Craftsman Drill Press
- Thread starter FrankLee
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smalltown
Well-known member
Whew !
Hoorn
Well-known member
When I posted my Craftsman drill press on this thread earlier this year, it was a 150. I have since found an early 1958 100 in power bronze and did a swap out. I also found a very good condition MSA for under $100. I've just put the motor back together (again), this time with an original sardine can capacitor and new bearings and it absolutely purrs.
The mobile base is also a new addition. I looked at so many different models and decided on the harbor freight. I hate saying that, but it just seemed to be the best designed in my opinion. I don't roll it around the workshop much but when I do it's pretty easy. You can see it has the hold downs but I typically don't need them because the Press does not move whatsoever when in use.
The mobile base is also a new addition. I looked at so many different models and decided on the harbor freight. I hate saying that, but it just seemed to be the best designed in my opinion. I don't roll it around the workshop much but when I do it's pretty easy. You can see it has the hold downs but I typically don't need them because the Press does not move whatsoever when in use.
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DaveT
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Horn: That is a thing of beauty there sir. You do fantastic work
Deker
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Hoorn, that machine has all the bells and whistles. Absolutely gorgeous. All you're missing is a foot pedal switch!
Hoorn
Well-known member
Funny you should mention that Deker lol
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Good morning. This seems expensive.
1950's Craftsman Model 150 Drill Press w/ Variable Speed - tools -...
For sale is an original 1950s model 150 Craftsman drill press featuring the variable speed drive that is very hard to find. Makes woodworking or metalworking possible on the same machine with ease....
phoenix.craigslist.org
What is any old thing worth? Something is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.Good morning. This seems expensive.
1950's Craftsman Model 150 Drill Press w/ Variable Speed - tools -...
For sale is an original 1950s model 150 Craftsman drill press featuring the variable speed drive that is very hard to find. Makes woodworking or metalworking possible on the same machine with ease....phoenix.craigslist.org
Hoorn
Well-known member
$800 is crazy. Figure a vari-slo in "great condition" on its best day is worth $300. That means the rest of the machine is worth $500. It does not have the original motor, and it looks like someone drilled four holes in the head frame most likely for a receptacle box, further diminishing it's value. I'm all about power bronze, but that 150 without the vari-slo, with a desperate buyer would fetch $200. So it's very safe to say he's about $300 too high.
gatewaysysop
Well-known member
Mismatched motor and motor mount, swiss cheesed on the side from a previously installed switch box and at least two other places I can see. More surface rust and crud than you'd expect from Arizona unless it was stored outside at one time.
That one is a hard no for me. I did write to him about his price, he asked if I was interested in the press by itself, sans Vari-Slo, for $300. Hell @#$%ing no.
Personally, I would not have even bothered to remember this listing. Anyone asking over $400 for a 100 or 150 machine is not worth my time. I do not flip these machines and I only have 3 of them but I have had the opportunity to buy 15 or more since I started working on them. I never pay more than $100 per machine and I usually pay $50 per machine. Even with the vari-slo I still would not pay more than 100.
I am not sure why people are assuming that is not a Craftsman motor? I honestly can not tell from the pics other than the fact that it is dual shaft motor and the lower shaft has one of those shaft protective covers Frank talked about at one time. The motor mount looks correct and original, so I don’t know where that was coming from either. In fact, aside from the insane $800 asking price, the only issue I see is the 4 holes in the left side from a power switch box. The earlier style motor mount and floor plate along with the style of jacobs chuck and feed stop, I would assume this is an early 50s model. Really close to the 100-150 transition but someone with more experience would need to confirm this.
The side holes would not deter me if this thing was $50.00. The listing does say “I will consider offers but you need to haul it away.” I would offer him $80 bucks and se what he says. Leave him your contact information and tell him you will come and buy it same day. When he fails to sell it in a month, he may call you. Either way, you have nothing to lose.
I am not sure why people are assuming that is not a Craftsman motor? I honestly can not tell from the pics other than the fact that it is dual shaft motor and the lower shaft has one of those shaft protective covers Frank talked about at one time. The motor mount looks correct and original, so I don’t know where that was coming from either. In fact, aside from the insane $800 asking price, the only issue I see is the 4 holes in the left side from a power switch box. The earlier style motor mount and floor plate along with the style of jacobs chuck and feed stop, I would assume this is an early 50s model. Really close to the 100-150 transition but someone with more experience would need to confirm this.
