I want a drill press

[Ramper]

http://masoncity.craigslist.org/tls/3536771820.html

Or

http://rmn.craigslist.org/for/3581127384.html

or

http://lacrosse.craigslist.org/tls/3535744450.html

I have been looking a posted a WTB on CL, but I am losing patience and getting more and more confused by the varies brands, USA vs Off-shore, etc.

I think I have read EVERY drill press thread on GJ, buit that just makes me more confused.

 

[Packard V8]

The first two you posted are typical Chicom junk.

The last listing in lacrosse, the two Buffalo are off a production table and look hard used. The Wilton might be what you want, but is way overpriced.

I have been looking a posted a WTB on CL, but I am losing patience and getting more and more confused by the varies brands, USA vs Off-shore, etc.

I think I have read EVERY drill press thread on GJ, buit that just makes me more confused.

That's a hard one and most likely the answer isn't to be found here.

jack vines

 

[Mohawk Dave]

The first two you posted are typical Chicom junk.

The last listing in lacrosse, the two Buffalo are off a production table and look hard used. The Wilton might be what you want, but is way overpriced.



That's a hard one and most likely the answer isn't to be found here.

jack vines

I've always agreed with Jack Vines But, this time I will have to respectfully disagree about the "Chicom Junk". The Duracraft is Taiwan, but I have used those and they are rather well made and rather heavy duty for their size. Unless you're building rocket ships, I think this is fine for the DIYer.

Also, that Duracraft is 16 SPEED!=3 pulleys. Those aren't common as they were more expensive when new. (Not to say they are rare, but I see a 16 speed for every 10 other ones)

If you do pick it up, make sure it runs true (take a small bit and run it into a piece of plastic so you can see the marks.), and the chuck works...or be ready to buy a new chuck. Also, put the HF plastic link belt on it.

Obviously, a good USA unit would probably be better...but I believe we are looking at price point here. And unfortunately, I think even $250 is too much, but IDK your market.

The two Buffalos would be great if they are in good shape, But like Jack said, they may have been rode hard and put away wet. I have 4 DPs, b/c they are set up different (Read Ambitiously lazy), and I think that two bench models like those would be a great start. Very seldom do MOST people need to crank the table way down on a floor model. ALMOST everything will fit in a bench model. And the bench model can even be place on a rolling drawer cabinet, and you can keep all your bits etc in there. I like that.

So, I would check out the Buffalos, just in case they still have life. And the big Duracraft, I'd wait for a better deal-unless you can barter with dude.

Either way, good luck and happy trails.

 

[ddawg16]

I have a Chinese made one as well....table top with XY table....3 pulley's.....paid $150 (thanks to RJOccupant's connections)....hardest part was bringing it back on the plane from NC...

 

[larry_g]

On the two buffalo presses they were good machines but be aware that those two do not have a base on them and you will have to acquire a base or a table to bolt them to.
lg
no neat sig line

 

[Davefr]

Given the ones you listed, the Duracraft would be my choice. Table elevation, 16 speeds and it generally looks to be in decent shape.

Taiwan machinery can be very well made. His price seems too high though.

 

[1Garageman]

Did you see this drill press for sell out there? It looks pretty damn good. It's also been on there for a little while, so you can probably talk them down a little.
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/tls/3592331207.html

 

[Trey T]

I like the buffalo.

 

[Carla]

Hi, Ramper,

The obvious question to ask yourself, regarding investing some of your $$$ in a drill press, is about the work you want it to do.

Will you be doing, say, mostly woodworking, or mostly fabrication in steel?

If mostly woodworking, you can get by with one of the many varieties of lightly built drill presses. You'd do best to avoid investing in oriental machinery, some are 'sort-of-alright' for occasional 'home hobby' use, but likely to malfunction if used more than that.

There are several good makes of woodworking drill presses, and, as a generality, older is better, in terms of quality and reliability. The light pattern Delta, Atlas, Walker-Turner, and Powermatic come to mind, as would the Buffalo make. Those were usually set up with 1/2" Jacobs chucks, and rated for drilling 5/16" or 3/8" in steel.

In evaluating a machine tool for purchase, 'condition is everything'. It can take some waiting/watching the adverts for a good one. If you are willing to replace bearings in a 'tired' one, or clean/refinish a lightly rusted one, you can sometimes find very good deals.

If you mean to do a good bit of fabrication in steel, or machine work in metals generally, look for a heavier, stronger pattern of drill press. The 17" Delta is common, for example, and is a good light metalworking drill press.

You'll save some $ by doing some 'learning curve' first......look through the old catalogues available on the internet at VintageMachinery.org A look through the old catalogues and spec sheets will enable you to recognise the make and probable vintage of a unit offered on the internet, from photos.

