Vintage Buffalo drill press

[Jdc3735]

I got this Buffalo drill press a few years ago. It runs great and works perfectly. I'm curious to see if anyone knows about this machine. I cannot find a model # anywhere on it. I would love to know more about the possible age and details of this machine.

 

[2oolhound]

Hi and welcome to the forum. We always appreciate 1st time posts that include photos! so thanks for that! (too bad it's sideways

I'm no expert on these dp's but I like the fact that the complete motor and top assembly are counterweighted and travel up and down to the fixed table.

 

[Tedley]

That is very cool.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[tombell572]

Buffalo D/P's are great, solid machines. I've had a 15" 1950's era Buffalo bench drill for over 30 years and recently passed it along to one of my sons who is setting up his own shop. My guess is that the counterweight is cleverly shop-made. I've never seen anything like it on a Buffalo. The head on mine is moved by hand-no rack or counterweight. You've got a nice old machine there.

Tom B.

 

[Jdc3735]

I thought the counterweight might be DIY myself. The pulley and the tab where the cable attaches to the head of the machine sure look factory though. I've not seen another one that has the coolant moat around the table either.

 

[schor]

counterweight is a home made item. Looks like a buffalo 15 with the industrial table/base, they were meant to be setup for a certain operation and that is why they do not have a table that raises and lowers.

 

[Jdc3735]

Here is another view.

 

[Jdc3735]

I'm sure you are right about the counterweight. It works perfectly though. It takes almost no effort to move the head.

 

[454ragtop]

I'm not convinced that counter weight is shop made. Most of those production type drill presses without a movable table use a rack and pinion system to move the head in relation to the base, moving the head without either system would be pretty difficult.

 

[bczygan]

I've got a Buffalo. Good drill.

Bill

 

[tombell572]

454-you are indeed correct that the head/motor assembly on these machines is difficult and head to move. A collar is provided on the column below the head as a safety-lower and tighten the collar first, then the head. I have the manual for my bench drill and that is what was provided. Perhaps the production machines were set up differently.

Tom B.