The side holes would not deter me if this thing was $50.00. The listing does say “I will consider offers but you need to haul it away.” I would offer him $80 bucks and se what he says. Leave him your contact information and tell him you will come and buy it same day. When he fails to sell it in a month, he may call you. Either way, you have nothing to lose.
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Hoorn
Well-known member
While we all agree $800 is high, no more than $100 is "almost" insultingly low -because of the vari-slo, because the PO has identified the vari-slo and knows it has value. Even casual checking on the internet would reveal that that accessory is worth anywhere from $250 to $300 alone. Like it or not, those vari-slo's are commanding that kind of money and pretty easily at that.
Prices for 100/150 vary from state to state, but without any accessory, a clean 100/150 in SoCal can easily sell for $200 or more. All of the Atlas lifts and vari-slo's I have picked off so far are on machines ranging from $100 to $180, which is also an indicator that the PO does not know what they have, particularly in the case of an atlas head and table lift or they don't care and just want "grandpa's old drill press" out of the garage.
11b, I agree with you that drill holes in the headstock don't bother me as they could be easily repaired, I merely pointed it out because of the ludicrous asking price. When you ask that much you would expect the machine to have little to no flaws, as if it were a car.
My 100 has an MSA pulley, an Atlas lift and was painstakingly restored. Now I don't intend to sell it and I know you never get back what you put into it, but if I did want to sell it I would have to ask $800 or more. To me that would be reasonable. Between the atlas lift and the MSA pulley alone you are looking at around $900 on eBay and they wouldn't last 48 hours. The last Atlas lift I had I posted a picture on Instagram and within 15 minutes someone had sent me a private message and it was sold for $650. If someone offered me $100 for my 100 I would never respond or save their info.
You and I, and especially you, are savvy buyers and of course realize that these things do pop up occasionally for under $200 and would wait those out. But for the casual buyer who wants a King-Seeley made Craftsman drill press with a vari-slo, I dont think $3/350 would be unreasonable. At the very least it has resale value and they're not making anymore vari-slo's.
Prices for 100/150 vary from state to state, but without any accessory, a clean 100/150 in SoCal can easily sell for $200 or more. All of the Atlas lifts and vari-slo's I have picked off so far are on machines ranging from $100 to $180, which is also an indicator that the PO does not know what they have, particularly in the case of an atlas head and table lift or they don't care and just want "grandpa's old drill press" out of the garage.
11b, I agree with you that drill holes in the headstock don't bother me as they could be easily repaired, I merely pointed it out because of the ludicrous asking price. When you ask that much you would expect the machine to have little to no flaws, as if it were a car.
My 100 has an MSA pulley, an Atlas lift and was painstakingly restored. Now I don't intend to sell it and I know you never get back what you put into it, but if I did want to sell it I would have to ask $800 or more. To me that would be reasonable. Between the atlas lift and the MSA pulley alone you are looking at around $900 on eBay and they wouldn't last 48 hours. The last Atlas lift I had I posted a picture on Instagram and within 15 minutes someone had sent me a private message and it was sold for $650. If someone offered me $100 for my 100 I would never respond or save their info.
You and I, and especially you, are savvy buyers and of course realize that these things do pop up occasionally for under $200 and would wait those out. But for the casual buyer who wants a King-Seeley made Craftsman drill press with a vari-slo, I dont think $3/350 would be unreasonable. At the very least it has resale value and they're not making anymore vari-slo's.
I see we are into the philosophical part of the argument on what is an old Craftsman Drill Press and associated parts worth. What is any old thing worth? I am of the mind that most of this stuff, especially this homeowner Craftsman stuff, has little value until someone turns it into something with their sweat equity. Unmolested matters. I recently asked here about a perfect drill table. I just picked up a 150 ($60 for this one) with no drill holes at all in the table. No arc of shame or smile. Perfect. To me that would be worth a premium. Out of the 5 presses (1 Delta and 4 Craftsman) I have brought home from parts machines to project machines it is the only perfect one. The table on my 13" is good but not perfect. I am not all that interested in a varislow. So, it is doubtful I would pay a significant premium for it regardless of how much value others place on the feature. Does that mean I am not interested in owning one? No. It means I don't value it as highly as others do. I am a bit of a bottom feeder so there is that. Holes in the head to mount a box don't bother me. A 1" hole for a wire would bother me. I am not flipping these things so I don't value these things as other's do or as simply a parts list unless I need a part.
