Is this a Buffalo No. 15 ?

[ALLFAST]

Ok,

As they say, I was a bad, bad boy ! But not too bad. Whilst looking for another small tool on CL last Weds night, this bad boy had just been posted minutes prior to my log on: " Old Drill Press". I made an immediate reply and am picking it up tomorrow before work. It's 10 minutes from where my parents live (the house I grew up in). Seller and I became rather friendly...his dad bought it over 40 years ago from a defunct high school shop program....the same high school both my grandparents graduated from in 1935 ! It runs and is suprisingly unmested. It may be missing the quill. It has the maple handles...is this ifrom a particular year range ?

Thanks for any input in advance,

Shawn

 

[ALLFAST]

My typo should have read suprisingly unmolested

 

[dirt_dobber]

Can't help you with the ID but very cool old tool - and you ****!

 

[thehorse13]

Looks like a 1940s model 15 bench top to me.

 

[gungatim]

Can't help you with the ID but very cool old tool - and you ****!

depends on what he paid for it...if he gave $100, he doesn't ****...

 

[exmaxima1]

I see the quill with the Jacobs 33 stub protruding. Being so old, the bearings are likely dried up, but may be usable for slow speed applications for awhile yet.

How much did you pay??

 

[ALLFAST]

Well, I'm ducking for cover here: The ad read, "Old Drill Press, $40.00". So I offered him $65.00 as a premium for holding onto it (I pick it up tomorrow afternoon )..

He appreciates that it's going to a good home and won't be flipped.

So are the maple handles specific to certain years ?

 

[Carla]

Well, I'm ducking for cover here: The ad read, "Old Drill Press, $40.00". So I offered him $65.00 as a premium for holding onto it (I pick it up tomorrow afternoon )..

He appreciates that it's going to a good home and won't be flipped.

So are the maple handles specific to certain years ?

The firm which made that nice little drill press is still in business, and still makes that model.....do an internet search on 'Buffalo Machines'

My personal opinion is that you would do best to strip that machine down, clean, carefully inspect, and refinish the pieces, then fit new bearings and a new belt.

The missing chuck may be readily replaced, if the spindle taper is undamaged. Inspect the spindle taper carefully for scarring or runout. If it is scarred, you may be able to file/hone/polish any burrs down, to a clean taper. If it has been bent, the spindle may need to be re-ground or replaced.

With a bit of looking, you may be able to find a new-old-stock real American made Jacobs chuck on ebay, or from a specialist internet seller. (from what I've read, the current production Jacobs-badged chucks are lesser-grade oriental copies of the real ones)

If I was refitting that drill press for my own use, I'd make the somewhat higher first-cost investment in a genuine Albrecht drill chuck. The convenience level of the Albrecht chuck, in everyday use, as compared to the Jacobs, well amortises the somewhat higher first-cost, as I've found by practical experience.

cheers

Carla

 

[ALLFAST]

Carla,
I appreciate your input. My overall plan is to do all that you mentioned.. I'll probably source a good used chuck, or perhaps look into the model you suggested. I've been casually (but regularly looking ) trolling for an old DP for a few years now, so I can let this percolate during the summer, working on it between other duties.

I'll post some updates in the next few days.

Be Well,

Shawn

 

[tool_scrounge]

Post 1957 Buffalo 15" drill press. I was sorry to have sold mine.

 

[ALLFAST]

Thanks Tool Scrounge.

 

[ALLFAST]

I picked it up 40 minutes ago. It has the chuck, and the ever popular GE switch control box...it works. A minor nick in the top table...original center hole...no arc of shame...bottom table is pristine...no broken anything. Original paint is flaking off. Minimal to no rust. I sprayed PB Blaster on each joint and removed the control head/motor assembly...it pulled right off...column is not abused or galled. Wrapped it all in plastic trash bags. I read about pre WWII models having the primary head bolt in the front, and the clamp in the rear ?? Is this correct....this has that configuration. ..I also read about the EXTREMEMLY RARE CAST ALUMINUM BELT GUARD HOUSING ?? If so,
It has this....COMPLETELY SOUND CONDITION. The factory I'd tag is in place...covered in some thick old paint. Serial numbers everywhere....I need to run these out . Will rubbing alcohol and a Q tip safely clean the tag ?? I picked it up before starting my 7 day work hitch. ..it's packed safely in back of my ride, in separate bags, in a very secure parking lot. Can't wait to tear into it.

