Drill Press wobble

[Lucid Moments]

I have a Delta 17-900 drill press that I inherited from my father. I don't use it often, but it really is nice when I need it. Recently it has started to wobble a lot when I use it. I don't have a dial indicator so I can't say exactly how much, but it is more than I am willing to put up with. What is my best route for fixing this?

 

[GeoBruin]

I have a Delta 17-900 drill press that I inherited from my father. I don't use it often, but it really is nice when I need it. Recently it has started to wobble a lot when I use it. I don't have a dial indicator so I can't say exactly how much, but it is more than I am willing to put up with. What is my best route for fixing this?

First confirm it's actually the spindle thats the problem. Swap out the chuck with a known good one or bypass the chuck all together and use a tool that fits the taper. If you still get runout, the bearings are usually the culprit.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Is it a wobble or a vibration?

Check for bad belts.

 

[Lucid Moments]

Is it a wobble or a vibration?

Check for bad belts.

It is a wobble not a vibration. Could a bad belt cause that?

 

[kaymccampbell]

Check if you don't have **** in the chuck. If my DP suddenly goes wonky, that's where I look first. I've been rewarded every time, so far.

 

[hans109h]

I had a bent spindle from China once. Replaced it and the bearings at the same time and now it's nice and true.

Hans

 

[tool_scrounge]

Was there any incidents prior to the wobble? Like using it as a mill? huge drills? Grabbing and throwing the work on eve?

 

[Davefr]

Work your way from top to bottom with a dial indicator. Is it the spindle, arbor, chuck body or drill rod chucked in the jaws? Are you sure your quill is adjusted so it moves up and down freely without lateral slop? I'd also make sure the pulleys are in alignment.

 

[Komet]

Clean and reseat the chuck would be an easy and cheap thing to do. You're going to need a dial indicator and a means of holding it still to positively identify where the problem is. Even a $40 combo one will suffice for this purpose.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I did take the chuck off and cleaned and reseated it and that hasn't fixed my problem. So I guess I need to pick up a dial indicator. I would like to get a nice Starrett or Mitutoyo but that just doesn't make sense for me. Is there a good mid range recommended one?

 

[JradM]

I did take the chuck off and cleaned and reseated it and that hasn't fixed my problem. So I guess I need to pick up a dial indicator. I would like to get a nice Starrett or Mitutoyo but that just doesn't make sense for me. Is there a good mid range recommended one?

Lee Valley on a budget. I'd probably try iGaging with a larger budget and if you want a digital version.

 

[engineer2]

I had a wobbly chuck. Taking the chuck apart and cleaning and lubricating it fixed the problem. There are youTube videos on how to do it.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I did take the chuck off and cleaned and reseated it and that hasn't fixed my problem. So I guess I need to pick up a dial indicator. I would like to get a nice Starrett or Mitutoyo but that just doesn't make sense for me. Is there a good mid range recommended one?

Fowler Precision has some very nice affordable dial indicators and such.

Fine Adjust Mag Base with White Dial Indicator Combo

DetailsMagnetic Base:• Fine adjustment• Base dimensions: 2" x 2-11/32" x 1-13/16"• Also mounts test indicators with 1/4" post• 85 lb. pull• On-Off lever release magnet• V-base for placing on round surfacesIndicator:• Range: 0-1"• Graduation: 0.001"• Meets AGD specifications• Continuous reading...

www.fowlerprecision.com

 

[Davefr]

I did take the chuck off and cleaned and reseated it and that hasn't fixed my problem. So I guess I need to pick up a dial indicator. I would like to get a nice Starrett or Mitutoyo but that just doesn't make sense for me. Is there a good mid range recommended one?

For what you're doing, the cheapest dial indicator and magnetic stand will suffice. I'd get the non digital style because it'll be easier to observe deviation.

 

[engineer2]

You can buy an import dial indicator set with magnetic base for around $50.
You could also chuck up a long drill bit or metal rod to try to see where the wobble is.
I bought a Delta 17-900 new on clearance for $300 and it was a good machine for 25 years. Sold it for $350.
Bought the table-top version for $75 from a woodworker. That chuck had a lot of runout, rebuilding didn't help, so I replaced it.

 

[Komet]

I like my cheapo indicator:

Magnetic Base/Dial Indicator Combo at Grizzly.com

<h1>G9849 Magnetic Base/Dial Indicator Combo</h1><h2>Precision measurements and set-ups have never been so easy.</h2><p>The magnetic base engages with just the turn of a switch and allows pinpoint adjustment.</p><p>The dial indicator features 0-1" travel and has a resolution of...

www.grizzly.com

Probably the same one as all the others, came in a nice protective case.

 

[RTM]

e. I'd get the non digital style because it'll be easier to observe deviation.

Very good point there, digital makes that so hard.

 

[Lucid Moments]

I ordered the unit from Lee Valley that @JradM suggested so I will post up further when it gets here from the frozen north.

 

[bubinga]

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