I look at the $800 as an absurd and laughable number for any Craftsman Drill Press. I also understand just wanting something and being willing to pay the price.
I look at the $800 as an absurd and laughable number for any Craftsman Drill Press. I also understand just wanting something and being willing to pay the price.
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Hoorn
Well-known member
Subroc, that sums it up well.
y'sguy
Well-known member
And I would like to add that needing one versus wanting one is always an issue. Lets be honest we think they look pretty cool in design. In most cases if you find a decent deal on one (getting harder to do) You can then invest a little time and money into it to have a decent and I might add average machine to drill holes in metal and wood.
Versus buying a brand new machine without the art deco design, but possibly a more capable precision way of STILL just drilling holes in wood and metal.
Glad I have mine, paid 50 for it I think, refurbed it without going overboard and it drills holes in wood and metal as accurately as and repetitively as I will ever need. It was a search out of obsession to find one I could rescue and refurb. I think most craftsman tools old and new are mostly average and not desireable to look at and use. except for THESE and there occasional pedestal stand makes them an even nicer catch.
I still like seeing what you guys find and put back into use, that is a cool thing.
Versus buying a brand new machine without the art deco design, but possibly a more capable precision way of STILL just drilling holes in wood and metal.
Glad I have mine, paid 50 for it I think, refurbed it without going overboard and it drills holes in wood and metal as accurately as and repetitively as I will ever need. It was a search out of obsession to find one I could rescue and refurb. I think most craftsman tools old and new are mostly average and not desireable to look at and use. except for THESE and there occasional pedestal stand makes them an even nicer catch.
I still like seeing what you guys find and put back into use, that is a cool thing.
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Hoorn, after re-reading my previous post, I realize it sounded abrasive and that was not my intent. If I offended anyone, please accept my apology. I was just typing what my though cloud popped out and not considering how it could be received.
I also agree that both you and I as well as many others here are a bit more knowledgeable about these DPs and the accessories; and yes we have more experience on how to locate and get good deals on these DPs.
Hoorn, Subroc, and y’sguy; you all make good point and I agree the value of these machines is intrinsic to each byer.
I also agree that both you and I as well as many others here are a bit more knowledgeable about these DPs and the accessories; and yes we have more experience on how to locate and get good deals on these DPs.
Hoorn, Subroc, and y’sguy; you all make good point and I agree the value of these machines is intrinsic to each byer.
Hoorn
Well-known member
No offense taken whatsoever. We're all different and come at these things differently.
Your opinions are as a savvy buyer looking for a machine for personal use, and GJ'ers wanting one for themselves should heed your advice. I flip/restore/part out these machines and look for profit margin and resale value. Often times when I sell a part or whole of these machines to guys we get talking, and I refer them to GJ, and in particular Franks thread and your restorations.
JoCoSawdust
Well-known member
DwightS
Well-known member
I have finally joined the Craftsman drill press club thanks to @JoCoSawdust. I reached out to him to see if he had any leads and he did. I’ve watched Craigslist for months with nothing showing up. He told me about one on Facebook that was local. The ad had it for $100. I went to look at it. It had thick steel plates over the base and table and a light switch in a stamped steel switch box mounted on the right side. The motor is a 1/2 hp Craftsman general purpose motor with the Crown Top logo, matching the head band. The owner, an auction/flea market flipper, plugged it in and I flipped the switch and it quietly spun to life. Very impressed with how quiet this thing was. I was sold. Got it down to $70.
When I got home, I removed the steel plates and I was disappointed to find a chunk busted out of the table. So…. If anyone has a good table laying around that they would like to offer up, I would appreciate a message.
For now, I’m just going to clean it up, replace the frayed belt, paint the base to cover up the red overspray and redo the switch. I really like the simulated Craftsman Powr Panl switch that @JoCoSawdust makes.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
When I got home, I removed the steel plates and I was disappointed to find a chunk busted out of the table. So…. If anyone has a good table laying around that they would like to offer up, I would appreciate a message.
For now, I’m just going to clean it up, replace the frayed belt, paint the base to cover up the red overspray and redo the switch. I really like the simulated Craftsman Powr Panl switch that @JoCoSawdust makes.
Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
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Hoorn
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Myers B
Well-known member
Well I just picked up my second drill press. I restored the first with help from the information in this thread.
