handle hub was rusted /frozen in the head. I removed everything I needed to, lots of penetrating solution, and slowly tapped it out using a socket and extension. Once it was out the spindle came right out. Fun project, moving slowly.. Thanks ! - Jim

 

[FrankLee]

I will take pics of the cover and hardware and will post.

Yes, there have been quite a few DPs come and go but nothing like Frank!. I have two workshops - the outside workshop for warm weather and the basement shop for cold weather. That said, I have two DPs in each shop. Two floor models, one with a vari-slo, one with a variable speed motor. There is a benchtop 150 with a vari-slo, and the sweet Atlas with a MSA. I sold the matching Cratsman with the MSA. I added pics below. Not clear what I'll do with this one with the cover. I was thinking of putting the cover on my floor model but I think it's original to this Dp I just bought and I don't know if I want to seperate. I'll refurb this DP and see what's what.

That handle hub was rusted /frozen in the head. I removed everything I needed to, lots of penetrating solution, and slowly tapped it out using a socket and extension. Once it was out the spindle came right out. Fun project, moving slowly.. Thanks ! - Jim

Very nice collection!

That rusted pinion shaft is a new one for me. I've never had or seen one seized like that.

 

[lafester]

I wonder if they broke the handle trying to free it without properly taking it apart.
Good deal though, even if there are broken parts.

 

[Eric827]

Here's my first post for the Craftsman Drill Press thread. I'm usually lurking on the vise forum. Tonight I came home with a $50 CraigsList purchase on a really nice, nearly original .0305 Mohawk DP. Bought it from a guy who was moving out of state. It's mounted on a sturdy wooden cabinet. Even came with a nice generic drill vise. Motor has been replaced sometime along the way with a AOSmith 3/4 HP unit. Everything else has the original dark green paint and the paint condition is at least a B+ grade, maybe better. I've got it wiped down with WD40 just to remove some dust and light crud The only bummer is a hand-cut notch in the side of the mohawk cover. I guess it was done to allow the hinged section flip over when the spindle was in the up position? Ir runs really nice and smooth now and I haven't even tried doing any kind of maintenance yet. Needs only a little bit of scotch brite work on the base and the table and it will be most of the way there. I'll get some pictures posted soon.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Very nice collection!

That rusted pinion shaft is a new one for me. I've never had or seen one seized like that.

That is an odd one... at least it is easy to get to!


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[Smokeshow69]

Here's my first post for the Craftsman Drill Press thread. I'm usually lurking on the vise forum. Tonight I came home with a $50 CraigsList purchase on a really nice, nearly original .0305 Mohawk DP. Bought it from a guy who was moving out of state. It's mounted on a sturdy wooden cabinet. Even came with a nice generic drill vise. Motor has been replaced sometime along the way with a AOSmith 3/4 HP unit. Everything else has the original dark green paint and the paint condition is at least a B+ grade, maybe better. I've got it wiped down with WD40 just to remove some dust and light crud The only bummer is a hand-cut notch in the side of the mohawk cover. I guess it was done to allow the hinged section flip over when the spindle was in the up position? Ir runs really nice and smooth now and I haven't even tried doing any kind of maintenance yet. Needs only a little bit of scotch brite work on the base and the table and it will be most of the way there. I'll get some pictures posted soon.

Hopefully you will post pictures sooner than later? Jocosawdust has a really nice original one as well


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[Eric827]

Here are the pictures Smokeshow. I'll need to replace the power cord. The plug is an old timey design and is cracked and damaged (still works, but probably not safe). Note the custom epoxy "strain relief" for the power cord connection to the motor.

 

[Eric827]

I looked up the pictures Jocosawdust had of his. Now that one is really nice in its current state, as is the one FrankLee had posted. I'll hope to get mine that nice.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Here are the pictures Smokeshow. I'll need to replace the power cord. The plug is an old timey design and is cracked and damaged (still works, but probably not safe). Note the custom epoxy "strain relief" for the power cord connection to the motor.

Heck of a find! Not many that nice any more. The cover can be fixed


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[FrankLee]

Here are the pictures Smokeshow. I'll need to replace the power cord. The plug is an old timey design and is cracked and damaged (still works, but probably not safe). Note the custom epoxy "strain relief" for the power cord connection to the motor.

Heck of a find! Not many that nice any more. The cover can be fixed

Yes, very nice!

Is your spring OK?



That floor-standing mohawk is still listed in AA. I wonder what's going on with that one.

I generally don't post referrals, but here's an uncommon floor-standing mohawk drill press on craigslist in se MI. Pictures are the obligatory poor quality, but the price is right.

https://annarbor.craigslist.org/tls/d/ann-arbor-craftsman-drillpress/7185872640.html

 

[Eric827]

FrankLee, The spring is there, but the handle doesn't quite return on its own. I don't know if its just a little cruddy in there or if has lost spring tension. I'm planning to do a teardown and get everything back to working order.

Smokeshow, you mentioned that the cover could be fixed. I guess maybe if a patch was cut and carefully welded back in place and then ground down. I don't do any welding but maybe it would be possible to have somebody tack it up for me.

 

[bubinga]

I purchased this DP. When I initially heard back from the seller he told me there was someone in front of me. Oh well, there goes that one. Surprisingly, he called me the next day to say the guy backed out and it was mine if I wanted it. I did, and after a 90 minute drive though the Bershires, I picked it up. Seller was asking $75 but told me the spindle was frozen and told me $40 was fine. Bingo, paid for my gas! Aside from the frozen spindle it's in decent shape. Missing one of the feed handles and the two knurled nuts for the depth stop. Under the false table top the table wasn't too bad and nothing JB Weld can't improve. Otherwise it seems complete.