 

[ALLFAST]

I was surprised at how small it is. I expected it to be abit larger !

I believe this Buffalo here belongs to a member of GJ ? I read of this refurbishment a few days ago and noted that this is the rare cast aluminum belt shroud. Is this correct ?

This as I recall was a butternut yellow machine prior to restoration. This build may have come from the home machinist board, but I don't recall .

Thanks for any info in advance !

Shawn

 

[ALLFAST]

I did some quick research and the 1957 and later model should have the switch incorporated at the front of the machine.

I meant to say there were part numbers visible on alot of the pieces. Serial numbers may not be a good indication of production years, or non existing?

I saw a few machines at OWWM with serial numbers found on the bases. I'll keep updating as I go. Does anyone here have or have seen a pre 1957 #15 with a cast aluminum belt shroud ? It's built like a tank, the shroud, and has a few part numbers. I'll be looking into this.

 

[ALLFAST]

I have 3 photos to post but presently they won't upload (system is slow on my end).

The motor appears original to the DP. A GE 1/3 Horsepower.

The Start/reset off control box is actually a Westinghouse "DE-ION LINESTARTER" box with the extruded vertical lines in the door. The tag is in decent shape.

A quick wipe down of the head clamp bores reveals no cracks or abnormalities. They should clean up beautifully. There are no cracks in the clamping areas of the upper table casting which receives the column. I busted off the layer of grime with a wire brush and found a minor arc of shame, but they look like they were layer out on purpose...maybe 3 or so small little divots and they are by no means unacceptable IMHO.

I tried cleaning the I'd badge with a towel and PB Blaster but it's a no go for right now.

I'm going to research the serial number of the motor and look for a new "AU" capacitor.

I'll try reposting the pictures later.

 

[Mike W.]

I bought a Buffalo No. 18 the other day and also found the company was still in business. I called them and talked to a very helpful gentleman who told me they still make the same No. 18! Crazy huh? Anywho he offered to help but said pics would do better for my model (to determine the date) than an actual part number.

All that being said you can get the contact info at their site http://www.bmt-usa.com/

The Vintage Machinery site has scads of manuals, pictures and even patents from Buffalo Forge. The link is below.

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=129&tab=3

Hope this helps,
Mike

 

[ALLFAST]

Mike W,

Thanks for the info. I'd read they were still in business and have some parts for the old machines. I may give them a call.

I just tried looking up the GE serial number to no avail ( 5KC47AB902A). I may give them a call.

I'll post photos soon.

 

[ALLFAST]

This is the cast aluminum belt shroud. I'm emailing Buffalo for proper identification. I called earlier and a large snow storm had them in its grips, so telephone guidance was temporarily delayed.

 

[ALLFAST]

Ok,
The evening dusk (and thick dust) camouflaged these errant holes.
The control box and original spiral wire shielding is in excellent shape.

I have an email in to Buffalo Machine to get the truth about the shroud.

 

[ALLFAST]

My apologies for the cliff hanger photos. I had trouble uploading them earlier.

The GE motor seems original and I'm going to verify if it has roller bearings (better for vertical installations as in the DP ? ). I have an email in to a reputable small motor shop in hopes of dating it via serial number (if this is feasible). I was on OWWM and Vintage machinery.org and couldn't find anything (or improperly searched is more likely).

The Westinghouse box is in fine mechanical condition and over the top cool, but it's big . Im going to put together a more aesthetic switch very similar to those beautiful little Walker Turner ones.

This just dominates the whole side of the DP and has a mass of angle iron braketry running through everything. If anyone is interested in this box let me know and I'll get the exact specifications (all the original wiring diagrams are inside the door). This is a great looking tool and I love the clean lines of the 1957 and up versions (with the switch in front), so I'm probably exudine this fine box in the end.

Regards ,

Shawn

 

[ALLFAST]

The motor badge failed to upload with the control box image. Here she is.