chasewilliams530
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Vintage Power Tools
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Maui
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Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
I had one very similar to that. If you put a step pulley on the motor shaft and replace the pulley at the base of the drill press with another step pulley you can vary the speed of the drill press. We called them ice cream scoop drills because the handles would often be in the shape of an ice cream scoop. For small parts they can actually work quite nicely. But they aren't for high accuracy work.
Maui
I had one very similar to that. If you put a step pulley on the motor shaft and replace the pulley at the base of the drill press with another step pulley you can vary the speed of the drill press. We called them ice cream scoop drills because the handles would often be in the shape of an ice cream scoop. For small parts they can actually work quite nicely. But they aren't for high accuracy work.
Maui
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chasewilliams530
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Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
Worth it after restoration?
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Unless you're shopping for the next restoration project, I wouldn't mess with it. Not even good yard art.
Worth it after restoration?
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Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
Of course, if you're looking for such a project, I'm sure it will be satisfying when you're completed. Practically speaking, you'd be better off investing that time in a righteous vintage drill press.
Again, only if you're looking for such a project. Anything can be restored. I guess for me it's a question of time spent compared to final value. I think of older full-feature USA drill presses with a level of quality you just can't get anymore without paying production press costs. Or an old rusted Stanley pre-war wood plane you picked up for $10 and restored that to buy an equivalent today from say Lie-Nieson would cost you hundreds. When you restore this, what would you have? And in that same shop real estate, couldn't you put something there that would be more useful? Not to mention safer? And what would you have to go though to make it speed-adjustable? Heaven knows what the bearings are like. Then, who is going to want to buy it to occupy the same space as a full featured, enclosed press? I have no idea what it's value would be restored because I see nobody wanting it that much. Why? Vintage drill presses may be collectible, but ONLY if they're functional. I don't know of anyone who displays them just for display. This one doesn't even have any attractive design features.
Of course, if you're looking for such a project, I'm sure it will be satisfying when you're completed. Practically speaking, you'd be better off investing that time in a righteous vintage drill press.
Fretters
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alwaysFlOoReD
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Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
Well, I like it. And would pay $20 for it. And put on a shelf somewhere. For people to look at. Like art.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Do YOU like it?
Well, I like it. And would pay $20 for it. And put on a shelf somewhere. For people to look at. Like art.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Do YOU like it?
Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
As I said: If OP wants to undertake the project, he should go for it. Or didn't you guys catch that?
But he was also asking if it would be worth it and what it might be worth after it was completed. Those are practical questions. Or didn't you guys catch that either? And for crying out loud, I tried to give a practical opinion. Shame on me.
Now, if anyone really would want it after he completes it, tell him what you'd pay and then send him a check.
As I said: If OP wants to undertake the project, he should go for it. Or didn't you guys catch that?
But he was also asking if it would be worth it and what it might be worth after it was completed. Those are practical questions. Or didn't you guys catch that either? And for crying out loud, I tried to give a practical opinion. Shame on me.
Now, if anyone really would want it after he completes it, tell him what you'd pay and then send him a check.
tombell572
Well-known member
Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
Its value is what someone is willing to pay for it. That has been said countless times on many forums whenever members are asked about something that has no clear market or book value. I have made emotional decisions to buy old machines (within reason, of course) just because I like them. Parts I make are for myself and my friends--in only occasional cases does money change hands. If I ran my shop for profit it would of course be different. Twenty dollars is not a huge sum. Chasewilliams, if you feel you like that drill press for any reason, to put on a shelf, left as-is or restored or in use for projects I suggest buying it. It will drill holes, perhaps up to about 3/8". With a very few exceptions, a d/p is not a prison machine tool. If it meets your needs, be they emotional or practical, grab it.
Tom B.
Its value is what someone is willing to pay for it. That has been said countless times on many forums whenever members are asked about something that has no clear market or book value. I have made emotional decisions to buy old machines (within reason, of course) just because I like them. Parts I make are for myself and my friends--in only occasional cases does money change hands. If I ran my shop for profit it would of course be different. Twenty dollars is not a huge sum. Chasewilliams, if you feel you like that drill press for any reason, to put on a shelf, left as-is or restored or in use for projects I suggest buying it. It will drill holes, perhaps up to about 3/8". With a very few exceptions, a d/p is not a prison machine tool. If it meets your needs, be they emotional or practical, grab it.
Tom B.
michaelwolson
Well-known member
Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
For $20 I would buy it and restore it. I wouldn't expect to make a profit on it though...
For $20 I would buy it and restore it. I wouldn't expect to make a profit on it though...
Maui
Well-known member
Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
I didn't restore mine and I sold it for $40 or $50.
I didn't restore mine and I sold it for $40 or $50.
