Opinions on this Clausing Model 2277 Floor Model Drill Press

[sgs236]

Been looking for a variable speed drill for some time now. There's an auction not to far away that has two model 2277's up for bid. I only have the picture to go on, but everything else up for auction looks to be clean and well taken care. As I will not be able to inspect it in person, I was wondering what would be a reasonable bid for it?

 

[exmaxima1]

Been looking for a variable speed drill for some time now. There's an auction not to far away that has two model 2277's up for bid. I only have the picture to go on, but everything else up for auction looks to be clean and well taken care. As I will not be able to inspect it in person, I was wondering what would be a reasonable bid for it?

Since it has a reversing switch, it is a 3-phase machine. They don't command too much nowadays, so I would offer $300.

BTW, I have a similar 15" Clausing and let me say that the variable drive pulleys are noisy----drives you nuts if you are at the press for long periods. Plus they are prone to wearing out, so if you cannot inspect the machine keep it in mind that it could be worn.

 

[benjamintmiller]

Since it has a reversing switch, it is a 3-phase machine. They don't command too much nowadays, so I would offer $300.

This is a 20" drill press that is made in the USA, and around here it would command a hefty premium. I would expect a machine like this to sell for at least $800 in good condition, and likely over $1000. Clausing still makes the 2277... it's $4686.

I have a 20" Clausing with a power down feed, production table, was very lightly used. I paid $1500 for it, and I think I got a hell of a deal, as a new one in that configuration would have cost $8000.

 

[Davefr]

I see two issues:

1. Lack of table elevation feature renders this thing useless. (unless I can't see it in the image)
2. Variable speed drives must be thoroughly inspected/evaluated. Parts are incredibly expensive.

 

[Bob Hall]

I have a Powermatic 1200, which is very similar in size,weight,quality etc... and also 3 phase. I got it for around $400 (don't remember exactly). Based on it I would HIGHLY recommend the Clausing. These machines are nothing like the standard garage duty machine from Sears or the green bear place, they are massive stable and powerful. Yes,
you'll have to deal with the 3phase issue but there are several ways around that and it could have repair costs in the reeves drive, but you'd be surprized how many used parts are available for this type of machine via ebay or websites like OWWM.ORG where there is a heavily used forum for offering or requesting parts. Every used machine is a gamble, but judging by the overall appearance of a well maintained machine, I would certainly bid on it ( if I didn't have a garage full of such stuff). Good luck.

 

[scw1991]

it would be easy enough to swap the 3ph motor out for a 1ph 1HP without breaking the paint.

 

[exmaxima1]

I see two issues:

1. Lack of table elevation feature renders this thing useless. (unless I can't see it in the image)
2. Variable speed drives must be thoroughly inspected/evaluated. Parts are incredibly expensive.

You're right---there is no table lift. Must have been set up for a specific task, and the lift removed to install that massive table top.

The sale apparently does not allow inspections, so it's a **** shoot. $300 is a fair bid in that instance, and I wouldn't offer more unless I could see it running.

Regarding motors, you'd be surprised to see how hard it is to find a single phase motor that matches the pulley requirements. Sometimes the shaft is a special large diameter/long length. I know the Powermatics with the variable speed are unique.

 

[sgs236]

Three phase power would be no problem as I already have a 3HP VFD in my garage, but the no table lift would ****. After reading everyone's suggestions, I think I will limit my bid to $300. Even if it turns out to be a lemon, I can probably part it out to recoup some, if not all of my cost. Thanks for everyone's advise.

 

[LOTW]

I would give $1000 for that all day long. No table elevation? Bummer but not a deal breaker. We have 3 of these at work that see HARD use every day. Nothing but minor problems. And if your Clausing is loud it needs some work, probably new bushings. They normally run real quiet.

 

[benjamintmiller]

From the picture, it looks like there's a steel plate on top of the table, covering up the lift in the back. If this is the case, the table may be undamaged.

 

[Outlawmws]

Tool prices are extremely variable depending on area, but I could see that sell for a minimum of 500 probably closer to 1000, and very likely over 1K in this area, three phase or not, and it may not be three phase, (but smart money would bet on it) A reversing switch does NOT instantly mean three phase BTW.

 

[A_Pmech]

Those are good machines and MUCH better than the cheap little Harbor Freight knockoffs.

A noisy drive indicates a problem. The usual issue is a worn out hub bushing, fretted sheave half and a broken drive key. I overhaul the motor end of the drive for $250ish worst case. This includes a new hub, new bushing along with repair and re-machining of the drive sheave.

If you can't inspect the machine you should definitely not bid a premium price for it. However, there's not much to break or wear out besides the variable drive system.

