Delta Milwaukee DP - Help me pull the trigger

[NotStock]

Considering purchasing a floor standing Delta Milwaukee DP.

I've attached pics of the press I'm going to look at this week.

I have been getting into light fab work as a hobby using mostly steel. Any thoughts or concerns with this machine in that application (speed)? What should I look at when I go check it out?

I have developed a love for old tools since coming to GJ. I really love the look of this drill press and think it would fit in nicely in my little shop with my SB9. I apologize in advance for the pictures, I can't figure out how to get the orientation right on here.

 

[jakemac]

I fixed the photos for you.

If you intend to drill metal, other than thin sheet, you'll want to find a speed reducer for that DP.

Here's one on ebay that might work, but it ain't cheap.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221585568457?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

It's hard to tell in the picture, but there may be a small arc of shame on that table. Still, it doesn't seem too bad. Yea or Nay will depend on the asking price.

 

[zkling]

Old delta DP220, 14" machine, super common in the way of old drill presses. They are nice machine but mostly limited to 1/4" and smaller in steel. If you don't plan on a heavy diet of larger bits I think it would be a nice machine. Only reason I got rid of mine is to make space for a 17" delta, little more beef. Ironically it sit's next to a 10" south bend. I think it's a compatable side machine for your lathe.

Check for cracks, welds, missing chunks, wobbly chuck, motor noise, return spring slop. What are they wanting for it?

 

[NotStock]

The seller wants 275 for it and seems to be pretty firm on that price. Tools are expensive up here in eastern canada, but it seems steep.

 

[NotStock]

Old delta DP220, 14" machine, super common in the way of old drill presses. They are nice machine but mostly limited to 1/4" and smaller in steel. If you don't plan on a heavy diet of larger bits I think it would be a nice machine. Only reason I got rid of mine is to make space for a 17" delta, little more beef. Ironically it sit's next to a 10" south bend. I think it's a compatable side machine for your lathe.

Check for cracks, welds, missing chunks, wobbly chuck, motor noise, return spring slop. What are they wanting for it?

So what is it that limits the size of the hole you can drill? Currently, everything I drill is done with a 3/8 dewalt hand drill and its miserable, but effective on any bit I can get in the chuck. I would want to drill the occasional 1/2" hole with the press, but 1/4 is probably the most common bit I use.

 

[zkling]

Speed, but mostly rigidity of the press. I think the price is a bit on the high side. I think delta rated them at 3/8" in steel, but it is really more suited to 1/4" and smaller bits.

 

[Bill Ramsey]

So what is it that limits the size of the hole you can drill? Currently, everything I drill is done with a 3/8 dewalt hand drill and its miserable, but effective on any bit I can get in the chuck. I would want to drill the occasional 1/2" hole with the press, but 1/4 is probably the most common bit I use.

The larger the hole (in steel), the slower the spindle speed (RPM) you'll need. The lowest speed you'll usually get in a 1725 rpm motor and a 4-step pulley is going to be about 600 RPM or so. For holes larger than 3/8" in mild steel, you'll want to be slower than that (that's where a speed reducer pulley comes in handy).

I agree with zkling's suggestions for things to check - I would add that the chuck opens and closes smoothly and fully, and that it has a depth stop mechanism and all the spokes are on the handle (the picture doesn't show us that side of the head).

 

[mkat1951]

I have almost the exact same drill press and I use it strictly for metal and I love it. I would recommend the speed reducing pulley, I was able to find one on eBay for fairly cheap it did take a few months to find one for a reasonable price though. Old tools are expensive in western Canada to and harder to come across but I'd rather spend the money on the old stuff

 

[jakemac]

Um, guys - the $275 price tag was for the speed reducer on ebay. We still don't know the price on the drill press.

 

[Lbcwanabe]

It looks cool

 

[NotStock]

Oh, may not have made that clear. The press is actually 275. A coincidence


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Packard V8]

Don't let the lack of a speed reducer stop you from buying the DP. If one has some basic fabrication skills, a welder or access to one, making the speed reducer is a fairly simple project.

jack vines

 

[NotStock]

Well thats what I was thinking. I'm assuming a trip to Princess Auto and a few hours on the lathe and I'll have a workable speed reducer.

Just waiting for the seller to get back to me with a time to go take a look.