There were several high quality makes of drill presses, as you will see, and you should be able to find a good serviceable one on Craig's list if you can be patient. Note that many of the better makes of these were originally set up with three-phase motors. Its simple enough to replace a three-phase motor with a single-phase motor for private shop use, or you could opt for a 'phase converter', using 'dryer plug' residential 230V AC power.

Fair warning......oriental drill presses are very often available very cheaply, as the previous owner found out about 'product quality', the 'hard way'. You may 'get by for now' or 'get a job done' with one of those, as a temporary expedient, but thats a gamble......the old line about 'don't gamble more than you are willing to lose' applies.

cheers

Carla

 

[spongerich]

I'd check out the Buffaloes. If there's minimal play in the spindles they're probably a reasonable bet. Offer $150 for the pair if they're decent. Then you can pick and choose the best parts from both.. then sell the other one for $100

 

[Johnk781]

I have a Ridgid 15" stationary drill press from home depot. I paid $299 for it, but I see they are now asking $499. It is a great press.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc...ridgid+drill+press&storeId=10051#.URLjZWdyF8E

 

[Ramper]

The buffalo's have three phase motors. How much would it cost to change that?

 

[alan camby]

The buffalo's have three phase motors. How much would it cost to change that?

I would prefer a 3 phase DP and run it with a VFD. They are cheap and allow you to run the DP at any speed you desire. You can put the belt on the slowest speed, say 250rpm and vary the speed to a slower speed with the pot on the VFD.

 

[alan camby]

Here is a 3phase grinder that I setup with a Teco VFD. All you need is a VFD rated for the hp of your motor. If the VFD is washdown rated, that is all you need. I chose to use a standard panel mount VFD, install a Pot, and a switch to turn it on. You can see that there is very little wiring. VFD's are the bomb

 

[Ramper]

So buy the two buffalo presses and a VFD. What type VFD and how much will that set me back? Would I need two (one for each?) or can I wire both off of one and then only use one at a time. I have a rolling bench that I could mount BOTH units on if that is possible.

 

[alan camby]

So buy the two buffalo presses and a VFD. What type VFD and how much will that set me back? Would I need two (one for each?) or can I wire both off of one and then only use one at a time. I have a rolling bench that I could mount BOTH units on if that is possible.

You can run two motors off of one VFD at the same time or separate them with a magnetic starter. If you run them at the same time you will need a VFD rated for the amperage of two motors.
I don't know why you would need two DP's. If you do need both, the cheapest way would be to put a receptacle on the VFD and plugs on both DP's. Simply plug in the DP you want to use.

Can't remember where I ordered mine.

How big are the motors on the DP?
If they are 1hp or less, the VFD can run off of 120 single phase. Most 1.5hp and larger VFD's need 220 single phase.

You can check out the Teco's with a Google search. Not saying it is the best place or price but here are a few.

1hp model running on 120
http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?cID=0&PID=4705

Think this is the model i have. 2hp running off of 220.
http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?PID=4709

 

[alan camby]

Just found this Faqs page that might help.
http://dealerselectric.com/page.asp?id=24

I can help with the wiring if you need any. I changed a few parameters, hooked up 2 wires to signal a start, 3 wires from the pot, two fused protected primary 220, and 3 wires for the 3 phase output (DP motor)

It is really cool how the speed can ramp up and down

 

[Outlawmws]

I think both those Duracrafts are WAY over priced. I had one for near thirty years, cleaned it up, painted it, and sold it for less than the cheap rusty thrashed one.

Those are IMO AT MOST a $75 - $100 DP's unless something good comes with them r they are 100% perfect. ans that only because they are floor models. knock off at least $25 more if a bench model.



For the 3 phase either a VFD or you could do the Treadmill motor swap like I did and never look back.


What was said about what you want it for is key. If for wood only and maybe soft metal, you can get by with a 4-5 speed. If you want to drill steels you need one with the intermediate pulley (3 4's = 16 speeds), A VFD on a 3 phase, or the Treadmill option.

 

[Carla]

Hello again, Ramper,

The Buffalo drill presses are to be preferred to most other makes, as they are a heavier-duty design, meant for 'industrial' service, in contrast to the 'home hobby' class of equipment. Note that one in that photo has a 2 Morse taper spindle, a desirable feature.

According to the factory specs, they were fitted with 1/2hp motors, which would reasonably certainly have been either NEMA '48' or '56' standard frame size. If you envision only light drilling work, a 1/3hp as used on the Delta and Atlas makes would suffice.

Whilst a VFD system, using the original motors, can be readily done, you have the simpler option of replacing the original motors with their single-phase equivalents.

