Rockwell/Delta 15-665 Drill press value?

[ScottsGT]

Local ad for one set up as 110V. Appears to be some minor surface rust in the photos, but hard to really tell. Seller has $250 on it. Is this the average price for a used made in the USA drill press from the 1970's? Searching I see brag posts about getting them for $100-$150, but nothing about a realistic value.

No way to tell time on it, I guess trying to wiggle the chuck/shaft would be a tell tale sign? I do have a gauge and magnetic base I could do a run out check on it.
Worth looking into? Really want (Not really need yet) a floor standing drill press. If I got it now, it would be in the way until I can get my garage rearranged the way I need to.

 

[exmaxima1]

It has some nice features, notably the 6-inch spindle stroke and the 3-arm handle. But it's a lightweight 15-inch, limited slow speeds, and has no lift for the table.

I would say that $150 would be more than fair.

 

[ScottsGT]

I dind't even think about the table not having a lift. I think I'll give it a hard pass. If I was buying new, this is what I have been eyeing:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200659141_200659141

 

[exmaxima1]

I dind't even think about the table not having a lift. I think I'll give it a hard pass. If I was buying new, this is what I have been eyeing:
https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200659141_200659141

Slowest speed of 600 rpm is too fast for big holes in steel, or use of hole saws in most any material.

 

[ScottsGT]

What's the lowest RPM I should be looking for? Not going to rule out anything as far as drilling large holes in steel, mostly going to be for wood working.

Northern has the Jet that goes down to 200 RPM. It's $150 more.

 

[exmaxima1]

What's the lowest RPM I should be looking for? Not going to rule out anything as far as drilling large holes in steel, mostly going to be for wood working.

Northern has the Jet that goes down to 200 RPM. It's $150 more.

200-300 rpm would be adequate for most any size bit in steel or wood. My own Wilton DP goes down to about 280 and works great.

In your area, take a look at the Craftsman 15-speed 1hp DP for $215 on Craigslist. It goes down to 280rpm and has a table lift.

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/d/craftsman-15-spd-1-hp-drill/6730207232.html

 

[454ragtop]

This is a 6 speed drill press, pretty sure low speed is slower than 600. Need to look to see if it has a table lift, some did, especially with the large production table. I have one here with a table lift. If in nice shape, while $250 might not be a "you ****" price, it's probably a pretty fair deal.

 

[exmaxima1]

This is a 6 speed drill press, pretty sure low speed is slower than 600. Need to look to see if it has a table lift, some did, especially with the large production table. I have one here with a table lift. If in nice shape, while $250 might not be a "you ****" price, it's probably a pretty fair deal.

I think the VS version went slower than the stepped belt model. It is possible to change the motor to a 1140rpm style and get into the 300 range on the VS press. Here is a pic of the drill press that the OP is referring to.

 

[ScottsGT]

One thing I’m finding is most only have a 3” stroke. I’d like one with 4.74-6” but that seems to run the price up, or higher low RPM’s.
Might look into that Craftsman up in Charlotte. Had to drive up there to find a good deal on a bandsaw.

 

[454ragtop]

Manual with all the specs here http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=1701 Forgot to add, the drill press pictured looks pretty minty, $250 is very fair IMO.

 

[exmaxima1]

One thing I’m finding is most only have a 3” stroke. I’d like one with 4.74-6” but that seems to run the price up, or higher low RPM’s.
Might look into that Craftsman up in Charlotte. Had to drive up there to find a good deal on a bandsaw.

In the pic it looks like the stroke is 4.5-5". Plus it looks like a bigger 17-inch machine.

 

[ScottsGT]

I spoke with the guy in Charlotte that has the Craftsman. Only has a 3" stroke.

 

[coljar]

Manual with all the specs here http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=1701 Forgot to add, the drill press pictured looks pretty minty, $250 is very fair IMO.

These were very nice machines and I'll take one of them over a stack of the modern variety, but that's just the way I feel. I've rebuilt vintage equipment, sometimes having to make my own parts when I couldn't find the parts or they were no longer available. I would gladly pay $250 for that drill press and consider it a deal.

 

[tool_scrounge]

The 15-665 drill press is the 6+6 version (6 speeds, 6" of quill travel). They are GREAT drill presses. If in nice not-abused shape it is worth $250. Low speed with a 1725rpm motor is 425 rpm. I find the standard table is easy to lift and really does not need the table lift, unless you have a heavy vise bolted in place.

 

[ScottsGT]

What the hell, I just sent a message to the seller of the Rockwell I would come get it Friday evening if he still has it then. I feel the 425 RPM is fine for my needs, and the 6" stroke is even better. I'll make do without the lift on the table.

 

[ScottsGT]

Done deal! Just brought it home. Needs a good cleaning, but it's in great shape. Cannot believe how heavy this monster is. Might do the trailer tongue jack trick or maybe a big helper spring holding the table up while adjusting. Unless I can find a table off a parted out press with a rack and pinion lift assist.

 

[tool_scrounge]

They are nice drill presses. What motor did it come with?

They did make a big production table (15-008) with crank lift but they are pretty rare. I found a NOS one years back. Someday I will mount it.

The spring table lift is also an option. I was going to make one with a counter ballance weight in the post.

This is a link to the accessories list for the 15" drill press

http://vintagemachinery.org/pubs/detail.aspx?id=1462

 

[ScottsGT]

It has the 1725 RPM motor. Now you know you’ll never get around to installing that table. Might as well ship it to me just to get it out of your way!

 

[Krang]

I recently picked up one of these along with a vise, any ideas on how to approach restoration?

The motor works, everything else seems to be rusted solid but I can fix that. Any interchangeable parts I should be aware of?

Thanks!

 

[454ragtop]

Is that a pic of your drill press ^ , that's not a 15-665, looks like a DP220.

 

[Krang]

Is that a pic of your drill press ^ , that's not a 15-665, looks like a DP220.

No, that’s not mine. I will go take a picture of it shortly, but it looks like that. I know mine is a Delta.




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