Hello all, I have been searching cl for a drill press and have a few questions. First i must say i am looking for an old american made drill press not something new. There are many posts out there on what to look for in a drill press. Barely any of the presses i look at list how many speeds they are. How can i tell by looking at the pulley. If it has 4 different sized pulleys on one end is that a 4 speed or an 8 speed or what. Also how can i calculate the rpm that the drill will range from. Aside from all that i found this famco drill press that the owners uncle used to use who was a machinist. Anyway the motor was replaced with a 1/3 hp sears motor and a new chuck. The hp of the motor concerns me a little as most i look at are 1/2 hp and from what i read i should stick with that amount of hp. Anyway its a floor unit which i like because i don't have any table space. The guy couldn't find a model number or anything. Here is the link https://hartford.craigslist.org/tls/4656559831.html I am trying to determine whether first impressions look good. Thanks everyone
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I am looking for a drill press
- Thread starter Joe green
- Start date
Hi, Joe,
The Famco Co. was better known for their arbour presses and smallish punch presses, but they made a line of small drill presses for awhile, in the 1950's.
That style is a 'light production' machine, very similar to the better-known Delta, Atlas, and Walker-Turner makes. It is equally good quality, maybe a slightly stronger machine than is the common Delta DP220, and should be a quite serviceable machine.....if in good condition.
A 1/3hp. motor was 'standard' for this class of drill press, with 1/2hp. as the 'heavy duty' option. The Delta version was four speed, 680 (I think) to 4600-ish rpm (thats from memory, I could be off a bit), and the Famco would be similar.
(note that those motor ratings were for the once-standard high quality 'old style' motors, not the current production 'ratings game' or 'tin-can' motors)
This size of drill press were rated for drilling up to 3/8" in steel, and 1/2" in cast iron or brass.
I would think......but don't know fo4r a certainty, that the 'increased speed range' third pulley system for any 2-2/34" column drill press, which uses a cone pulley, on bearings, in a sleeve which fits in the top of the column, could be made to work with that one.
The mounting sleeve for the third pulley was arranged as an 'eccentric' to tension the belt to the spindle, after which the second belt, to the motor, was tensioned by sliding the motor on its mount.
cheers
Carla
The Famco Co. was better known for their arbour presses and smallish punch presses, but they made a line of small drill presses for awhile, in the 1950's.
That style is a 'light production' machine, very similar to the better-known Delta, Atlas, and Walker-Turner makes. It is equally good quality, maybe a slightly stronger machine than is the common Delta DP220, and should be a quite serviceable machine.....if in good condition.
A 1/3hp. motor was 'standard' for this class of drill press, with 1/2hp. as the 'heavy duty' option. The Delta version was four speed, 680 (I think) to 4600-ish rpm (thats from memory, I could be off a bit), and the Famco would be similar.
(note that those motor ratings were for the once-standard high quality 'old style' motors, not the current production 'ratings game' or 'tin-can' motors)
This size of drill press were rated for drilling up to 3/8" in steel, and 1/2" in cast iron or brass.
I would think......but don't know fo4r a certainty, that the 'increased speed range' third pulley system for any 2-2/34" column drill press, which uses a cone pulley, on bearings, in a sleeve which fits in the top of the column, could be made to work with that one.
The mounting sleeve for the third pulley was arranged as an 'eccentric' to tension the belt to the spindle, after which the second belt, to the motor, was tensioned by sliding the motor on its mount.
cheers
Carla
GarageWarrior
Well-known member
I'd look for a Shopsmith - it makes a great drill press with variable speed transmission and 1.5hp motor, and has many other functions. You can find one for under $150 with a bit of looking
How can i tell by looking at the pulley. If it has 4 different sized pulleys on one end is that a 4 speed or an 8 speed or what. Also how can i calculate the rpm that the drill will range from.
Highest speed = Motor RPM X diameter largest motor pulley groove/diameter corresponding arbor pulley groove.
Lowest speed = Motor RPM X diameter smallest motor pulley groove/diameter corresponding arbor pulley groove.
I wouldn't touch a DP without rack and pinion table lift.
The one you referenced also has a bad arc of shame.
