Power switch question for DP 220

[bronc076]

Attached are pics of my DP 220 drill press that was my Dad's. I figured he bought it in the 50s, It's a 1947 according to the SN.

What was the common on/off arrangement these things had? This one has had the box and switch on it for as long as I can remember and I'm 51. It's clearly retrofit as it covers the SN which is good as it has protected the SN plate. I looked through the threads here and I see some have a rod to a switch mounted on the motor that the operator pulls, others have a foot operated switch. I'll probably find some period correct switch and build a bracket for it back by the motor. Just curious what was the standard setup back then. Thanks!

 

[whateg01]

My big wt has an industrial push button switch right at the front facing the operator. Near as I can tell, there really wasn't a standard. The motors were kind of an add-on and often had the switch on it or nearby like on the mounting plate. I put the switch on my craftsman in the same place as your pic shows but used smaller box. A lot of folks here use a foot switch.

 

[bfastr]

my 1943 DP220 has a switch mounted on the motor. then there is a long rod with a loop in the end you pull.
I would guess that once a motor was replaced on old machines a different style on/off was implemented.

 

[Packard V8]

Yes, the above photos are correct for the early Delta 14" drill presses, informally referred to as "220" from the head casting number.

The Delta machines were always priced without the motor. The catalog had a dozen options of horsepower, bearing type and voltage. The switch was an extra cost option.

jack vines

 

[bronc076]

Thanks!

 

[Whitworth]

That flat toggle with a hole for a cotter pin was unique to Delta.
I've seen many standard toggle switches ground down to do a work around when the switch needs replacing.
I've got a small push button switch where the original switch was.

 

[Southern83]

Mine had a modern switch on the side like yours when I first got it. I really wanted a period correct switch to go along with it but I couldn't source one at the time. I went with a foot operated switch. Picked up an older square D off eBay.

 

[JEFinCLE]

Attached are pics of my DP 220 drill press that was my Dad's. I figured he bought it in the 50s, It's a 1947 according to the SN.

What was the common on/off arrangement these things had? This one has had the box and switch on it for as long as I can remember and I'm 51. It's clearly retrofit as it covers the SN which is good as it has protected the SN plate. I looked through the threads here and I see some have a rod to a switch mounted on the motor that the operator pulls, others have a foot operated switch. I'll probably find some period correct switch and build a bracket for it back by the motor. Just curious what was the standard setup back then. Thanks!

The "factory" switch is reliant on having a "factory" motor. The push rod is specifically designed for the wiring box size and location of the Delta motor. That's not to say a reasonable facsimile couldn't be made. After all, it's just mild bent rod. I had to grind down the stem of a new toggle switch to get mine near original. I did it at first to keep it original. Turns out, I really like the location and convenience.