Should I buy this drill press?

[PiperCub49]

Hey, all. It's $150 and it's a three hour drive away.

I know she doesn't have the double belt setup for drilling big metal, but what do you think about using it for home gamer shop use? I'm not doing anything much heavier than some automotive work in my shop.

Honestly, I don't know much about these old drill presses in terms of runout. Maybe someone can shine some light about these Wards Powr Kraft machines. I'm waiting for the seller to get back to his grandfather about the model number. I can't read it on the tag.

 

[coljar]

It's more than I would pay and would not be worth a 3 hour drive, but that's my opinion.

 

[Mr.N]

Yeah, you need to measure the run out.
Too much, and not worth it.
Nice and tight, totally worth it.

3 pulleys is nice for metal, but it can get by.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Model number here

http://vintagemachinery.org/photoindex/detail.aspx?id=3538

 

[Mr.N]

It's more than I would pay and would not be worth a 3 hour drive, but that's my opinion.

Yeah, depends on where you live.

2 years ago I totally agree.
Now what I could buy for $100 5-10 years ago they are now asking $300.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Made by Duro Metal Products for Montgomery Ward

 

[PiperCub49]

Thanks for the help, everyone. As for measuring runout, is there a way to do it other than using a runout dial? I don't have one in my arsenal yet.

I'll offer $100 if I can measure the runout and it's tight. What kind of tolerances am I looking for?

 

[subroc]

I love old tools. That said, I don't believe old tools are right for everyone.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Unless you have a soft spot in your heart for Wards Powr Kraft I'd pass.

3 hours is a long ride for an old drill press with minimal spindle speeds, and a table without a crank.

That being said, runout can usually be fixed with spindle bearings.

 

[exmaxima1]

I don't care for single arm presses, tiny bases, nor the lack of multiple sheaves on the motor pulley. Even if runout is ok, old bearings get dried out even if in storage and will need replacement. Also missing spindle stop nut, which may be hard to find. $100 tops, and only if reasonable driving distance

 

[gungatim]

I bought a nice dp like that for $85 but quickly flipped it after I underestimated how much of a PITA not having a lift for the table would be on a floor DP like that.

I would pass...

 

[Mike Folks]

Do you have a Northern Tool store nearby? A new,drill press with a warranty,would be my choice.

 

[u2slow]

I have a 20" Delta floor-stand machine in my home shop... I do not regret it being too big.

 

[lilredex]

No!

Two things missing from my book, no intermediate pulley and no rack and pinion table lift.

Must haves for me......

 

[PiperCub49]

I appreciate all of this advice. It's really hard to find the good machines here in Virginia, or anywhere within a few hundred miles. I guess I'll keep looking for at least a rack and pinion table. That is a pretty big deal.