OP
chasewilliams530
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Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
Not really looking to sell if I buy. My real question is if I could restore it and have a usable drill
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Not really looking to sell if I buy. My real question is if I could restore it and have a usable drill
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Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
That is not for general purpose drilling. It is one speed and if that speed fits your hole size range then yes it is usable. If you have varied, wood, metal,plastics materials then I'd keep looking. However for$20 it is a great piece to have for the aesthetic value. Buy it and use it till something better comes along, you'll always get your $20 back out of it.
lg
no neat sig line
That is not for general purpose drilling. It is one speed and if that speed fits your hole size range then yes it is usable. If you have varied, wood, metal,plastics materials then I'd keep looking. However for$20 it is a great piece to have for the aesthetic value. Buy it and use it till something better comes along, you'll always get your $20 back out of it.
lg
no neat sig line
Fretters
Well-known member
Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
--Can't tell if the table tilts. It may not.
--Has only a single speed.
--Side-mounted motor takes up more space than a standard drill press.
--The open wheels and belts makes it less safe--easy for something to get caught up in it, including yourself--clothing, work dropped or slips out of hand or vise, etc, broken bit flies in and becomes a projectile, etc.
--Looks like it needs tools to adjust height.
--No depth gauge or adjustable depth stop.
--No hole in the table for the drill bit to pass through.
--Looks like once the arm is re-attached to the spindle, mechanism provides for very little travel up and down. That bracket mounted between the spring and the spindle looks like it will allow very little range of depth. Again, looks like it was made to set up for specific job drilling lots of shallow holes like in a production line.
If these are all shortcomings you can live with, then yes....restore it and it will drill holes.
One other thing. I've seen this happen several times in these forums with similar questions. Once someone tells you not to bother with it, for some reason folks start coming out and encouraging the person while trying to throw stones at the negative opinion. Saw a guy get into deep problems tearing apart an old grinder that I warned about, everyone telling him how easy it's going to be and how I didn't know what I was talking about. Once the problems arose, then it was touted as a 'learning experience' for the poor fellow. Why did I care? Because the older you get, the more you realize how valuable what energy you have is and how much time you have left on this earth, and you become sensitive to how valuable they are and so making sure you commit them to worthwhile projects.
The impression I get sometimes is like people standing around a building where someone is perched on the roof ledge thinking about jumping, and the crowd starts shouting "JUMP JUMP JUMP!" They'll encourage you to jump because they're excited to see you undergo the restoration and see the results. And if someone yells, DON'T JUMP," the crowd will begin to scream all the louder to drown that dissenting voice out. Hard to tell if it's malicious, but...maybe it is. They're not thinking about what you have to go through. They're not spending their own time and money--they're spending yours. For their satisfaction.
So...if you're willing to occupy your time, money, and bench space to restore and use this kind of limited and precarious device instead of a real drill press, then by all means do so and enjoy! It is your time, money and bench space, do with it what you want. And be sure to keep us posted on your progress.
Depends on what you mean by usable. If it was restored correctly, it would be usable to drill holes? I think the answer is self-evident--any old drill restored will drill holes. Since I'm sure you know that, it then depends on what you're expecting. It's obviously not going to do what a standard drill press does, if that's what you mean. It looks as if it was intended to be set up for a particular job to drill multiple identical holes quickly, but not intended as a full-feature press. Compared to a standard drill press:
--Can't tell if the table tilts. It may not.
--Has only a single speed.
--Side-mounted motor takes up more space than a standard drill press.
--The open wheels and belts makes it less safe--easy for something to get caught up in it, including yourself--clothing, work dropped or slips out of hand or vise, etc, broken bit flies in and becomes a projectile, etc.
--Looks like it needs tools to adjust height.
--No depth gauge or adjustable depth stop.
--No hole in the table for the drill bit to pass through.
--Looks like once the arm is re-attached to the spindle, mechanism provides for very little travel up and down. That bracket mounted between the spring and the spindle looks like it will allow very little range of depth. Again, looks like it was made to set up for specific job drilling lots of shallow holes like in a production line.
If these are all shortcomings you can live with, then yes....restore it and it will drill holes.
One other thing. I've seen this happen several times in these forums with similar questions. Once someone tells you not to bother with it, for some reason folks start coming out and encouraging the person while trying to throw stones at the negative opinion. Saw a guy get into deep problems tearing apart an old grinder that I warned about, everyone telling him how easy it's going to be and how I didn't know what I was talking about. Once the problems arose, then it was touted as a 'learning experience' for the poor fellow. Why did I care? Because the older you get, the more you realize how valuable what energy you have is and how much time you have left on this earth, and you become sensitive to how valuable they are and so making sure you commit them to worthwhile projects.
The impression I get sometimes is like people standing around a building where someone is perched on the roof ledge thinking about jumping, and the crowd starts shouting "JUMP JUMP JUMP!" They'll encourage you to jump because they're excited to see you undergo the restoration and see the results. And if someone yells, DON'T JUMP," the crowd will begin to scream all the louder to drown that dissenting voice out. Hard to tell if it's malicious, but...maybe it is. They're not thinking about what you have to go through. They're not spending their own time and money--they're spending yours. For their satisfaction.
