Rockwell 17-600 VS Drill Press

[lafester]

I'm going to pick this one up soon.
Any thoughts on this vs pm 1150a VS?

T-slat production table vs smaller clamp table
17" vs 15"
3 1/2" column vs 3"
1974 casting quality vs 1989 ugly Gold PM

Should be fun comparing the two over the next few days.

I think as long as the pulleys and spindle are in good shape I'll probably try to keep this one. I think I can live with a t-slat production table but it will probably get a hole in the middle if it doesn't already.

 

[Davefr]

I had that exact DP. It was a well built machine but I liked my Delta 17-600 + VFD much better so I sold the Rockwell. (not a big fan of Reeves style VS)

I'd would still take the Rockwell over the PM1150 because of it's larger capacity and table lift.

 

[lafester]

Both have table lifts, but the extra capacity is a plus.
What don't you like about reeves drives? I like the big grippy belt vs the small ones. A little wd40 really helps keep them quiet.

I had a dp600 for awhile and they sure are beautiful machines.

I had that exact DP. It was a well built machine but I liked my Delta 17-600 + VFD much better so I sold the Rockwell. (not a big fan of Reeves style VS)

I'd would still take the Rockwell over the PM1150 because of it's larger capacity and table lift.

 

[exmaxima1]

Both have table lifts, but the extra capacity is a plus.
What don't you like about reeves drives? I like the big grippy belt vs the small ones. A little wd40 really helps keep them quiet.

I had a dp600 for awhile and they sure are beautiful machines.

I had a DP600 for years and it was a nice press, but I like my Wilton USA with Reeves VS much better. Sure, it makes some noise but I don’t use it hours at a time. I put a 1140 rpm motor on it and I can down to around 250 at the spindle. The Reeves balances torque and rpm while maintaining horsepower so you get lots of torque at low revs—-unlike a VFD which at best will maintain constant torque. Much easier to stall a VFD drill press with hole saws or large bits.

 

[Davefr]

Both have table lifts, but the extra capacity is a plus.
What don't you like about reeves drives? I like the big grippy belt vs the small ones. A little wd40 really helps keep them quiet.

Noisy, more vibration, need to run it thru it's speed range frequently, VS parts can be very hard to find/expensive if ever needed.

By contrast I can change speeds on my VFD'd DP600 with the twist of a small dial, it's quiet and smooth.

One of them had to go and this is the one I kept. To each his own.

The Reeves balances torque and rpm while maintaining horsepower so you get lots of torque at low revs—-unlike a VFD which at best will maintain constant torque. Much easier to stall a VFD drill press with hole saws or large bits.

That's true but I upsized the motor to 1.5HP so have never stalled it out even at the slowest VFD speed w/big bits. I've never had to move the belt from the highest speed setting but could if I ever needed to.

 

[lafester]

Well, this Rockwell is most likely going to be parted out.
It's missing some pulley parts and these seem to be fairly rare.

Overall I do not like the pulley construction compared to powermatic. The springs are held together with a weak snap ring that obviously does not hold up over time.

I do like the return spring setup and of course the big column and base. The base is probably too big to fit in my space... it is pretty massive. The way the head clamps to the column is also way better then the cylinder locks powermatic uses.

I think the reeves drive weekness outweighs all of the other benefits though. I do have one email sent for the parts and if that works out I might get it running again.

 

[Davefr]

Well, this Rockwell is most likely going to be parted out.
It's missing some pulley parts and these seem to be fairly rare.

Overall I do not like the pulley construction compared to powermatic. The springs are held together with a weak snap ring that obviously does not hold up over time.

I do like the return spring setup and of course the big column and base. The base is probably too big to fit in my space... it is pretty massive. The way the head clamps to the column is also way better then the cylinder locks powermatic uses.

I think the reeves drive weekness outweighs all of the other benefits though. I do have one email sent for the parts and if that works out I might get it running again.

If you decide to part it out, please let me know. I might be interested in the table assuming it's in good shape.

 

[lafester]

If you decide to part it out, please let me know. I might be interested in the table assuming it's in good shape.

