Drill Press Motor Advice

[countdown48]

I am cleaning up a Walker Turner 15in floor drill press. I have 2 motor options and need some advice. I have a pretty old 1/3 hp Westinghouse motor that runs very smoothly and a newer 1/2hp GE motor. Both run at 1725 rpm, I have a 4 speed pulley for both, and both are already wired to switches. While I like the aesthetics of the Westinghouse, I am more interested in best performance so am leaning toward the 1/2hp GE. Am I missing anything where the Westinghouse would be the better option? Thanks for any advice or input!

 

[Packard V8]

Are either of them ball bearing? While they will work, sleeve bearing motors are not best for verticle mounting.

jack vines

 

[Mintgrun]

The label on the newer one says "permanently sealed ball bearings - lubrication not required"

 

[countdown48]

Are either of them ball bearing? While they will work, sleeve bearing motors are not best for verticle mounting.

jack vines

The newer one is. Im not sure how to check for the older one

 

[Packard V8]

The newer one is. Im not sure how to check for the older one

Does the shaft have any lateral play/movement? Sleeve bearings do, ball bearings don't.

jack vines

 

[Whitworth]

If the GE has thermal protection without a reset button, it can pose a hazard when/if it re-energizes.

 

[countdown48]

There is no play in the older one so I am assuming it is ball bearing as well. The GE does have thermal protection but does also have a reset button

 

[Roberts210]

Does the older one have oil ports on the bearing housings? Looks like it does.

 

[2oolhound]

What size chuck are you running? Even if it's only 1/2" you still can use step drills to drill bigger holes. I'd go with the 1/2 HP, nothing less. My 17" with 3/4" chuck came with a 1HP motor.