You also need to decide it your use will be primarily wood or metal. And if it's metal what size holes will you be drilling. (large holes in steel require low RPM - around 250, very small holes in metal require RPM in the 1000's for optimum performance).
Most of these older common DP's were designed primarily for woodworking and lacked an adequate RPM range for metal work.
I'd keep looking.
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I really like the old Delta drill presses (1940 to 1960). They're built like tanks and parts are generally available. Check out VintageMachinery.org for tons of information, photos, manuals, and machines/parts for sale. It's the BEST site on the web when it comes to old machinery.
Jim C.
Jim C.
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i dont really forsee myself doing much if anything with wood mostly metal. So i would want something to go into the lower rpms. The shop smith sounds intriguing but it looks a little big and i really just need a drill press. how does the variable speed work on a sm.
rsanter
Well-known member
Where are you?
I have one I can sell
Bob
I have one I can sell
Bob
Packard V8
Well-known member
Yes, a center pulley/speed reducer is a valuable option if one is going to be drilling many large diameter deep holes in steel.
No, it's not absolutely necessary. How many times will you be drilling larger than 1/4" holes in steel? If regularly, then you need it. If seldom, then not a requirement.
If you find the perfect DP, then making a center pulley speed reducer isn't rocket science if one has a welder or can get five minutes of access to a welder.
If one considers a table lift as necessary, then it is. On the other hand, some of us have been using home shop DPs for fifty years without a lift. Your opinions and results may vary.
jack vines
No, it's not absolutely necessary. How many times will you be drilling larger than 1/4" holes in steel? If regularly, then you need it. If seldom, then not a requirement.
If you find the perfect DP, then making a center pulley speed reducer isn't rocket science if one has a welder or can get five minutes of access to a welder.
If one considers a table lift as necessary, then it is. On the other hand, some of us have been using home shop DPs for fifty years without a lift. Your opinions and results may vary.
jack vines
I live in ny. I have never had a drill press before, i have only used friends. I don't know what size holes i will be drilling but i don't think i will be using this every day. It just ***** having to drill metal with my hand drill. Not to mention the poor accuracy with the drill.
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tool_scrounge
Well-known member
Looks like a nice drill press for the money, presuming the bearings are good. It really comes down to how big of holes you are drilling in metal. I started at my parents house with an old Craftsman model 100 with the minimum speed of 600 rpm and drill all sorts of holes for many years. I never ended up moving the belt to a higher speed though.
Yeah I hate drilling steel with a hand drill. I'm sure others here have better drills/technique and can do it, but I'm just about sure to break something when I hand drill anything substantial. On a drill press where you can control speed and feed it's just so much easier.It just ***** having to drill metal with my hand drill. Not to mention the poor accuracy with the drill.
Re the 1/3 vs 1/2 HP thing. Personally I think that's a lot less important than the speeds and gearing. If you mainly want it for metal then definitely look for one with the triple pulley set (two drive belts with an intermediate spindle/pulley). Remember that when it's geared down to lower speed you get a lot more torque, even from the 1/3 horse motor.
I'm like tool_scrounge and only have a very basic DP (no low speed pulley) and about 600 RPM lowest speed. It's will drill 5/16 mild steel very easily, and though I haven't done much over that I think 3/8" would be ok with a bit of care. Drilling harder steels like tool steel, or drilling larger sizes, is where you'll really be wishing for slower speeds (like down to 150 RRM for example as many of the DPs with the extra spindle can do).
Im still reading about what features to look for. I think i need a floor model because i don't have much space and i have zero table space but i could make a table model work. I see some models have the ability to tighten up the quill which i like. Craigslist seems to be stale of drill presses. Where else can i look? Thanks for all your input so far. You people post replies fast.
Look for a Delta 17" slow speed model. The five step pulleys produce 385, 600, 935, 1450 and 2240 RPMs. Those are great machines. I think that most guys who have them like them. Parts are available and there's a ton of good information about them on the vintage machinery site I referenced above. You could probably find a really nice one for $300 - $400, or one that needs a little work for $250 or less. Once again, I'd go to VintageMachinery.org, join the site (it's free), and then go to the BOYD forum, where machinery and parts are always being bought and sold. As a member of the site, you can also place a "want to buy" ad there (also free), looking for a particular machine and/or parts. Someone will usually respond. That's EXACTLY how I found and bought my Delta 17" slow speed drill press. Pretty simple.