The three-phase motors may be either 1200 or 1750rpm, an option for spindle speed ranges. Single-phase motors are seldom found in 1200rpm, and are common in 1750 or 3450rpm. 1750rpm would be suitable for these drill heads, 3450 would not.

It should be reasonably easy to find a couple of single phase 48 or 56 frame motors from one or another specialist source on the internet, or on ebay.......$25 to $50 would be a realistic price range for serviceable used ones. Note that ball bearing motors must be used in any 'vertical shaft' application.

For private shop use, wiring directly to the inbuilt C-H press button switches would be acceptable. Be certain to secure the green ground wire of the line cord to the frame of the motor or to the head casting of the drill.

Those drill presses now have the four-bolt mount used for multiple-spindle applications on a common base. It would be simple and easy to fit a Delta, Atlas, Walker-Turner or other make of base as used on a 'floor' drill press, for a somewhat heavier grade of bench drill.

The 2-3/4" round column size is an 'industry standard', so parts interchange between different makes. (one of my own light drill presses is a 1940 vintage Delta DP220 drill head on a '50's Buffalo bench type base) I've seen Delta and other makes of drill column bases on ebay, offered in the $25-$50 range.

cheers

Carla

 

[Davefr]

By the time he buy's these Buffalo's, hunts down pedestals and columns, figures out a speed arrangement and single phase motor/controller retrofits he's going to be into it for some serious time and money.

He better check runout closely because these boat anchors might have bad spindles which are probably unobtanium. Also the lack of table elevation will get old fast.

I'd keep shopping.

 

[brownbagg]

if you want a good drill press find you an old antique model, they are used. the china models are ok but way overprice, you can buy new from HF under 200. i say ridgid from HD or a grizzley if you want new and good

 

[Ramper]

The floor model Duracraft can be had for $190 (maybe less). I think to save time and work, I will buy this one. If I decide that I REALLY want an older model, I can sell the Duracraft.

 

[Mandres]

This one might be a better value after a 20% off coupon:

http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-16-speed-bench-drill-press-38142.html

I've never used the HF heavy duty drill presses but I've read several very positive reviews.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

This one might be a better value after a 20% off coupon:

http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-duty-16-speed-bench-drill-press-38142.html

I've never used the HF heavy duty drill presses but I've read several very positive reviews.

One of my DPs is the HF 16 speed Floor Model. No complaints. It does what it should. I got it used, cleaned it up, and it's drilled a lot of steel plates.

 

[Ramper]

I have flip-flopped again and think I want to buy the Buffalo Presses. That would give me two quality presses. I will get a 120 VFD (they seem to be about $125).

 

[Ramper]

The seller told me that one unit has a Baldor 3/4 HP 1725 rpm 230/460 motor and the other's plate is painted over.

 

[alan camby]

The seller told me that one unit has a Baldor 3/4 HP 1725 rpm 230/460 motor and the other's plate is painted over.

Best of luck with whatever you choose. One thing i forgot to mention. Most VFD's will only run the 230 volt flavor of 3 phase motor(if ran off single phase 120/220), which looks like the Baldor will be fine since it will run off of 230 or 460. If you do chose to go the VFD on a 3phase DP I will be happy to post my parameter setup and terminal strip hookup.

If you want more info on VFD's on 3 phase equipment, a quick Google search will find a bunch of threads on various forums. There are more brands then Teco but they seem to be one of the most popular for home shops. The factory I left several months ago used Mitsubishi VFD's ( we called them inverters) on everything that required speed control. They are top notch VFD's but you will pay for these industrial quality inverters.

Someone here, or on other forums, might give you a hard time about running a VFD on a standard non inverter duty motor. The correct answer... yes you are supposed to use a inverter duty motor. I was involved in installing and maintaining 100's of VFD driven motors that ran 24/7 350+ days a year. You will have no troubles running a non inverter duty motor. I saw a electrical engineer who installed a drive on a OD grinder that ran all day, every day, for years at 17hz. This is very slow. The motor was just a standard duty Leeson motor.

I would say that 90% + of the motors in the factory were standard 3 phase motors. Just stay in the standard 0 thru 60Hz range and you will be fine.
60 hz will put you at nameplate rpm. most of the time a parameter change is needed to go over 60Hz. We had some special inverters that ran 4000hz. These need special motors.

 

[Ramper]

Alan, Thanks. I just sent you a PM with many of the questions you just answered. I feel that if I get the Buffalo Presses, I will NEVER have to buy another DP. It is looking like under $400 for 2 top quality DPs

 

[Chandos]

Can you tell me who made the enclosure for your VFD (a link would be great)? Is it sealed, and, if so, have you had any problems with cooling?

Many thanks!

