Vintage drill press

[GeorgeG2]

I want to buy a vintage drill press and restore it. American made and well built things from America's greatest generation are so interesting to me. Can you guys give me some guidelines here on what to look for and avoid? There sure are a lot of choices -Buffalo, various Delta eras, Wilton, Walker, Clausing, Craftsman .....

Thanks,

George

 

[marubadu]

I just picked up a Delta that's all original. Correct me if I'm wrong but I heard the bearings for old walker turners are expensive or hard to find. They made a **** ton of the Deltas so parts are available. Just keep an eye on Craig's list and search neighboring cities for as far as your comfortable driving as shipping these heavy sobs is expensive. I drove about 3.5 hours one way to pick mine up.



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[Carla]

I want to buy a vintage drill press and restore it. American made and well built things from America's greatest generation are so interesting to me. Can you guys give me some guidelines here on what to look for and avoid? There sure are a lot of choices -Buffalo, various Delta eras, Wilton, Walker, Clausing, Craftsman .....
Thanks,George

Of the ones you mention, the Buffalo make is the best quality, and the Delta (older model, commonly called the DP220) is the most common. The humble DP220 is easily the best choice for a beginning restorer, as parts may often be found on ebay, and many DP220 restoration stories may be found on the internet.

The Buffalo firm is still making their light model 15 drill press, and parts may be available, but would be costly. The others may be difficult to get parts for, these days.

If you really would like to have a drill press from America's greatest generation, do some research on the internet with searches on 'sliding head drill press, and the 'Avey', 'Allen', 'Edlund', and 'Leland-Gifford' makes.

A nice 1940's or '50's Avey or Allen with a 220V motor which could be run from a VFD would be a truly elegant restoration project. (but be careful...many were equipped with 440V single voltage motors, which would require re-winding to run on residential 220 (dryer plug) power.)

cheers

Carla

 

[1982fxr]

POst your location a member may have something.

After that search cl and post pics and price on here for questions. Post a direct link to the ad at your own risk of being sniped

 

[GeorgeG2]

Thanks. I am in Melbourne Florida on the central east coast.

 

[GeorgeG2]

Which Buffalo models should be considered?

 

[Carla]

Which Buffalo models should be considered?

Any of them, depending on the size of holes you might wish to drill.... : )

(they are all good machines, just some are larger/more powerful than others.)

You can find the Buffalo catalogue on the internet, and have a look for yourself.

cheers

Carla

 

[Packard V8]

Agree, for home shop any of the larger Craftsman, Delta, Walker-Turner, Powermatic, Atlas, Buffalo DPs will suffice.

But then, the industrial machines are another story. Even one of the smaller Avey, with only a #2MT spindle, weighs hundreds of pounds and is built for centuries of industrial service. It's a work of industrial art, but not really practical for a home shop.

jack vines

 

[ducksface]

As a uniqueness and a fine tool that will generate lots of conversation about generations
Look up
Camelback drill press

 

[Lassen Forge]

Agree, for home shop any of the larger Craftsman, Delta, Walker-Turner, Powermatic, Atlas, Buffalo DPs will suffice.

But then, the industrial machines are another story. Even one of the smaller Avey, with only a #2MT spindle, weighs hundreds of pounds and is built for centuries of industrial service. It's a work of industrial art, but not really practical for a home shop.

I dunno... I think if I had something awesome like that I'd find a way to make it work in my shop THAT is not just a pretty machine, but I'd NEVER come close to wearing it out.

Pardon me, I need to go drain the drool out of my keyboard now...

 

[Packard V8]

I dunno... I think if I had something awesome like that I'd find a way to make it work in my shop THAT is not just a pretty machine, but I'd NEVER come close to wearing it out.

Pardon me, I need to go drain the drool out of my keyboard now...

For true. I do have an Avey like that one; and yes, I bought it just because it was such a work of industrial art and because it only cost the same as a typical craigslist Chicom. It was however a bit much for one person to haul and move.

Mine also has an electric motor and V-belt drive. The next project is to lathe turn a flat belt pulley for a 3-phase motor and concealed VFD box and get it back closer to looking original.

jack vines

 

[GeorgeG2]

I dunno... I think if I had something awesome like that I'd find a way to make it work in my shop THAT is not just a pretty machine, but I'd NEVER come close to wearing it out.

Pardon me, I need to go drain the drool out of my keyboard now...

That blue beast is so intimidating that it needs a vintage floor standing fan to keep it cool! Very nice.

What do I need to consider if I also want to end up with world class runout when I am done? What value do you guys consider top shelf for runout?

Thanks,

George

 

[Carla]

That blue beast is so intimidating that it needs a vintage floor standing fan to keep it cool! Very nice.

What do I need to consider if I also want to end up with world class runout when I am done? What value do you guys consider top shelf for runout?
Thanks,
George

As a practical matter, for the generality of drill presses, .0005 TIR, read on the taper bore at the end of the spindle, or .001 TIR, read on a dowel-pin held in a chuck, is acceptable. This, of course, assumes an unworn chuck

cheers

Carla

 

[larry_g]

View media item 62438
Above is my Buffalo 20 1/2. Is this what your thinking of? You can see more of it near the end of my build thread below.

I also have this smaller Buffalo #14

View media item 46255

Good luck on your quest.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[bubinga]

Post your location a member may have something.

After that search cl and post pics and price on here for questions. Post a direct link to the ad at your own risk of being sniped

Thanks. I am in Melbourne Florida on the central east coast.

Good, Good, Always a good Idea. Someone may Pm and say "hey, I have such and such" if you want to look at it?
I am here to state the obvious...................

 

[GeorgeG2]

This Atlas just popped up locally for $150. It claims new motor but I don't know the details and the pictures are unclear. Comments?

Thanks,

George