Vintage Delta 15-650 VSR DP

[rodbuilderjim]

Hey Guys, I am pretty new here but have been working with old equipment for quite a few years. I picked up this Delta drill press from a friend and customer for 4 hours of labor on his street rods.

It was very solid but it had some broken wires on the capacitor and the cord was cracking really bad. I needed the press for my shop as I am just opening it and acquiring equipment as money allows. So I removed the motor and sent it out to be gone through and the wiring fixed. While it was out I cleaned up, took off a good bit of rust, repainted the main pieces and waited for the motor to come back.

I just got the motor back yesterday! I got it mounted and installed a new cord to the motor and switch. I stood back and hit the switch and low and behold the damn things turns! I did some adjustments to the belt and the return spring on the spindle and it is ready to drill some holes. I need a good vice and a couple of other things but it is the first old machine I have restored. I have been building street rods and custom cars for almost 20 years but I have found my new obsession!!! Next up is a Shopmaster Band saw that needs repair and I am going to slow it down for metal.

I love seeing what everyone is doing on here and am learning a ton. Thanks guys

 

[thieltech]

very nice work .

be sure to post pics of new band saw project
love seeing this stuff being done

 

[zeet]

Very nice drill press and nice work too!

 

[nine4gmc]

Good job JIM, nice machine too! And what Thieltech said, show your work on that band saw when you get time!

 

[Packard V8]

Next up is a Shopmaster Band saw that needs repair and I am going to slow it down for metal.

We've covered this subject several times on GJ.

Yes, it can and has been done and it will sorta work. Aluminum can be cut without modification, but slower blade speed helps even there.

No, it's not good science or the best investment of time and effort. The Shopmaster is a very light duty saw and like most smaller woodcutting bandsaws doesn't have sufficient frame rigidity for the tension necessary on metal cutting blades.

Maybe, since you can bill your shop hours at commercial rate, consider putting more cash aside until a better bandsaw project comes along.

jack vines