Delta Rockwell Drill Press Restore 1957
- Thread starter Alexbn921
- Start date
jesse72
Well-known member
Awesome documentary, I have a little newer delta Rockwell drill press and maybe someday I'll follow your restoration on it! Thanks
Mike.ASC
Well-known member
Very nicely done .
OctoMan
Well-known member
I"m thinking about selling my chi-com 16" DP and getting an old one. There's plenty on CL. Love the old stuff. Dad had a Power Kraft that ran for years. Thanks for posting! Looks sweet !
Made some more progress with the DP. I picked up a wire wheel and cone for the angle grinder. It made short work of the oil and rust on the table/base. I used my drill and Dremel to get to the nooks and crannies. Then hit the whole thing with acetone. All prepped and ready for paint.
I also made a tool that Outlaw had suggested in another thread. It worked perfect for getting the name plate off.
I need to get a pressure washer just to get the grime/grease out of the head casing.
Anyone have a link to Outlaw's thread that explains this tool? Also how do you get the name plates back on? I thought of using rivets but i like the look of the existing hardware.
I believe it was in the Show us your old drill press or vise thread. It is just a long threaded nut that you turn to lengthen and push out the pins. Then use a mallet to pop them back in. I cut off a bolt and used a grinder to shape the end. then just tread lock it in so it doesn't spin.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
It's basically a home brew screw jack, based on a coupling nut, a short bolt, and a shot section of all thread or a bolt cut off...
You could also drill the business end and insert a section of drill rod.
You could also drill the business end and insert a section of drill rod.
Mr. 360
Well-known member
The finished product looks great! As you saw I finally sourced myself an old drill press, and as it's almost identical to yours, I'll be able to directly glean a lot of your steps, tips, and "oh that's how it comes apart/goes together" pics from this thread. My finished product probably won't look as nice as this unit, but that likely won't stop me from trying.
View media item 50832
View media item 50832
Maui
Well-known member
Very good restoration example. I may have to restore my drill presses now!
Maui
Maui
I'm restoring a very similar Delta Drill Press - DP 225. I've just got one more coat remaining on the head before I start putting it all back together. I have a couple of questions about the next steps... What parts need lubrication and what type of lubrication should I use?
Also, my tilt table scale needs to be repainted but I'm worried about using spray paint because it might fill in the lines and the numbers. Any advice? Looks like you didn't have to paint yours but I couldn't tell for sure.
Thanks guys.
Also, my tilt table scale needs to be repainted but I'm worried about using spray paint because it might fill in the lines and the numbers. Any advice? Looks like you didn't have to paint yours but I couldn't tell for sure.
Thanks guys.
Hey MGA
Congratulations on getting a nice old DP. I used a red magic marker to fill in my angle scale. You could also print out a sticker and cover it. I like to wax the column and other non painted surfaces. As far as lube, a little goes a long way. I used teflon dry lube on the chuck and super lube on most of the sliding parts.
Very nice! Though I am partial to 50's Delta's
What model is that bandsaw? I'm looking for one and that looks to be about the perfect size. Does it cut metal? Nice drill press too! -John
I ordered the paint and some new course wire brushes. I will have to research electrolysis. Living California I need to be careful how to dispose of the byproducts.
How do I get the quill apart? There is a snap ring on the top that looks preloaded and some kind of hard to get to split ring on the bottom.
Worked on the pole last night.
You drill press looks amazing! You've inspired me to shine mine up! How did you do the column? Thanks. -John
Nice!! As in the Scotch-Brite "Fine" wheel? I ask as I ordered one today on Amazon after reading about it in another thread! Looks super nice, great job.
That's the one.Amazing tool I learned about from The 1950s Craftsman garage page.
I finally received the correct "fine" wheel after three trys!... Long story but I digress.... It works awesome! I shined up all the raw metal bit of my South Bend Drill Press last night. It works so well. Can't wait to shine up my Delta's parts now. Thanks!
Thehag
New member
Outstanding job!
Restoring a 47 year old Delta 15 inch, how did you obtain the finish on the column and other un painted items?
Restoring a 47 year old Delta 15 inch, how did you obtain the finish on the column and other un painted items?
Off-Street Parking
Well-known member
G20-Budo
Well-known member
Alex,
GREAT job on your DP restore! That thing looks new! You did such a great job of paying attention to all of the little details, which makes it truly YOUR DP. i tip my hat to you!
Oh, and now I'm on the look out for a vintage DP..
GREAT job on your DP restore! That thing looks new! You did such a great job of paying attention to all of the little details, which makes it truly YOUR DP. i tip my hat to you!
Oh, and now I'm on the look out for a vintage DP..
Maui
Well-known member
Alex,
Beautiful restoration job. I thought I had an opportunity to buy exactly the same drill press (but without the slow speed attachment) for $100, then the owner changed his mind. He asked $150.00 instead and I passed. After looking through your restoration I probably should have bought it.
Maui
Beautiful restoration job. I thought I had an opportunity to buy exactly the same drill press (but without the slow speed attachment) for $100, then the owner changed his mind. He asked $150.00 instead and I passed. After looking through your restoration I probably should have bought it.
Maui
Thanks Kyle, it was definitely a labor of love. It runs like new as well as looking like new. I have been debating with myself to drill holes in my workbench and lug it down. Well a couple of weeks ago we had a very small earthquake so I went out to the garage and bolted it down. Makes me feel better knowing that the kids won't tip it over on themselves too.Alex,
GREAT job on your DP restore! That thing looks new! You did such a great job of paying attention to all of the little details, which makes it truly YOUR DP. i tip my hat to you!
Oh, and now I'm on the look out for a vintage DP..
Thanks Maui. $150 is at the top end that I would pay without a center pulley. Don't underestimate the hours it will take to restore a DP. I plan on keeping this DP for the rest of my life so the 6 months I spent looking and the 6 months restoring can be justified. Don't settle for a beat up one that's missing parts. Having a good working example to start with is important. Good luck finding your own and definitely let me know when you do.
Danners
Member
Hi Alex
Just wanted you to know this thread helped me out tremendously during my restore of the same model! http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=333080
Thanks again
Danny
Just wanted you to know this thread helped me out tremendously during my restore of the same model! http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=333080
Thanks again
Danny
rmdchris
New member
*Alexbn921 - Awesome job on the restoration, it looks amazing!
jmarkwolf
Well-known member
Alexbn921 - Please check your PM's.