Jim C.
Jim C.
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I found this press (https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/4567779015.html) which intrigues me. He included a pdf manual http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/698/5837.pdf
200 is too much but it says obo. It is not a floor model but it comes with a steel work table which i have no room for depending on how big it is. It is close to me which is good. One option so far. Found this dp but of course its 220 3 phase. https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/4618164324.html
200 is too much but it says obo. It is not a floor model but it comes with a steel work table which i have no room for depending on how big it is. It is close to me which is good. One option so far. Found this dp but of course its 220 3 phase. https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/4618164324.html
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I found this press (https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/4567779015.html) which intrigues me. He included a pdf manual http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/698/5837.pdf
200 is too much but it says obo. It is not a floor model but it comes with a steel work table which i have no room for depending on how big it is. It is close to me which is good. One option so far. Found this dp but of course its 220 3 phase. https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/4618164324.html
That last one looks interesting. It looks like the entire head is on a rack and pinion elevation system and the table and base are the same.
It looks like the best one of the bunch but kind of an oddball.
Don't sweat the 220VAC issue. You can always find a <1HP 1750 single phase 120VAC motor on Ebay.
Fretters
Well-known member
That last one looks interesting. It looks like the entire head is on a rack and pinion elevation system and the table and base are the same.
It looks like the best one of the bunch but kind of an oddball.
Don't sweat the 220VAC issue. You can always find a <1HP 1750 single phase 120VAC motor on Ebay.
I was thinking the latter of those two looked preferable too. The former has a cheesy look about it. An inverter would be another way to run the existing motor, and would allow speed control too.
bart1
Well-known member
I am looking for a drill press as well. One thing
I have learned: Craigslist *****. I looked in a couple of the local areas and found several promising drill presses. I emailed about 6 sellers and I have heard back from a total of one. He has a good price on a delta bench top, but he's so far away I don't think it's worth it. eBay seems to be all overpriced due to shipping.
I have learned: Craigslist *****. I looked in a couple of the local areas and found several promising drill presses. I emailed about 6 sellers and I have heard back from a total of one. He has a good price on a delta bench top, but he's so far away I don't think it's worth it. eBay seems to be all overpriced due to shipping.
Hephaestus29
Well-known member
Most Shopsmiths might be too fast for metal working even though they do have variable speeds.I'd look for a Shopsmith - it makes a great drill press with variable speed transmission and 1.5hp motor, and has many other functions. You can find one for under $150 with a bit of looking
If you can find an old model like a 10ER, there is a guy making Jackshaft kits to slow them down from 400-7000 RPM or an even lower kit to 200 RPM or you could make your own kit.
Here's a link :
It looks like that rockwell 70-400 is the same at a walker turner 70-400. http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=16872
where did you look locally, Like the newspaper and such?
where did you look locally, Like the newspaper and such?
I am looking for a drill press as well. One thing
I have learned: Craigslist *****. I looked in a couple of the local areas and found several promising drill presses. I emailed about 6 sellers and I have heard back from a total of one. He has a good price on a delta bench top, but he's so far away I don't think it's worth it. eBay seems to be all overpriced due to shipping.
For the most part, Craigslist hasn't been a real good source of machinery for me either. A few years ago I did get lucky and I ended up with a really nice old Delta shaper and Unisaw. All my other experiences on Craigslist haven't been very good. I don't really look there anymore. I've mentioned a couple times that VintageMachinery.org is a great place to find everything and anything about old woodworking and metal working machines, including finding the machines themselves. It seems like joe green is going to stick with Craigslist. Okay.
As I mentioned before, the vintage machinery site includes a forum where machines and parts are always listed for sale or trade. You can even post a want ad. That's what I did. I posted an ad looking for a Delta 17" drill press. I'm in the Midwest. A guy in northern California responded saying that he knew another guy who had a nice one for sale in Washington state. He told me he was traveling there in a few weeks and would pick it up for me if I wanted it. I contacted the seller and made a deal. The guy in California went and picked the drill press up and stored it at his house for about a month.