Yeah that's the one piece I'd like to hang on to. When I had my dp600 i was looking for one of these for a year with no luck.

 

[bigmaq]

I think ebay currently has some reeves pulley parts for the Delta/Rockwell 17-600 if you're interested. I have the Reeves type 17-600 exactly like yours with the production table and another one with the step pulley one with the smaller table. I much prefer the large production table if you're doing any metal drilling. You can put an x-y vise on top + another drill press vise and still have room.

 

[bigmaq]

BTW, what exactly is missing? Can you post some pics of the Reeve drive internals?

 

[bigmaq]

You can also convert that to a step-pulley type by changing the motor, spindle and pulleys (high speed or low speed). Just have to make sure the spindle and motor shaft size is correct for the pulleys (I think it's 7/8"). OR you change it to a single speed pulley with a VFD.

 

[tool_scrounge]

You can also convert that to a step-pulley type by changing the motor, spindle and pulleys (high speed or low speed). Just have to make sure the spindle and motor shaft size is correct for the pulleys (I think it's 7/8"). OR you change it to a single speed pulley with a VFD.

You also probably want to add a pulley cover for that conversion. The motor pulleys I found had a 3/4" bore. But there are 5/8 to 3/4 adapter sleeves that worked well for the variable speed motor I used.

 

[lafester]

Just missing the spring, spring cap and snap ring. I would rather part it out then convert it to standard pulleys. I'm good with the powermatic until something better comes along.

I will check and see if the table is compatible though just for fun.



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[lafester]

Looks like I may have a source for parts so this drill may live on!
It is currently completely disassembled on the floor.

I cut off the welded on rack and it sprung out violently. Apparently it was bent so they just welded it to the column. Currently working on sanding down the welds and then I'll see if I can get the rack straightened out.

 

[Packard V8]

Parting out versus restoring verdict can go either way, depending on the skill and passion of the debater.

I always try restoration first.

jack vines

 

[lafester]

Straightening the rack has been a challenge but it is really close and may be as close as it is going to get. I got all the welds cleaned up and am starting to re-assemble the lifting gear assembly. I still need to spread apart the 'hook' end of the rack to go over the column lock like it is supposed to.

I should know more about the parts situation tomorrow (hopefully).

If I keep this one I might give it a paint job.

There are many factors that go into the decision to part or restore. The key thing is to keep an open mind, and not fall into the trap of having a bunch of machines sitting around waiting to be restored some day.

 

[lafester]

Parts should be on the way soon, so I'll be getting the press back together this week.
It is going to take over as my main dp for testing before I decide which one to keep.

I have the table lift assembly on the column, not looking forward to getting that huge table mounted. Then I can start on the spindle and get the head mounted.

UPDATE:. all parts are on the way, including a nice clamp table to replace the production version.

 

[lafester]

The stars have aligned, and it is starting to look better for the Delta to stay in the shop.
I found a clamp table on ebay and already sold the t slot table to a owwm member in CO.

The pulley is due for delivery tomorrow and the table on Saturday so I should be able to start using it this weekend. After testing I'll decide on paint and new bearings.

UPDATE: The pulley is here! Looks to be in good shape.
I just pulled apart the spindle and everything looks good inside. Also took apart the chuck and will clean that up next. Then I can start getting the head back together. The spindle pulley is kind of challenging to get together so that will be the hardest part.

The spindle sure looks a lot like the dp-600 version but does not have the play I had with two of those models.

UPDATE 2: Spindle pulley is all together, just need to fine tune the adjustments. I'll get the motor pulley on in a few and then tomorrow I'll mess with adjustments and get the new table installed.

I will have all the parts needed to set up a head lift if I want to have both... Not really needed but I like having options.

 

[lafester]

I kind of got side tracked with my new grinder, but have been working on the press as well. I took the head off today and got all the head raising parts cleaned up and installed. Replaced the head / rack and it works great. This will be a welcome addition since options are always nice to have, even if they are seldom used.

Now I am attempting to get the belt and pulleys lined up and I cannot find a manual that goes over how to set the pulleys properly. Seems like the powermatic went together much easier.

