Strange/unknown Buffalo 18 drill press

[TXNinAZ]

Going to look at this DP and can't find anything on vintagemachinery or here that looks like it. In fact, I can't find any documentation of Buffalo inverting the motor like this. Anyone have any guesses? I want to make sure I can get the parts needed to make it go, and not get ripped off- he's asking too much as it is, IMO.

Has a 115/230v Baldor motor and is in overall good shape except the spindle pulley is broken and it has no covers.

 

[jakemac]

It looks like the motor system was set up to act like a speed reducer. Look at the motor plate, if you can find it. If the motor is at 1750rpm, that setup should do well for drilling metal. If the motor is at 3450rpm, then I would guess it's set up for wood. You'll need a pulley calculator to figure out the speeds of each step on the pulleys.

Its an interesting design, I'm intrigued.

 

[1982fxr]

That price is retarded imho. Also, far from an expert but with that huge second pulley right after the motor wouldn't that mean it's set up for very high speeds and most likely wood use? Never seen anything like that...?

 

[gungatim]

it looks like someone fabricated that. normally the plate on the 2 pins is where the motor bolts on but it looks like that frame is welded to it and a different shade of grey..

 

[1982fxr]

post deleted.

reason: I am bassackwards

 

[MShaw]

From the motor to the 2nd pulley is a reduction (looks like about 5 :1). This establishes the speed of the counter shaft. Then the cone pulley set functions in the normal way with various ratios starting from a slower input speed.

 

[Maui]

That drill press is set up for slow speeds, so it should be good for drilling steel. Instead of going to all of that trouble, I would have simply fabricated a third pulley to fit inside the column like you typically see on these older drill presses.

Maui

 

[crguy]

That's a good home made slow speed setup that will allow the owner to drill metal with big hole saws, or drill holes 1" or bigger.
I had a similar Buffalo drill press with a similar designed slow speed setup for years, and it was a real workhorse.

The spindle will take Morse taper drills also.

I would, however be concerned about the broken spindle pulley - that may be hard to replace.

Another thing to note is that all that extra weight in the modified drive hanging off the back can make the drill press unstable when you move it. I put an extra "foot" off the base on mine to make it more stable.

 

[1982fxr]

Pulley question: on these older DP's, are the pulleys brand specific?

What about the more common craftsman, delta, walker turner, etc---do you just pick up a modern equipment catalog and order what you want or are none of them that simple?

 

[TXNinAZ]

Pulley question: on these older DP's, are the pulleys brand specific?



What about the more common craftsman, delta, walker turner, etc---do you just pick up a modern equipment catalog and order what you want or are none of them that simple?

You're not trying to snipe me on this, right?? [emoji6]

 

[1982fxr]

lol, f**k no!
I love old DP's but, not sure why, i have no interest in that one...at all. idk why.

Plus I wouldn't do that. Plus you have all my money

But ya know, if you buy that one it will quickly get lonely without it's big brother--that huge one that's been up for a few weeks. It's your duty! lol

edit; just saw your texts---bummer I was rootin' for ya since I know you really want one

 

[TXNinAZ]

lol, f**k no!
I love old DP's but, not sure why, i have no interest in that one...at all. idk why.

Plus I wouldn't do that. Plus you have all my money

But ya know, if you buy that one it will quickly get lonely without it's big brother--that huge one that's been up for a few weeks. It's your duty! lol

edit; just saw your texts---bummer I was rootin' for ya since I know you really want one

Ha I actually texted that guy with the huge one- 3 phase motor, so I'm out, lol. Yeah, this one's going to sit for a while. The lowest he's willing to go is $500, so I doubt he's gonna find a buyer, especially with a broken pulley and homemade reducer.

 

[jakemac]

I don't think the homemade speed reducer should be a deal breaker. It looks well done and adds value (and functionality) to the DP. It's replacing the broken pulley that would have me concerned. The price would bee steep for me though.

Pulley question: on these older DP's, are the pulleys brand specific?

On the motor side, not really. You just need to match the sizes to the other pulley and the arbor size on the motor.

The spindle side can be a different story. Many of the older brands use a splined spindle, so you need a pulley with a matching splined hole that matches the pulley on the motor. MUCH harder to find.

I have no idea about the spindle on the Buffalo.

 

[TXNinAZ]

I don't think the homemade speed reducer should be a deal breaker. It looks well done and adds value (and functionality) to the DP. It's replacing the broken pulley that would have me concerned. The price would bee steep for me though.


On the motor side, not really. You just need to match the sizes to the other pulley and the arbor size on the motor.

The spindle side can be a different story. Many of the older brands use a splined spindle, so you need a pulley with a matching splined hole that matches the pulley on the motor. MUCH harder to find.

I have no idea about the spindle on the Buffalo.

Worth $300, including a pre-WWII 15" walker turner front housing and motor plate?

 

[7th Kahuna]

I saw a Cincinnati drill press set up just like that a month or so ago. It all looked factory to me. Only one I had ever seen.

 

[rsanter]

To me that looks like an add on kit verses something direct from the factory.
Look for options and accessories that they may have sold. It may even be from buffalo but it could be an aftermarket item as well.
If it is home made it is sure a nice home made one

Bob