South bend drill press?

[Rickenbackerman]

Anybody got one?

This one is local to me and they want $150 for it. I've got a 10" craftsman which is ok but I want something better. Is this a good one?

<img src="http://www.interschola.com/template/itemimages/25000s/25564/balt21b_012.jpg">

Is it me or does it look like the spindle is all the way down? edit: spindle or quill? I'm a drill press noob!

After some searching around I found a catalog for it:

http://www.wswells.com/data/drill_press/1963_drillpress_cat_6301E.pdf

 

[earlthegoat2]

If they make their drills as well as they made their lathes then it is probably one of the best. Dont know for sure really though.

Atlas made good drills and lathes. Looks well made.

 

[jabberwoki]

Looks like a good deal to me! Has the look of good american solid quality if i was there it would be gone by now!!

 

[SweetD]

Yes the quill looks to be in the down position. On the old Atlas table DP I just got, the quill was not retracting into the spindle - turned out there was a retaining ring that the set screw had come loose on over the many years. It was an easy fix.

I broke the tensioner spring trying to put it back together though. Victory quickly moved to defeat, but the war is not over yet.

Good luck - looks like a nice DP - hope you get it, and keep us updated!

Dave

 

[exmaxima1]

If you heart set on a vintage drill press, I would keep looking for an Atlas or Delta. Or maybe an Atlas-made (pre-1950) Craftsman. If you want an even better machine, hold out for a Clausing (post 1960). You can still get parts for the machines I noted, while the South Bend press is rare enough to find that difficult (or impossible).

 

[bczygan]

South Bend is still in business. That is a great DP. Wish it was near me. Grab it!!!

 

[lilredex]

Have look around here, there are a few members that have those.

http://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/south-bend-lathes/

 

[justanengineer]

South Bend drill presses are at least equal in quality as any of the other older domestic light duty drill presses. The advantage that South Bend has over the majority of others is that like their lathes, people go ga-ga over them for some silly reason so resale should be very easy/quick. IMHO $150 is the top end for any bench top drill press, and definitely the average price for these. Youre not being hurt price wise, but definitely not getting a deal either unless you get a truckload of drills with it. If your Cman doesnt have a Morse taper spindle in it, I would definitely be looking to upgrade to something like this one.

FYI - the spindle rotates inside the quill, they move together. In that pic, both are down.

Double FYI - the true South Bend went out of business quite a few years ago. The South Bend name is still alive however, albeit made in China and owned/sold by the owner of Grizzly. The last I heard, repro parts werent being produced for any of the classic equipment.