thoughts on this old Craftsman drill press?

[BTL-A4]

I found a drill press like this one, except it's a bench-top one:


No other info available, like model number. I think it might be 103.0305. Based on my cursory research, It seems it was built from 1942-43. The "Mohawk" on top was to cover the quill, I think.
1. Are parts available?
2. Is this worth anything?
3. The table is pretty beat up; what's the best way to fill the holes? Solder/welding? Epoxy/JB Weld?
4. Anyone have one of these? Is it a good machine?

Thanks!

 

[1930artdeco]

1) Yes but you will have to find them. Most of that stuff is really dependable and can be rebuilt with stuff you find today. Check out OWWM.com for parts.
2) Depends on where you are. California I am guessing around $2-300 if it is fully functional.
3) Can't help you here
4) It is a really good bullet proof machine. Stuff from the 40-50's is waaaay better than what you get today. Just make sure the quill's tolerances are still good and if you treat it well it will outlast your grand kids.

Mike

 

[exmaxima1]

There's one in Chicago that's been listed for quite awhile---the seller dreams it's worth $500. More likely $100-150 if the bearings aren't dried out. Model could also be 103.0303

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[Maui]

I owned one of these. I was not impressed with the build quality and sold it. I’d suggest going for a Craftsman 150 vintage drill press instead.

 

[Patrickm82]

I have one and love it it’s a tank. I paid $150 for mine last year and it had already been restored. The only thing it didn’t have was the quill return spring pack and I haven’t had much luck finding one. Let me know if you have get an extra one with yours Like @exmaxima1 said it is a 103.0303

 

[Nutria]

JB Weld will work pretty well for the holes.

 

[Cruzan80]

There are both .0303 and .0305 (minor head differences). Great drill presses, built solid. The only "oddball" thing is the 2.5" column they used. Otherwise, table is beefy, and has a lip for coolant/chips. They do take a bit of fiddling of the motor mount if they are banged up/gunky. I do still have some spare parts floating around, as well as a complete .0303 that I need to dig out and sell. Almost all the pieces are interchangeable between the .0303, .0304 and .0305.

For reference, I am keeping a .0304 (floor model, incredibly hard to find), and a '47 CM 100 with a varislow.

 

[Patrickm82]

There are both .0303 and .0305 (minor head differences). Great drill presses, built solid. The only "oddball" thing is the 2.5" column they used. Otherwise, table is beefy, and has a lip for coolant/chips. They do take a bit of fiddling of the motor mount if they are banged up/gunky. I do still have some spare parts floating around, as well as a complete .0303 that I need to dig out and sell. Almost all the pieces are interchangeable between the .0303, .0304 and .0305.

For reference, I am keeping a .0304 (floor model, incredibly hard to find), and a '47 CM 100 with a varislow.

You don’t happen to have an extra rewind spring and cap do you?

 

[Cruzan80]

I may. The extras are buried in the back of the shop, and leaving next week, so it may take a bit to see. I know I have a spring/cap from an old Dunlap/Companion one (Atlas made), not sure if the spring is able to be swapped.

 

[Patrickm82]

I may. The extras are buried in the back of the shop, and leaving next week, so it may take a bit to see. I know I have a spring/cap from an old Dunlap/Companion one (Atlas made), not sure if the spring is able to be swapped.

I’d be interested when you get around to digging it out, no rush I made do with out so far, would be nice to have it completed though. Thank you

 

[830singleshot]

Quill return spring:

If you go to eBay and search drill press spring you may be able to find what you need. There are a number of vendors listing them.
Good hunting.

 

[cole.brown23]

Does anybody happen to have the spindle for the belt for this type of drill press?