 

[JoeFin]

Those are good machines and MUCH better than the cheap little Harbor Freight knockoffs.

A noisy drive indicates a problem.

All this Gnashing of Teeth over a "Hypothetical" bushing problem

No one has listened to this machine run and of course some one surmised it must have noisy drive bushings. For all we know (and most likely) this thing runs like a clock. A well made American Iron clock. At first look I see what looks like a "well maintained machine" void of holes drilled into the table, chipping paint, or bent handles, (signs the machine was dropped)

As for the 3 phase - the addition of an inexpensive VFD from Eboner and not only does he have effortless "Infinitely Adjustable Speed Control" - he also gains "Overload Protection", Single Phase - to 3 phase Power Conversion, and Reversing Capabilities


No - the only possible conclusion here is he must go down to Happy Fart and buy some thing that will never perform 10% of the work capable of this machine

 

[Outlawmws]

Since it has a reversing switch, it is a 3-phase machine. They don't command too much nowadays, so I would offer $300.

BTW, I have a similar 15" Clausing and let me say that the variable drive pulleys are noisy----drives you nuts if you are at the press for long periods. Plus they are prone to wearing out, so if you cannot inspect the machine keep it in mind that it could be worn.

Those are good machines and MUCH better than the cheap little Harbor Freight knockoffs.

A noisy drive indicates a problem.

All this Gnashing of Teeth over a "Hypothetical" bushing problem

No one has listened to this machine run and of course some one surmised it must have noisy drive bushings. For all we know (and most likely) this thing runs like a clock. A well made American Iron clock. At first look I see what looks like a "well maintained machine" void of holes drilled into the table, chipping paint, or bent handles, (signs the machine was dropped)

As for the 3 phase - the addition of an inexpensive VFD from Eboner and not only does he have effortless "Infinitely Adjustable Speed Control" - he also gains "Overload Protection", Single Phase - to 3 phase Power Conversion, and Reversing Capabilities


No - the only possible conclusion here is he must go down to Happy Fart and buy some thing that will never perform 10% of the work capable of this machine

Joe, you are taking things out of context: A_Pmechs comment was to another post...

 

[zkling]

Those are good machines and MUCH better than the cheap little Harbor Freight knockoffs.

A noisy drive indicates a problem. The usual issue is a worn out hub bushing, fretted sheave half and a broken drive key. I overhaul the motor end of the drive for $250ish worst case. This includes a new hub, new bushing along with repair and re-machining of the drive sheave.

If you can't inspect the machine you should definitely not bid a premium price for it. However, there's not much to break or wear out besides the variable drive system.

The VS mechanism in those is and can be a love hate thing. Realize it is an industrial drill press, they still sell them, look up what they sell for compared to a big box store drill press. Just like a high end sports car the maintenance $ is a % of purchase price, when purchase price goes up, so does maintenance cost. Where people get into trouble is when they pick up a VS machine for a $100 or so and then need to buy parts or pay someone else to fix the machine, the sticker shock gets them. For the average home shop user I'd probably avoid, unless you are willing and understand what could happen and throughtly check out the machine prior to purchase. Also realize that the average person on this forum probaly isn't the typical home drill press user. Just my 2 cents.

 

[exmaxima1]

A noisy drive indicates a problem. The usual issue is a worn out hub bushing, fretted sheave half and a broken drive key.

What I meant was BELT noise relative to stepped pulleys. My Clausing has a new belt but still sort of squeaks, but after all, the belt is squeezed very hard by the spring loaded sheaves. My Wilton drill press has a similar drone. In contrast, me 1942 Delta 17" press runs nearly silent at the lowest speeds--which is great when I'm counter sinking a 1000 holes for several hours.

 

[Steevo]

Here is one like it listed on Craigslist for $2500, with a phase converter.

http://twinfalls.craigslist.org/tls/4520998845.html

I think he's about $1000 too high for the drill press, but the lubrication system and phase converter probably add $500 to the value.

 

[exmaxima1]

Here is one like it listed on Craigslist for $2500, with a phase converter.

http://twinfalls.craigslist.org/tls/4520998845.html

You can certainly ASK anything you like.....

FWIW, I got my 15" VS Clausing (single phase) for $200 when a local shop was closing.

 

[PT Doc]

The variable speed system seems like a headache for most. Do you change speeds regularly that you need this or do you want a stout USA made drill press?

I would bid low and expect issues with the vs setup.

 

[sgs236]

Sale price was $500 for the unit. I went to $400 before I dropped out. If I could have inspected it in person, I would have paid more, but I thought 400 was high enough when I only had a single picture to go on.