Greetings to you Jim. When I was new to Garage Journal, little did I know there were so many fellow wood working enthusiasts stopping by for a visit on this thread. Once I realized that, I've not been too shy about posting a picture or two of some interesting machines and the extensive coverage on the BBB. At first I did't want to bore anyone with my own selfish interests.I have come to realize you guys don't mind looking at some old wood working machinery one bit so I'd be happy to honor your request.
As you well know, I'm a self-confessed "old machinery fanatic" myself. Delta in particular. All of the Deltas are still in their original, factory paint. I actually own two 1920's vintage Delta machines (the scroll saw on the left of the dust collection cyclone is one of them), two Deltas from the 30's, three from the 40's 1 from the 50's and even though Rockwell bought them, I've several from the early to mid 1960's before they lost all their quality. Wonder if you've ever noticed the drill press in the old shop?
It's a Delta Rockwell...
...1 H.P., 220V single phase, 17" (43 cm) swing, vintage 1962 when they were still extremely well made.
Fabulously rugged, stable, simple and highly accurate.
I drove 10 hours round trip to get this one and bring it home personally to ensure it wouldn't be damaged during shipment. It's over 50 years old and with care will still be working well for another 50 years, easy.
I'll put together some wood shop pictures and post them. Right now I'm doing some project multi-tasking. That's why there's been a bit of a lull here and I also have a flight schedule to maintain. A couple of the projects are nearing completion and then I'll get to your request. Happy to share with fellow enthusiasts.
Thomas
Many, many thanks for your understanding of my warped sense of humor and continuing support. Posting on this thread has just been a hoot for myself and Chris too. Apparently that's been coming through, 'cause...
Sory for this bit of OT, Thomas. But I thought I'd take the opportunity to thank you (and of course Mr. Johnson) for your efforts in louring all of us into your sphere and way of thinking
Today, I made a deal with a couple of older gentlemen, who is in the process of sorting through their late brothers workshop, trying to give prolonged life to all the tools and equipment their brother had accumulated through the years.
I bought a few items, didn't pay to much for them as they gents expressed it: "Better if the stuff is sold to be used, rather than being tossed or sold for scraps!"
I myself haven't got much of a workshop yet, but it's better to start collecting sooner than later, right?
Aaanyway, I thought I'd share a couple of pictures of a drill press I bought. I simply love the genius in it, it appealed to me at first sight. The two gentlemen told me this was one of the first tools this man bought when he started his business years ago, and even after buying a much bigger replacement later on, he had been using it all the way up to his retirement a few years ago. As you can see, this machine has a bit of what I'd call the "Mr. Johnson pragmatism" to it. Years back, it had only one speed, and as his needs expanded, he simply replaced the straight axle with a gearbox, so now it has several speeds (and probably also reverse?) Of course, it is quite small, and probably looks like junk to some, but I feel this will suit me well for my needs, at least for now. I know, it needs a belt cover.
(anyone recognize the gearbox, btw?)
Also bought this huge floorjack (one of four not functioning properly)
It needs full refurbishment, as far as I can see (so thanks for that too)...
So, once again, thank you, my good sir, for taking the time to let us (or at least me) get onto the old tools track...
Sorry to all for this interruption in broadcast, back to topic.
I suspect it's a brute to move but what a gem. Well worth the effort and a keeper for sure.
(anyone recognize the gearbox, btw?)
Jim, it is a Delta Rockwell...
...Model 17-600. While Delta called them model numbers, Rockwell refers to them as Catalog No. The serial number decodes as manufactured in 1965. See....
http://wiki.vintagemachinery.org/DeltaSerialNumbers.ashx
One of the reasons I wanted this particular model press is that it has a very large production table...
...that easily adjusts vertically and laterally.
The large, thick cast steel base aids in the stability as well. It came from a machine shop so I was confident it was well maintained and accurate. The spindle runout is negligible, better than any thing I would reasonably have a need for. The shop it came from was exceptionally clean and well organized. The owner was retiring and couldn't find any buyers for the shop as a whole so he was selling off equipment one piece at a time. I paid $850 for it 8 years ago and couldn't find a comparable new US made one for well more than twice that. Besides, I like the "old stuff" better anyway.
A wood shop post will show up here with much more information so please check back.
Thomas
Anyone recognize this, or perhaps have got any idea on where to find info on it? http://www.google.com/patents/US2039896You know, I have absolutely no idea. I was the biggest in the shop, so I thought it might be the one most worth keeping. Capacity-vise, I would take a wild stab at perheps 3-3,5 metric tons somewhere, for the manufacturer all I have is the text on aluminum cover plate.
Hey look, it's made on your side of the pond!
My guess is this plate also covers the oil filler cap?
Btw, thanks for the encouraging words!
You know, I have absolutely no idea. I was the biggest in the shop, so I thought it might be the one most worth keeping. Capacity-vise, I would take a wild stab at perheps 3-3,5 metric tons somewhere, for the manufacturer all I have is the text on aluminum cover plate.
Hey look, it's made on your side of the pond!
My guess is this plate also covers the oil filler cap?
Btw, thanks for the encouraging words!
It's hard to believe there were factories in the 1980's still using overhead line shafts. Very cool. I've only seen them anymore in museums. Anyway, enjoy the read and I do appreciate the words of encouragement. You are most welcome.