So...if you're willing to occupy your time, money, and bench space to restore and use this kind of limited and precarious device instead of a real drill press, then by all means do so and enjoy! It is your time, money and bench space, do with it what you want. And be sure to keep us posted on your progress.
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OP
chasewilliams530
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Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
Any idea the brand of this grinder?
I’m trying to put together a shop and I wanna start of with good stuff not cheap that’s why I was asking about the Press I think I’m going to pass on the Press based on the points DadsTools made
Any idea the brand of this grinder?
I’m trying to put together a shop and I wanna start of with good stuff not cheap that’s why I was asking about the Press I think I’m going to pass on the Press based on the points DadsTools made
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StillTooManyHobbies
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Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
That grinder was made by McGraw Edison. Probably the upper end of the low priced tools at 8 amps for a 6 inch grinder. It sold at $49.00 on clearance through COMB in 1982. Will probably work fine if you don't expect too much.
That grinder was made by McGraw Edison. Probably the upper end of the low priced tools at 8 amps for a 6 inch grinder. It sold at $49.00 on clearance through COMB in 1982. Will probably work fine if you don't expect too much.
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chasewilliams530
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Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
Thanks for the info if you want to keep up with the tools I find while trying to build my collection check out my Pawn Shop Steals Tread
Thanks for the info if you want to keep up with the tools I find while trying to build my collection check out my Pawn Shop Steals Tread
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crguy
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Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
I wouldn't take that grinder if it was free.
I wouldn't take that grinder if it was free.
OP
chasewilliams530
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Fretters
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Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
Low to average quality. If you're wanting to set up a workshop with good tools which will last, that will likely disappoint.
Low to average quality. If you're wanting to set up a workshop with good tools which will last, that will likely disappoint.
OP
chasewilliams530
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Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
I’ll keep looking like I said I’m in no rush and brand recommendations for good grinders?
I’ll keep looking like I said I’m in no rush and brand recommendations for good grinders?
Fretters
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Baldor is one which springs to mind over there.
OP
chasewilliams530
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Is that vintage or modern I don’t care either way just enjoy learning this stuff?
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Fretters
Well-known member
Both. They're a brand which are still going.
apollo11
Banned
for 20 bucks I'd have some fun with it
I don't think I'd use it over my current D press though
I don't think I'd use it over my current D press though
454ragtop
Well-known member
Re: Vintage Pillar Drill/Drill Press
Where are you located? I, or other members may be able to help.
Where are you located? I, or other members may be able to help.
OP
chasewilliams530
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Mississippi
michaelwolson
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Yikes, I just took a look at Craigslist postings within 500 miles of Mississippi for drill presses and grinders...
Judging by what I found (nothing really) you're probably going to have to be pretty patient/willing to drive a ways.
My recommendation would be to keep checking craigslist/offerup/letgo/etc every day, throughout the day. Break at work, check craigslist, going to the bathroom check craigslist. I've been doing that for the past year and found a few good deals. Still missed quite a few though and I'm in a pretty heavy tool area.
Good luck!
OP
chasewilliams530
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What do y’all think about this never heard of the brand and can screen shot more pictures if wanted
davethorik
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Looks like a solid old usa grinder but it doesn't have tool rests, looks like part of the right hand guard is missing, no lights or quench tray. I like to go for complete units, unless it's so cheap you can't say no. Especially being a more obscure mfg, parts probably near impossible to find, so you will have to fabricate something, at least for the rests.
BDFan1981
Well-known member
Does anybody here have a nice-looking Skil 4740 Professional Recipro-Saw?
It is similar to the earlier 474 (Skil changed several of their tool model numbers in 1985, the year their new "Professional" moniker was adopted for their heavy-duty line of power tools), but has the black/silver "Professional" label. The earliest date code on it would contain the letters "MW" for a September 1985 manufacturing date. It was renumbered to HD4740 in 1994, when Skil renamed its heavy-duty line "HD."
~Ben
It is similar to the earlier 474 (Skil changed several of their tool model numbers in 1985, the year their new "Professional" moniker was adopted for their heavy-duty line of power tools), but has the black/silver "Professional" label. The earliest date code on it would contain the letters "MW" for a September 1985 manufacturing date. It was renumbered to HD4740 in 1994, when Skil renamed its heavy-duty line "HD."
~Ben
michaelwolson
Well-known member
Did you pick up the drill press or pass on it?
OP
chasewilliams530
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I passed I’m not in a rush so I’m gonna wait for a good deal on a good Press yo come around.
Joe From NY
Well-known member
Wow. I looked in my area (New York) and there are many great old USA drill presses and grinders for reasonable prices. I guess I am spoiled looking at shop equipment around here. There are always several whole machine shops being liquidated at any given time.
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But what we don't have is a good selection of nice old tractors and farm equipment. I guess every place has its advantages.
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tombell572
Well-known member
Walker Turner, older made-in-USA Delta and of course, as stated above, Baldor are fine grinders. W/T, Delta and Buffalo among others built excellent D/P's.
Tom B.
Tom B.