I bought this press with the intent of taking the low speed pulley off and installing it on my 1957 100. However, I think I’m going to keep this one as well.
It has the optional collar lock and low speed pulley. It also has a light bulb added inside the head.
I did notice that the base is from a bench model, but the column is from a floor model. Was it ever an option to buy a press as this one is configured, or has the column or base been replaced later on in its life?
I am tempted to cut the column down in order to make a correct bench model, but thought I’d ask first.
I’ll be looking for a correct motor if anyone has one.
The last photo is my restored floor model that now has a twin.
I bought this press with the intent of taking the low speed pulley off and installing it on my 1957 100. However, I think I’m going to keep this one as well.
It has the optional collar lock and low speed pulley. It also has a light bulb added inside the head.
I did notice that the base is from a bench model, but the column is from a floor model. Was it ever an option to buy a press as this one is configured, or has the column or base been replaced later on in its life?
I am tempted to cut the column down in order to make a correct bench model, but thought I’d ask first.
I’ll be looking for a correct motor if anyone has one.
The last photo is my restored floor model that now has a twin.
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Hoorn
Well-known member
That's a nice looking 100 Myers. Between the 100/150 I like the power bronze 100 the most, and believe it had the shortest run of all the different configurations. You obviously know your way around a CDP based on that restoration.
If you're looking for a benchtop model, I can't see why you couldn't cleanly cut that column. I believe it's 33 in length for a bench top column. I definitely wouldn't use the benchtop base for a floor model sized column because that would make it overly top-heavy, unless you securely bolted it down.
Can you share how much you paid for it since it had the MSA pulley with it?
Myers B
Well-known member
Thanks Hoorn, it's in pretty good shape.
I paid $100 for it. I planned on taking the pulley off and reselling the rest of it, but I have a thing for power bronze apparently, so I think I'll hold on to it. My floor model will be my wood DP, and the new one will be dedicated to steel.
If it was offered this way from sears I'd keep it a floor model, but I think the column has been swapped out. I looked through several of the craftsman catalogs and couldn't find anything that showed or mentioned optional bases.. Shortening the column should be easy enough.
I paid $100 for it. I planned on taking the pulley off and reselling the rest of it, but I have a thing for power bronze apparently, so I think I'll hold on to it. My floor model will be my wood DP, and the new one will be dedicated to steel.
If it was offered this way from sears I'd keep it a floor model, but I think the column has been swapped out. I looked through several of the craftsman catalogs and couldn't find anything that showed or mentioned optional bases.. Shortening the column should be easy enough.
Hoorn
Well-known member
$100 for a power bronze 100 with an MSA pulley is a "you ****!" price. Well done!
I'm sure you've noticed those sell anywhere between $265/300 depending on condition. I had a vari-slo, but swapped it out with my MSA and couldn't be happier.
And no, Sears never offered a bench top style base with a floor model machine, or optional bases.
Myers B
Well-known member
I have been looking for the MSA pulley and the table lift. When I saw this one pop up on marketplace I jumped on it, as I knew I could take the pulley off and resell the rest for the same price easily. I've been looking for presses in the hopes of finding some with these rarer options. It seems like the only way to get them reasonably is to find them on a press.
I thought about a varislo, but I think I'll be happier with the MSA. It seems like a hassle free option that will work forever.. Now I just need to find a table lift.
I thought about a varislo, but I think I'll be happier with the MSA. It seems like a hassle free option that will work forever.. Now I just need to find a table lift.
Hoorn
Well-known member
Yes, I was so busy answering the question I failed to bring up how much eye candy is in that picture, including that articulated Heritage logo lamp. Nice setup there.
Man's gotta know when he posts on GJ, every nook and cranny of that picture is going to be dissected and guys will find every last tool in that frame even if there's only 5% of the tool visible lol.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
You mean like the 48-50 Ford Pickup hiding in the garage?
Hoorn
Well-known member
Exactly!
oldsfan442
Active member
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2011
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- 36
Well I'm pretty disappointed. I used to get notifications about updates to the website using Tapatalk. I haven't got any in a while and have missed out on numerous updates to this thread.
