Ever seen a DP like this one?

[Packard V8]

On local craigslist:

https://spokane.craigslist.org/tls/6057899078.html

No way in my world it's worth anything like $1500, but I can't remember seeing another one.

jack vines

 

[scissorman]

That's a variable speed drill press and they do bring that kind of money.

 

[American Locomotive]

This looks a little too home-brewed to me to be worth $1500, but on the other hand it is a 1 1/2HP variable speed drill press.

 

[Mike W.]

Sorry, cobbled up, home made, drill presses don't bring that kind of money down my way, ever. Don't buy it.

 

[nine4gmc]

That's a variable speed, probably a MT3 spindle, heavy duty but seriously looks pieced together.

 

[slodat]

OP, I watch the same Craigslist, daily. That thing has been for sale for a while. You can get a proper Delta or Powermatic variable speed drill press for around half that asking price if you keep and eye out and jump when you see it. I've seen near new Clausings go for around $1500. I would take that thing home if it were given to me.. I'd rather one of those I mentioned..

 

[ducksface]

If you're not drilling one inch holes in one inch plate, why bother?
That's a tough one to give me for free.

 

[Strouty]

I have a powermatic that uses the same type of drive, reminds me of a snowmobile.

 

[Packard V8]

Still can't get a sense of the manufacturer. There are too many castings for it to be a total home design and construction. However, the Reeves drive does have the look of a home build.

As to the variable speed adding value; with low-cost VFD now being available, the Reeves drive is maybe actually a detriment to resale value. They can be noisy and they do wear out.

jack vines

 

[A_Pmech]

Looks like it started out life as a typical light drill press. The variable speed drive and power feed arrangement were added later.

I sure wouldn't pay anything for it, let alone what they want!

 

[pault28]

I believe that variable speed is a reeves style drive.

 

[rlitman]

...As to the variable speed adding value; with low-cost VFD now being available, the Reeves drive is maybe actually a detriment to resale value...

I don't see how. VFD is of seriously limited usefulness in a drill press. You lose too much torque as you slow down a standard motor.

 

[Packard V8]

I don't see how. VFD is of seriously limited usefulness in a drill press. You lose too much torque as you slow down a standard motor.

But still many of us are somehow getting by. I've seen and operated a dozen home-brewed VFD drill presses, lost count of how many times it's been shown and recommended here on GJ and seen hundreds of industrial units in production shops, all running variable speed via a VFD.

jack vines

 

[rsanter]

I have a non cobbled Rockwell version of that machine.
I have $800 into it

Bob

 

[Davefr]

I don't see how. VFD is of seriously limited usefulness in a drill press.

Untrue. A VFD gives you the best or both worlds. You can still change the belt/pulley configuration to amplify torque.

 

[Strouty]

If you have a regular motor, a VFD can cause the magic smoke to leave if you change the frequency too much in either direction, then put it under load. I agree that a VFD is a nice way to fine tune speed, but unless your motor is variable speed to begin with you may want to be a bit conservative.