craftsman help

[sborkowski529]

I recently acquired a Craftsman Drill press Model 103.23140 and am getting ready to refurb it for shop use. The only problem I have encounter so far is, it appears the return spring is broken. Havent taken it apart yet but am curious is there a place to get a return spring or what do you use as working replacement spring. Other than the spring it is dirty and needs disassembled cleaned and lubed. Havent decided if I want to do a full refurb or just clean it up and use it.
Any help anyone can give on the spring problem would be appreciated.

 

[Negen]

There should be a knob that tightens the tension on the spring.

Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[PacificaVette]

You should check out this thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227480

It has a wealth of information about Craftsman drill presses.

 

[Zrxrunner]

This wasn't by chance from craigslist in cedar rapids? I saw one for a while and the seller didn't have any contact information listed.

 

[sborkowski529]

I bought it from a local friend. He was consolidating his storage to his shop at home and didnt need the extra drill press. The motor is smooth and strong and bearings make no noise. Have another welding project on the bench that will get finished tomorrow then the drill press gets diassembled cleaned and checked out. Will post pics after I get the initial cleanup done its been in use in his shop for god knows how many years.

 

[sborkowski529]

The adjustment knob doesnt see to be doing anything. Should know more before the weekend is over.

 

[sborkowski529]

After disassembly the loop end of the spring is broken off. Attempted a fix will see if it works or not. Decided to buy new bearings for the pulley shaft and and the spindle. They roll free but do feel a little rough

 

[sborkowski529]

I have decided to completely disassemble it clean and prep it then repaint it before reassembly. Gonna have to acquire a new motor as well. It runs really smooth and all but is the wrong type for a drill press. supposed to be a horizontal mount and with oilable bearings it runs out of the tubes

 

[sborkowski529]

After a repaint, all new bearings, rewiring and a few other minor repairs it turned out pretty nice and runs quiet and smooth. Very happy with it havent used my other press since completion.

 

[Shelbylex]

Good job. Any pictures?

 

[woodland_hank]

Check out the classifieds on OWWM.org. Place a want ad and you might get lucky.