Post mounted drill presses?

[MushCreek]

I've been seeing old post-mounted drill presses on FB. I'd like an old machine to tinker with, and the floor model camelback drill presses are too much money, and eat up too much valuable floor space. I have 4 posts to choose from, so I have a good set-up for one. I don't need it to drill holes; mostly want one to restore and use as a decoration. Any of you guys fool with these things?

 

[RTM]

I don’t, but knew a bunch who did. My first caveat, make sure all the pieces are there if you intend to use it. Many sporting broken castings, which make them unusable. The table bits are a tough one, as are the ratcheting bits.

But if, as you said, just want a decorative piece, should be a lot easier.

 

[crguy]

Post drills run from simple basic models to ones with cool and interesting mechanisms. Look for a good one.

 

[WisJim]

I've had a bunch of them over the years. I've had them set up to use in a couple of shops and had one that I would take to local history events, set up so kids could drill holes. I used mine in my garage to drill holes in heavy steel as my powered drill press was too high speed for big bits. I also have a set of auger bits with 1/2" shank to use in wood. As mentioned, make sure it is all there, and if you might use it someday, I would avoid one that had an electric motor running it, as there may be more wear to it from extreme use. I think that I'm down to just one left, and I don't have a good place to install it at the moment, but I'm working on finding a place. Around here I have seen them sell for $25 and up at local auctions, but a nice one would easily be worth more to me.
Make sure the crank arm is there, and if it has the advancing mechanism, check to see if it is complete. I see a lot of them without the table, too.