Possible Delta Milwaukee purchase

[964haus]

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/tls/4218748395.html

Guys, have been tracking this for a few days. Would likely offer less than asking, but I'm new to drill presses (especially old ones like this).

Are there some straightforward tests that I can do to inspect it to make sure I'm not buying a huge headache? Some key things that I could look for (i.e. I've heard that if the spindles are worn, getting a replacement isn't easy and is costly - how would I check for this?). If I bring a piece of scrap wood with me, what tasks should I put it through before handing over my cash?

Thanks for the help - am slowly building up my tools and a drill press is the next item I'm after.

Matthew.

 

[Davefr]

I'd look for cracks, welds, damage and/or missing parts.

Try and bring a dial indicator with you and measure runout. (<.002" = great, <.005" is OK, >.005" = bad). If there's excessive runout measure it at the spindle vs the chuck. A bad chuck can be easily replaced. A spindle assembly will be costly/unobtainium.

It looks like a decent machine other then lots of rust. (no arc of shame!!).

I would not want a DP with only 4 speeds and no table elevation but that's personal preference depending on your intended use.

 

[jakemac]

If you want to use it for metal, you'll need to find the optional speed reduction pulley. It won't be easy, but it will be costly.

If you don't have a dial indicator to measure the runout, you can bring a wood paddle bit with a good point that you know to be true. Place it in the chuck, mark a point on a scrap piece of wood, set the bit depth just above the point, and slowly turn the spindle by hand to see if the point of the bit wanders around the mark. Not an accurate way to test the spindle, but your eyeball will let you know if there is a problem that you'll need to track down later.

Bring an extension cord with you. It looks like the DP is in a storage unit. It may not have power, but you may be able to steal it from down the hall. If you can power it up, listen to the motor for any issues. You will want to listen to the spindle bearings as well. Check the power on the spare motor as well, you may be able to turn it into a wire wheel or polisher.

 

[Packard V8]

If you want to use it for metal, you'll need to find the optional speed reduction pulley.

This scares away many newbies. To be accurate, "if you want to drill many larger than 1/2" diameter holes deep into steel, the optional speed reduction pulley setup is needed."

Most home shop use is 1/4"-or-less diameter holes in 1/4"-or-less thickness mild steel. The standard pulley setup will suffice.

jack vines

 

[jakemac]

^^^^ True ^^^^
I didn't mean to be an alarmist. I'm just used to my own set-up, and forget that faster can also get some jobs done.

I should also add that $100 isn't a bad price if the DP runs well, but I'd start at $75 due to the clean-up and fine tuning you'll need to do.

 

[964haus]

Thanks for all the input - as it's my first DP, i'm wondering if I shouldn't just find a cheaper, newer item and see how much use (and what qualities I'm looking for) before embarking on a restoration project.
Although, the other part of me says to invest properly in an older tool that will outlast me and my kids.....

M.

 

[zkling]

That is a Delta DP220, a 14" machine, super common and a nice home shop machine. I'd go check it out in person, as others have advised, look for cracks, missing parts, etc. The seller SAYS everything moves like it should. It almost looks like it has been sitting outside for a while. If the motor run, and nothing is broken, I'd try to grab if for something in the double digits. Will need some cleanup but will be a nice machine, lifetime if properly taken care of.
It is really a 3/8" and less in steel machine.

Since so many people THINK they need super low speeds, let me ask you, how fast would you run a 1/4" drill in mild steel?