But I wanted to share the DP that I just picked up. Was over at my buddies house and happened to see it just sitting on the floor. It was his grandpa's and really didn't have any need for it since he has a newer one at his shop. He told me, if I wanted it, I could have it. Couldn't throw it in the truck fast enough. It doesn't have an on/off switch and the motor isn't original, but it works really well. Here's some pics. I don't really need it and may sell it but I just had to have it.
But I wanted to share the DP that I just picked up. Was over at my buddies house and happened to see it just sitting on the floor. It was his grandpa's and really didn't have any need for it since he has a newer one at his shop. He told me, if I wanted it, I could have it. Couldn't throw it in the truck fast enough. It doesn't have an on/off switch and the motor isn't original, but it works really well. Here's some pics. I don't really need it and may sell it but I just had to have it.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Sell the dinky one at the end of the bench, and keep this one.
oldsfan442
Active member
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2011
- Messages
- 36
I can't get rid of that one. I know it's cheap but I got it from a buddies dad who has since passed away.
When I said I didn't need this DP, it's not because I have that cheap DP. I have a full size 150 already.
Bryan
When I said I didn't need this DP, it's not because I have that cheap DP. I have a full size 150 already.
Bryan
Hoorn
Well-known member
This Furnas Electric Co. foot pedal was attached to a 1940s Atlas made Craftsman drill press I had purchased. After cleaning it up and going through it entirely I attached it to my 100 and enjoy being able to turn on the press with a touch of my foot.
The unit is extremely heavy for its size and is one of the more heavier duty, Industrial built tools I've gone through.
The unit is extremely heavy for its size and is one of the more heavier duty, Industrial built tools I've gone through.
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gatewaysysop
Well-known member
Haha! I feel into this trap as well, ended up keeping mine too. Quite a ways back now, but you can find the pics starting here.
I have no regrets about keeping it.
PacificaVette
Well-known member
I just picked up a bench top 150 drill press that a guy was selling locally. It's in pretty good shape, but the chuck was missing. Does anyone have a spare they would be willing to sell? Were there different sizes?
JoCoSawdust
Well-known member
Some nice finds in here lately!
Hoorn.....you have 472 Atlas lifts AND a foot switch! I'm envious!
olds442...nice find. You beat my 15 dollar find by getting that one for free! I just refurbed a Craftsman 80 like that, it now resides on my primary bench. I like it, close and handy for light duty tasks.
Dwight...glad I could help. Hate that the table is busted but it looks like Hoorn may have a solution for you. If you hit any rough spots, give me a holler. If you opt to change the bearings in the pulley, I've already fabricated the puller Frank concocted earlier in this thread and can save you some time there. Here's the link for the box I used for the switch box:
www.circuitspecialists.com
My thoughts on the Vari-Slo: I'm not impressed. I've been running one on a Crown 150 as my primary DP for about a year now. Delicate and noisy as hell. Completely ruins the soft hum of a well tuned DP. If I can find an intermediate pulley, I'll replace the VS. Big cool factor points with a VS but I don't find it to be a good design. I'll probably keep mine but mount it on a 100 or 150 bench model as part of the collection. Better seen then heard.
Hoorn.....you have 472 Atlas lifts AND a foot switch! I'm envious!
olds442...nice find. You beat my 15 dollar find by getting that one for free! I just refurbed a Craftsman 80 like that, it now resides on my primary bench. I like it, close and handy for light duty tasks.
Dwight...glad I could help. Hate that the table is busted but it looks like Hoorn may have a solution for you. If you hit any rough spots, give me a holler. If you opt to change the bearings in the pulley, I've already fabricated the puller Frank concocted earlier in this thread and can save you some time there. Here's the link for the box I used for the switch box:
New Hammond 1590N Die Cast Aluminum Enclosure - Electronic Enclosure | Circuit Specialists
www.circuitspecialists.com
My thoughts on the Vari-Slo: I'm not impressed. I've been running one on a Crown 150 as my primary DP for about a year now. Delicate and noisy as hell. Completely ruins the soft hum of a well tuned DP. If I can find an intermediate pulley, I'll replace the VS. Big cool factor points with a VS but I don't find it to be a good design. I'll probably keep mine but mount it on a 100 or 150 bench model as part of the collection. Better seen then heard.
Cruzan80
Well-known member
JoCo, have you disassembled and relubed the Varislo? Or just running it as found?
Smokeshow69
Well-known member
Dude, that isnt a bad price compared to what I have seen some advertised for!Personally , I think they look better without the cover but if anyone is looking for one.
