Im going to look at a Buffalo No. 15 bench top drill press on saturday. Ive never had any old equipment like that. School me on what I should look out for, check, play with etc.
I can see one of the handle knobs doesnt look original, its missing the top cover. Not sure what else i should look for.
1. First thing is to make sure the speeds are suitable for your projects. Many of these old DPs were more geared for woodworkers then metalworkers. That means if you plan to drill large or small holes in metal you need a much wider speed range then for woodworking.
2. Make sure all the key parts are there and original.
3. Make sure there are no cracks/welds
4. Make sure there's no arc of shame. I don't see one.
5. Make sure you really want a benchtop model. (I wouldn't but it depends on your shop)
6. Check runout at the chuck and spindle. (ideally with a dial indicator). Chuck runout in the absence of spindle runout isn't that big a deal. (ie replace the chuck). Spindle runout is a big deal. (parts can be hard to find depending on the DP).
