Servicing an old Delta Rockwell DP500 drill press

[jmarkwolf]

I inherited this Delta Rockwell 15inch drill press from my dad. It's one of my earliest memories of my dad's shop. I've been using it frequently since I was about 10 years old (I'm 62 now).

The spindle bearings are suddenly growling pretty badly.

Wanting to service it but not finding much info on this particular model.

Can anyone direct me to some service info, or offer some first hand info on servicing this drill press?

Was hoping to find Youtube videos.

Any info gratefully recieved.

 

[Davefr]

Go to vintagemachinery.org publication reprints and you'll probably find something pretty close to that model.

The heads are generally pretty similar in these old Deltas.

In general:

1. Back off the quill return spring and pull out the handle. In general you only need to loosen the notched spring cap but don't remove it.
2. Remove the stop collar assembly and then the bearing retaining nut that holds in the quill assembly. (this can be tough to remove).
3. Remove the quill assembly and spindle.
4. Press out the old bearings and replace them.
5. I'd also replace the upper pulley bearings

Except for #2, everything on these older Deltas is pretty straightforward. If you get stuck, just ask questions here or at OWWM.org. I'm guessing the 15" Deltas have a one piece lower spindle.

There is a pretty good you tube video for a Delta 17" rebuild.

This is the bearing closer nut challenge. Start pre-soaking it with penetrent right away.