New member with Craftsman 101.03662 15" floor model

[f18shack]

I've been lurking here doing research whenever an interesting drill press showed up on Craigslist. This one popped up on Saturday and I jumped on it. It's a Craftsman (Atlas) 101.03662, 15" floor model, and most likely a 1941 based on the design and the oval switch plate. The optional slow speed pulley set works great. It's in remarkable condition with original paint and decals. She obviously only saw light use over the years. Everything is tight and purrs like a kitten.

I spent this afternoon cleaning and lubing, then took these pics. I don't think much more restoration is required before I get to work with it. The motor mount is one item that needs to be addressed, as it is too small and won't raise high enough to engage the lower pulleys. Might blast and paint the rusty base too, but that's about it.

Thanks to this forum for sharing the knowledge it took to focus my drill search!

 

[softailgarage]

Welcome to the Garage. Your close in the date. 1937 is when that floor model came out. After that the floor models had a winged cover, although the bench top models lasted till 1941. I would print the catalog page but have to renew my adobe subscription.

 

[f18shack]

I'll try out flipping the mount. The rear belt is definitely too long and needs replacing.

1937, huh? That's even cooler.

 

[jakemac]

I could be wrong, but I believe the oval switch plate ended during 1940 and was replaced with the rectangular plate. I think the 4 handle version began in 1938, previous models had 3 handles. So, I'd place it's birthday between 1938-1940. As suggested, try flipping the motor mount over and remounting the motor.

That's a nice example of that model. The fact that the spindle cover and third pulley are still there, and that the arc of shame is minimal is a testament to how well the original owner cared for it. The paint is in great condition for its age. Well done.

 

[softailgarage]

I could be wrong, but I believe the oval switch plate ended during 1940 and was replaced with the rectangular plate. I think the 4 handle version began in 1938, previous models had 3 handles. So, I'd place it's birthday between 1938-1940. As suggested, try flipping the motor mount over and remounting the motor.

That's a nice example of that model. The fact that the spindle cover and third pulley are still there, and that the arc of shame is minimal is a testament to how well the original owner cared for it. The paint is in great condition for its age. Well done.

I went back to the 30's catalog's and here is what I found, 1935 had the straight handle, 1936-1937 had the 4 prong or cross style handle, 1938-1940 had the wing type cover, 1941 had the cover with the verticle "Craftsman" name (sort of an art-deco look). Craftsman stopped production for the war effort from 1942-1947. It took 2 years after the war for products to hit the street again and then it was on a limited basis. Keep in mind, these are floor models only. The bench top models are a whole different story.

 

[f18shack]

I read somewhere that the wing type full pulley cover was an $3 option, so some floor models came with the front only cover like mine. The catalog was trying to sell the full covers apparently!

 

[JZiggy]

Nice find! I saw that one show up in the area and was sorely tempted, but I don't need another drill press, that's for sure! Looks like it will be an awesome project.

I think I have a more period-specific motor that would fit, if you're interested.

 

[f18shack]

Yeah, I might, especially if it fixes the poor mounting location.

I tried flipping the engine bracket today, but it didn't work out. The motor pulley is real tight to the motor, and the engine mount on the new motor results in the motor sitting too low. Only the top two pulley rings could be used with the engine bracket installed upside down.