The vintage machinery site holds and annual meeting every year in the Midwest. The guy in California was attending and hauled the drill press to the meet where I took delivery of it. Guys who are into these old machines are doing this type of stuff all the time. I travel around the Midwest and have frequently picked up a part or a small machine for someone and dropped it off at its final destination, or to another guy who has agreed to haul it the rest of the way. It might take a little time to get the part or machine, but it always shows up with a little coordination and planning, and usually for the cost of lunch and/or a little money for gas.
Jim C.
Nowater
Well-known member
I have a newer (25 years old) Delta, which is not quite like what you are looking for. It is a 17-900 with three 4-step pulleys on top; one on the chuck end, one on the idler, and one on the motor. Each position of the one belt on the motor to the idler yields three speeds, and the speed ranges overlap.
I use mine for woodworking and tend to keep it on lower speeds, under 1000 rpm, and usually only half that. Think of large wood boring bits, and the slower speed advantage becomes more apparent.
Many woodworkers like myself tend to keep the speeds slower for many tasks, as a few seconds longer to drill a hole is not a suitable trade off in the time spent adjusting the speed. You may find yourself being satisfied with much slower speeds once you have a drill press and can apply force with the "press" part of the tool. I don't think you would lose much functionality if all you had was four speeds, but you know your work best.
Do you know how to check runout?
Don't forget to check the functionality of the table part, as you want to be able to square it to the axis of the chuck in all directions, and you want to be able to raise and lower it, and then easily re-center the table to the chuck.
Drill press tables are available in aftermarket form, complete, or as plans or kits. Youtube has various videos of homemade drill press tables. Most of these attach to the stock table. You want to be able to hold the work still as you work it.
I use mine for woodworking and tend to keep it on lower speeds, under 1000 rpm, and usually only half that. Think of large wood boring bits, and the slower speed advantage becomes more apparent.
Many woodworkers like myself tend to keep the speeds slower for many tasks, as a few seconds longer to drill a hole is not a suitable trade off in the time spent adjusting the speed. You may find yourself being satisfied with much slower speeds once you have a drill press and can apply force with the "press" part of the tool. I don't think you would lose much functionality if all you had was four speeds, but you know your work best.
Do you know how to check runout?
Don't forget to check the functionality of the table part, as you want to be able to square it to the axis of the chuck in all directions, and you want to be able to raise and lower it, and then easily re-center the table to the chuck.
Drill press tables are available in aftermarket form, complete, or as plans or kits. Youtube has various videos of homemade drill press tables. Most of these attach to the stock table. You want to be able to hold the work still as you work it.
bart1
Well-known member
... I've mentioned a couple times that VintageMachinery.org is a great place to find everything and anything about old woodworking and metal working machines, including finding the machines themselves ...
And I shall be looking there, even if just for this one item.
454ragtop
Well-known member
I found this press (https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/4567779015.html) which intrigues me. He included a pdf manual http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/698/5837.pdf
200 is too much but it says obo. It is not a floor model but it comes with a steel work table which i have no room for depending on how big it is. It is close to me which is good. One option so far. Found this dp but of course its 220 3 phase. https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/4618164324.html
Sorry I'm late to the party, but you should take a look at the second one in this post. While it may be wired for 220, I'm pretty sure that is a single phase motor, as it has a start cap hanging on the side of it. Probably can be wired for 115. How did you decide it was 3 phase? Doesn't say that in the ad. It also has the somewhat rare speed reducer attachment, which is very nice for metal work, and is probably worth close to his asking price by itself.
Good luck, Jim
383 240z
Well-known member
I found this press (https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/4567779015.html) which intrigues me. He included a pdf manual http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/698/5837.pdf
200 is too much but it says obo. It is not a floor model but it comes with a steel work table which i have no room for depending on how big it is. It is close to me which is good. One option so far. Found this dp but of course its 220 3 phase. https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/4618164324.html
The second one and an $80 static phase converter from eBay would be a nice setup. Thats how I run my 3PH mill and you can't tell that it's not on 3PH. No noticeable lack in power. Keith
bart1
Well-known member
And I shall be looking there, even if just for this one item.
So that vintagemachinery website wasn't very helpful just looking in the classifieds. 3 or 4 drill presses for sale, all but one by the same guy (who only said he hadn't tested them). I'll check later