It's a 100 series model 103.24820. I think this is mid 50s which could be the right time frame for the belt cover being original to the machine.

Looking at the belt cover, it's all there including the internal bracket. I think the chrome acorn nut on top is original because I can't beleive that craftsman would just have a nut there.

I was hoping the motor was orignial but I think from the tag it's 1962. Works, but a tad noisey.

Oh, So You got it then?
Good Score!!!!!~

 

[Smokeshow69]

FrankLee, The spring is there, but the handle doesn't quite return on its own. I don't know if its just a little cruddy in there or if has lost spring tension. I'm planning to do a teardown and get everything back to working order.

Smokeshow, you mentioned that the cover could be fixed. I guess maybe if a patch was cut and carefully welded back in place and then ground down. I don't do any welding but maybe it would be possible to have somebody tack it up for me.

That was my thoughts on the patch. Spot welding as opposed to a full bead would lead to less heat distortion. I bet you could mix up some paint to touch up that spot pretty easily! I sure wish one of those would pop up in my area!


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[Outlawmws]

So is that cover aluminum, or CI?

 

[y'sguy]

So, here is my overhaul of my recent C List find. I'm still working out some details on it before I call it done.
I have some new feed handles on the way. And I may redo the switch that I mounted on the side without the metal housing and just put it directly in the side of the head, cord and all.

Everything runs, works smooth and quiet.

BUT!, I removed the Jacobs chuck when I checked it over. It came off pretty easy I cleaned it but did not disassemble it. So now that I have it back together and checking run out, it has wobble in it. The chuck itself does run true so I think it is just the jaws of the chuck or the guts if you will. Do I disassemble it and inspect and repair it? Do the teeth need repair, filing? Or what is the recommended process from here? I did some checking on Jacobs website and found a repair kit for about $55 but don't want to bite off for that if not needed.

View media item 106756
View media item 106755​

Great thread and assistance on GJ for this project! Thank you very much.

 

[Outlawmws]

Most of the time its gunk and chips up inside, so a good cleaning and oiling often does the trick. You must have missed something or moved it to a worse spot.

 

[FrankLee]

So is that cover aluminum, or CI?

If you're asking about the mohawk belt cover, that is a couple pieces of sheet metal folded, formed and tack welded together.

The pre-war Atlas cover is two parts. The lower mount piece is cast iron, the upper cover is cast aluminum.

The '50s Craftsman cover is cast aluminum.

The 2nd gen Emerson covers are folded sheet metal with molded plastic components.

The 3rd gen Emerson covers are all plastic.

 

[FrankLee]

So, here is my overhaul of my recent C List find. I'm still working out some details on it before I call it done.
I have some new feed handles on the way. And I may redo the switch that I mounted on the side without the metal housing and just put it directly in the side of the head, cord and all.

Everything runs, works smooth and quiet.

Nice work!

The feed stop bracket looks low. Verify that it's fully seated onto the quill.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=8421465

BUT!, I removed the Jacobs chuck when I checked it over. It came off pretty easy I cleaned it but did not disassemble it. So now that I have it back together and checking run out, it has wobble in it. The chuck itself does run true so I think it is just the jaws of the chuck or the guts if you will. Do I disassemble it and inspect and repair it? Do the teeth need repair, filing? Or what is the recommended process from here? I did some checking on Jacobs website and found a repair kit for about $55 but don't want to bite off for that if not needed.

Great thread and assistance on GJ for this project! Thank you very much.

Most of the time its gunk and chips up inside, so a good cleaning and oiling often does the trick. You must have missed something or moved it to a worse spot.

Yes, the mating surfaces of the taper and chuck must be very clean. Inspect the taper for any defects or high spots and address.

Did you measure run-out before dismantling?

Just curious, did you remove the thrust collar from the spindle?

Below is an excerpt from a June 1951 owners manual. Use a very light weight oil film on the taper and chuck socket.

​

Another option is to mark the thrust collar and the chuck body with a sharpie. Remove the chuck and rotate the chuck body 90, 180, 270 degrees relative to the spindle and reinstall.

 

[RHJO51]

Hello All, here are some pics of the DP cover. It is aluminum. Frank, the parts are exactly the same as you wrote up and posted, the exception is the chrome acorn nut for the top. I that that is original. Works as you stated.

So I know this is a subjective question but what's this cover worth? I never saw one for sale. I don't know if I will keep it or sell it to fund other projects. I doubt keeping it with the DP will significantly raise the value of the DP once I refurb it. Just wondering.... Thanks!

 

[FrankLee]

Hello All, here are some pics of the DP cover. It is aluminum. Frank, the parts are exactly the same as you wrote up and posted, the exception is the chrome acorn nut for the top. I that that is original. Works as you stated.

So I know this is a subjective question but what's this cover worth? I never saw one for sale. I don't know if I will keep it or sell it to fund other projects. I doubt keeping it with the DP will significantly raise the value of the DP once I refurb it. Just wondering.... Thanks!

Thanks for checking and confirming.

Yeah, value is very subjective. There's not much selling history on these. Mine was in outstanding condition. I had it listed on ebay for $250 and didn't sell it.