Chandos

Here is a 3phase grinder that I setup with a Teco VFD. All you need is a VFD rated for the hp of your motor. If the VFD is washdown rated, that is all you need. I chose to use a standard panel mount VFD, install a Pot, and a switch to turn it on. You can see that there is very little wiring. VFD's are the bomb

 

[alan camby]

Chandos,
I bought the enclosure off of Ebay. It is not vented. My plan was to add a filtered vent but I have never had a over temp fault on the inverter and the temp does not seem to be getting all that bad inside. The enclosure is a sealed Nema4. If the inverter is not Nema 4 (washdown), then it really should be in a enclosure. especially if used in a grinder application.
Nema 4 inverters are about double price but don't need the external controls. Most VFD's, including my Teco, can be operated remotely (external controls) or what Mitsubishi calles PU (parameter unit)mode. Meaning that it is operated right from the controls on the VFD.

 

[alan camby]

Give me some time and I will try to find a link to the ebay seller of the enclosure



Edit: Mine came from this Ebay store
http://stores.ebay.com/kodiaktechnologyinc

I bought a back plane for the enclosure. Once you find the enclosure, there is a link on the ebay page for the part #s for accessories

 

[Chandos]

Alan,

This is exactly what I've been looking for for the VFD on my DeWalt RAS,. Many thanks!

Chandos

 

[alan camby]

Chandos and Ramper,

I dug through my file cabinet today and found all my old packing slips for my inverter driven 2"x72" belt sander/grinder with a 1.5hp Baldor motor.

The enclosure is a 8x12x7" part # DS-PCT-01
the panel lower steel (i call back plane) is DS-01
the VFD is a 2hp rated JNEV-202-H1

You can go larger with a VFD, notice my 1.5hp motor is running off of a 2hp VFD.

Ramper,
I would get this http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?cID=0&PID=4705
You can shop around and see if ebay or other stores have them cheaper. Mine did come from Dealers Industrial equipment.

From what i understand, this http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?cID=0&PID=4581
is the older model. You can save a few bucks by getting this model or might be able to find one on the used market. Dealers also has the FM50 in a washdown model http://dealerselectric.com/item.asp?cID=0&PID=4587
If you go with a washdown, there is no need for a enclosure to keep the dust out of the electronics. I would not waste money on a washdown if you plan to use a enclosure as there would be no benefit.

Here is what my enclosure looks like with the door closed. The knob is for speed control and the switch turns it on. I can see the screen of the VFD through the enclosure, this allows me to see the hz (speed setting)

 

[Voi]

Alan, Thanks. I just sent you a PM with many of the questions you just answered. I feel that if I get the Buffalo Presses, I will NEVER have to buy another DP. It is looking like under $400 for 2 top quality DPs

Did you buy the Buffalo DP's? That's the one that would have interested me the most.

Did you see this one:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/tls/3611324891.html

Doesn't look like a 2.75" column so that means it's not a 150 model if I'm remembering correctly.

I was just in Minneapolis last weekend but the storm chased us out early. Never had a chance to go look at that Boice Crane.

 

[Ramper]

I did buy the two Buffalos. The seller said they came from the Outers (gun cleaning supplies) company. I have a VFD on order and look forward to getting them going this weekend. I am hoping to use a 3pdt to switch between the two units.

 

[OctoMan]

Search Craigs List, used machinery warehoues, garage sales, car clubs for a good American made press. Or, buy Dave Gingerys book and make your own. It's the 5th book in the Build your own workshop series. $10 on Amazon.

 

[Ramper]

I BOUGHT two Buffalo No. 15 drill press for $200. I order a VFD and a 3PDT switch. Some wire and an closure and I will have 2 drill press for under $400. These both have 3/4 HP 3 phase Baldor motors.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I BOUGHT two Buffalo No. 15 drill press for $200. I order a VFD and a 3PDT switch. Some wire and an closure and I will have 2 drill press for under $400. These both have 3/4 HP 3 phase Baldor motors.

I like it. IMHO, 2 is better than 1 like I already said. Less bit/speed change. I keep a pilot bit in one, and then my small bench Delta is for high speed small bits, and my big Ridgid/Emerson and Rockwell are for slower Big bits.

I really really like the Buffalos, and think you will be very happy. Are you going to give them a face lift. They are beautiful machines!

 

[Outlawmws]

Did you buy the Buffalo DP's? That's the one that would have interested me the most.

Did you see this one:

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/tls/3611324891.html

Doesn't look like a 2.75" column so that means it's not a 150 model if I'm remembering correctly.

I was just in Minneapolis last weekend but the storm chased us out early. Never had a chance to go look at that Boice Crane.

At 32" tall its much taller that a model 80; but it shorter than a 100/150 also, unless its sitting low on the column or someone has shortened the column.

 

[Dansdad]

what is VFD