Need opinion on Craftsman DP

[Rileysan]

I'm not going to try to hide to ad so if anyone in my local are really wants it, go for it!

There is a Craftsman standing Drill Press for $150 in my neck of the woods. I have always wanted a vintage Craftsman drill press and want to know if this one is the right one. I own a "1 1/2 HP" Craftsman drill press with a 5/8" chuck that I bought new in ~1998 so do not "need" a DP.

The DP in the ad only has a 1/2" chuck. Did this era have optional 5/8" or 3/4" chucks? I had never really thought about it until I saw this ad.

Also, the DP does not have the original motor. It has an American made GE 3/4 HP motor. I think it would be nice to have one labeled "Craftsman" Overall, it's very clean.

I'm looking for a good deal, not necessarily a "You ****" price.

Opinions?

Brian

https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/tls/6169102225.html

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Probably not a bad deal. At least the table isn't tore all to hell and the handles look good. I have a similar King Sealy bench top model you can have for the hauling if you want it. Clean table but I think my handles are a little rougher. This older Craftsman is also on C/L now and is pretty neat but at $350 way overpriced. Ed.

 

[jakemac]

+ minimal arc of shame
— no slow speed pulley or vari-slow
+ looks to be in descent condition
— unknown runout
+ 3/4hp motor
— may be slightly overpowered
+ a larger chuck can be installed if needed

In some areas $150 would be a great price. In other areas it would be on the high side.
YMMV

I'm cheap, I'd have a difficult time paying that price, but if I didn't already have a DP I'm happy with, I might consider it.


Edit :
I guess I'm not much help.

 

[Davefr]

What would you gain over the one you already have? it sounds like yours is better???

If your existing one has a bigger motor, table lift/tilt/etc, larger chuck and wider speed range then you're taking a step back IMHO.

 

[Rileysan]

What would you gain over the one you already have? it sounds like yours is better???

If your existing one has a bigger motor, table lift/tilt/etc, larger chuck and wider speed range then you're taking a step back IMHO.

A reasonable question!

My intent is to create a shop full of vintage tools, of which Heritage era Craftsman is my favorite. The only point in pointing out my existing DP is to say that I don't "need" a DP. If I am going to buy a vintage DP, I would prefer to find one that will replace the one I have in function and power so I don't need to keep two drill presses in my shop.

I am willing to bet that my "1 1/2 HP" DP is probably over-rated by double, because that's what Craftsman has been doing since the 80s. Therefore, is a vintage 3/4 HP motor going to equal my existing DP or should I look for a 1 HP model? Are there larger chucks available for the older King Seely made Craftsman drill presses?

Brian

 

[Cope]

Back in the day most drill presses came with a 1/2" chuck.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Ok fess up, who got it ? I was gonna grab it tonight as I couldn't since family is in town.... Oh well the search continues for a good vintage cman unit[emoji2]


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[6PTsocket]

Probably not a bad deal. At least the table isn't tore all to hell and the handles look good. I have a similar King Sealy bench top model you can have for the hauling if you want it. Clean table but I think my handles are a little rougher. This older Craftsman is also on C/L now and is pretty neat but at $350 way overpriced. Ed.

That table damage is called "the arc of shame".

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[Rileysan]

Ok fess up, who got it ? I was gonna grab it tonight as I couldn't since family is in town.... Oh well the search continues for a good vintage cman unit[emoji2]


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Not I. Apparently someone really liked it because it didn't last long!

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[ckadams00]

That's not a bad deal especially in the PNW looked like it was in fair shape. These were sold "motor optional" so it's not uncommon to find them with other motors on them (though less desirable).

 

[Zeke]

Don't lose any sleep over that. And if you want a cool shop with vintage machines, look for the gold painted CM DP's and other tools.

 

[A E Numan]

Rileysan, I would hold out for a 100 Drill Press. The 100's have a taller column and a tilt table! They also have the heritage badge like ckadams00 avatar.

 

[A E Numan]

Like this!

 

[exmaxima1]

Like this!

Sans the tilt table.

 

[Rileysan]

Rileysan, I would hold out for a 100 Drill Press. The 100's have a taller column and a tilt table! They also have the heritage badge like ckadams00 avatar.

THIS is why I come here ... for an education!

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[Zeke]

Like this!

That's what I'm talkin' about.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Like this!

Sweet mother of Mary... Power bronze with the varislow option! Well played [emoji108]


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[crguy]

Are there larger chucks available for the older King Seely made Craftsman drill presses?

Brian

Do you really need a 5/8" chuck? I think those were more of a sales gimmick on those drill presses than anything. 1/2" chucks are pretty standard, and you can buy larger reduced shank drills to use in them if you really need to.

 

[Rileysan]

Like this!

Hmm ... I think I see a Craftsman Heritage roller hiding in the background!

Brian