My plan is to get the spindle nut set as close as possible and then remove the belt and level to the motor pulley. Originally I tightened the nut all the way down but then you cannot go through the speed range... raise it up about 1/4 inch and it starts to look pretty good.

I went with a Fuji vfd this time. No reviews on them anywhere but they seem to be a step up from tuco for not much more money. Hopefully I have a running drill by the end of the week.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LW4YYCJ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[lafester]

Finally got to test the motor and vfd.
The Fuji seems fine with minimal testing. It's nice and quiet since it does not have a fan.
I still need to wire in the switch and pot, and figure out the settings for each.

 

[Davefr]

That machines has the perfect spot for the VFD speed control/switch. I'd also suggest another switch that disconnects the VFD from main power.

Dial down the machines VS dial and then dial down the VFD and that machine's speed will be super low with unstoppable torque.

 

[lafester]

That machines has the perfect spot for the VFD speed control/switch. I'd also suggest another switch that disconnects the VFD from main power.

Dial down the machines VS dial and then dial down the VFD and that machine's speed will be super low with unstoppable torque.

Yeah that's pretty much my plan.
I got it wired up thanks to you tube, the manual is worthless.

Everything works great so far. Maybe I'll actually drill a hole tonight.




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[lafester]

The PM1150a just moved on so it looks like the decision has been made.
I took a quick pic of them side by side this morning...

Now I just need to get it moved into it's new spot.

Overall both machines are perfectly fine for my use, but extra capacity of the Delta made it an easy choice.

 

[lafester]

Picked up a dp600 head today. I'm hoping I can use the mt2 spindle in my press. The head came with elevation gears and handle along with foot feed gears and lever. Should be able to get my $50 back pretty easily.

 

[lafester]

I can confirm that the spindle assembly from the old head fits perfectly in mine. I also found a 3/4 inch chuck last week that will be a nice addition now that I can swap chucks quickly. I'm currently running a 14n that I took from the lathe.



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[lafester]

New project underway for the Rockwell. I found an older model with the cool micro adjust depth stop and I had to have it. This has been a long 3 month journey but I now have all the parts I need to convert my drill to this fancy depth stop.

As a bonus the new head is machined to accept a foot feed which I want to find someday. The two heads are identical other then the foot feed holes and the depth stop mount.

Pretty much just need to wire it up and get the spindle/depth stop installed. The variable speed assembly is installed and adjusted, ready to go. I'll get a few pics tomorrow when I install the depth stop parts.

 

[lafester]

Well, its all together and it does what it is supposed to. Lower the quill to desired depth, turn the top knob until it stops, turn the side knob in to hold it in place. Release the quill and it now stops where you set it.

I am not sure this is any better then moving nuts on a shaft, but it is cool as hell and fun to play with. The amount of turns on the top knob is at least the same amount of turns you would have to do on a shaft so no time is saved. I can see why these were only made for a couple years as the cost is not justified.

The assembly instructions are horrible and do not go in to any detail on the hex screw and knob with the brass pin. I do not see either of these having any effect on the long screw that sets the depth. The knob is supposed to lock it in place but it does not. No idea what the hex screw is supposed to do.

 

[JamesBourgeois]

Hey whats the trick to getting the motor pulley off,mine is giving a fight.

 

[lafester]

Hey whats the trick to getting the motor pulley off,mine is giving a fight.

Mine didn't really give me much trouble. I would suggest taking the pully halves off so you don't break them. Then see if you can tap off the shaft with a dowel.

Can we see what you are working on?

I just need to get my vfd switch plate installed and it is all back together. I also bought a new dp vise from Amazon. I wanted a cam lock vise, but did not want to spend crazy money on one.

This one was on sale for $59 + $10 off if you used discover points. I see its back up to $86 now.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E0NC29U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MCmaster]

Just picked up this drill press from my neighbor. Currently refurbishing it. Found a damaged pulley.Anyone have a source on this pulley? Found one on eBay but it didn't have the internal splines.

Thanks

 

[lafester]

Ebay is your best bet, just need to be patient. You can also try owwm.org.