Old Rockwell 17-600 drill press

[ekeller]

Hi, I recently purchased a 17-600 Rockwell with the variable speed. It has one belt that’s just over an inch wide and the variable shives not the step pulleys. My problem is that it spins way too fast. It has the 1725 rpm single phase motor on it. The slowest it will spin is 775 rpm and that’s about double what it should be. Any ideas on what could be wrong. The belt measures 1.130 on the width, it’s got a bit of wear but I don’t think it’s causing this? The input motor shaft is running about 1750 so I think that’s ok too. Thanks

 

[GrayFlattop]

Assuming that the variable pitch pulleys are able to move through their range, perhaps the belt itself is the improper length.

 

[exmaxima1]

Have you tried tightening (or loosening) the belt a bit to get more range?

 

[Renegade1LI]

I would start by cleaning the pulleys & replacing with a new correct belt. While the belt is off make sure the pulleys are free moving & lubricated. If you can get the manual that will be a big help on the speed adjustment. I have some PM reeves drives & there is an adjustment bolt to raise or lower the speed, I'm assuming you have a tach? As long as they're clean, free moving & in good alignment with a new belt you should be able to get the speed adjusted.

 

[Davefr]

Hi, I recently purchased a 17-600 Rockwell with the variable speed. It has one belt that’s just over an inch wide and the variable shives not the step pulleys. My problem is that it spins way too fast. It has the 1725 rpm single phase motor on it. The slowest it will spin is 775 rpm and that’s about double what it should be. Any ideas on what could be wrong. The belt measures 1.130 on the width, it’s got a bit of wear but I don’t think it’s causing this? The input motor shaft is running about 1750 so I think that’s ok too. Thanks

Maybe this will help

 

[txvwnut]

When those vari-speed type belts wear they affect the speeds of the machine. You can follow the procedure listed above to get it back to spec but I would look and see if you can find the width of what the belt should be when new. If it is mech wider than what you have then change the belt check spindle speeds and adjust as needed.

 

[ekeller]

Well I installed a new belt today and it didn’t change much. But then I realized that the belt was running way too loose and was not running deep enough in the motor shive so I tightened it up really good and now I got the speed down to 320 rpm! Now I got to find a vice! Anyone use a milling machine vice on this drill press? Thanks

 

[UMaine grease monkey]

Looking for manual on this older drill press we have here at the University of Maine.
Rockwell model 17-600 serial # 1505743, It it a good machine but need TLC.
It uses SAE140 gear oil. We are wondering were to buy other drill chucks for it.
Can someone give us some guidance on it. It would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GeoBruin]

Looking for manual on this older drill press we have here at the University of Maine.
Rockwell model 17-600 serial # 1505743, It it a good machine but need TLC.
It uses SAE140 gear oil. We are wondering were to buy other drill chucks for it.
Can someone give us some guidance on it. It would be greatly appreciated.

That's a 1970 vintage. It may have come with either a male Jacob's taper or a 2 Morse Taper spindle. Do you have a picture?

 

[UMaine grease monkey]

That's a 1970 vintage. It may have come with either a male Jacob's taper or a 2 Morse Taper spindle. Do you have a picture?

Here are two pictures.

 

[UMaine grease monkey]

Here are two pictures.

 

[GeoBruin]

That may be a jacobs taper to morse taper adapter on the spindle, but in any case, you can use a wedge to remove the chuck and measure the taper on the chuck to confirm the size. My guess is it's a 2 Morse Taper. So your new chuck would need a 2 MT arbor.

 

[UMaine grease monkey]

Are new chucks available in different sizes to fit this unit? Also where can I find them?

 

[GeoBruin]

Yes, nearly any drill chuck can be had with a 2MT arbor. Those that can't can be adapted.

What kind of chuck are you looking for? Keyed or keyless? Size capacity? How much do you want to spend?

If you haven't used a modern keyless chuck, I find them to be dreamy. I have an Albrecht I got with a used drill press, but they're expensive new. I also have a Precision Matthew's branded keyless chuck which is likely a rebrand of a generic taiwanese chuck but it reads just as accurately as the Albrecht on a dial indicator and is buttery smooth.

You can find chucks at any industrial supplier or machine tool supply (MSC, Grainger, Travers, McMaster etc.) or directly from the likes of Little Machine Shop, Shars, Precision Matthews, etc.

To be honest, you could start with Amazon. I'm sure the import models are probably identical to the ubiquitous"HHIP" brand.

You really should decide what you want first, and work from there.

 

[UMaine grease monkey]

Thanks, I will be in touch with you again after I chat with the guys on which way they want to go.
Price wise good middle of the road cost is where we are at mostly, if that answers your question.
Thanks again, John

 

[Packard V8]

Now I got to find a vice! Anyone use a milling machine vice on this drill press? Thanks

It is to be hoped you weren't planning to chuck up a milling cutter and try to crank the vise sideways. Absolutely, positively, it won't work. DP chucks and bearings will be dangerous if forced to side loads. They work straight up and straight down only!

jack vines

 

[clemente285]

What length belt did you use on this? Dealing with a similar issue.