Is this a quality drill press?

[Rod N]

What are your thoughts gentleman?

 

[BillK]

Depends on the price. Its probably built better than a lot of the new stuff. Just make sure the spindle bearings aren't worn out and the spindle isn't bent. Would be great in a home shop.

 

[Rod N]

Depends on the price. Its probably built better than a lot of the new stuff. Just make sure the spindle bearings aren't worn out and the spindle isn't bent. Would be great in a home shop.

How do I check this?

 

[BillK]

Rod,
The best way would be to use a dial indicator but if you have a very straight metal rod, a pushrod would work great, put it in the chuck and turn on the motor at a slow speed and see how much the pushrod wobbles around. Should be very little if any visible movement. You can grab hold of the chuck and try moving it front to back etc to get a feel as to what kind of shape the bearings are in.

 

[DeathMagnetic]

Rod, assuming it is in good shape, hell yes !!! think beaver is to Canada what delta is to the U.S..... that is one quality drill press.. I have an old Rockwell that is like that and is smooth as butter.... beats the **** out of any of the tiawan / Chinese new stuff....

 

[lilredex]

Those are well made. The price is about right and it is neat to see it includes an original BEAVER mortising attachment.

Two negatives in my book. No table elevator and no intermediate speed reducing pulley. Speed may not be an issue if you only intend to drill wood.

Steve Morris is the resident Beaver pro over here...

https://forum.canadianwoodworking.com/showthread.php?55898-Pictures-From-the-Beaver-Lodge

 

[exmaxima1]

What are your thoughts gentleman?

Nice Beaver.....

 

[Rod N]

Would you believe this is being sold by the original owner?
Here is my issue.
I want this to be on my work bench as I'm trying to increase floor space in my garage.
The table is 3' 6" high.
The drill press is 3' 4" in total height.
The chuck will be at eye height.
Doable?

 

[1930artdeco]

If that is anything like my Beaver scroll saw it will be built like a tank and you can't break it! Grab it.

Mike

 

[John in OH]

Rod,
....... turn on the motor at a slow speed and see how much the pushrod wobbles around. Should be very little if any visible movement. You can grab hold of the chuck and try moving it front to back etc to get a feel as to what kind of shape the bearings are in.

Point of clarity !!! Probably a "duh" thing to point out, but I'm sure BillK does not mean for you to, "... grab hold of the chuck ...." with the motor at slow speed, or any speed, for that matter!! Do this only with the motor off!!

 

[BikerDad]

Would you believe this is being sold by the original owner?
Here is my issue.
I want this to be on my work bench as I'm trying to increase floor space in my garage.
The table is 3' 6" high.
The drill press is 3' 4" in total height.
The chuck will be at eye height.
Doable?

doable, yes. In some ways, that's great, because you'll find lining things up to be dead simple. But.... it's kinda high to be hoisting workpieces.

 

[Rod N]

I missed this one guys. Guy told me to call back in the morning to come see it and the ad is gone already.

Is the lucky one from here?

He was asking $75.00

 

[mjs128]

Good drill, looks like a Delta DP220, if the bearings a good and the shaft is straight, it's a great machine.

 

[Lassen Forge]

Sorry you missed it, we had a Beaver at an old shop I worked at, and it was a durable machine. (and for $75 I would have grabbed it up, no wonder it was gone!)

As to the height, it's up to really what you're using it for. Small stuff that takes precision drilling, then yes, it's not only doable, but preferred to have it "up there", tho changing belt speeds may take a ladder. If you're doing any heavy material work, then you want it further down. (You could build a separate lower bench for the unit...)

Good luck on the next one!