Walker Turned Radial Arm drill press ID help

[M J Peters]

My father purchased this over 15 years ago, with plans of getting a phase converter, as the family farm isn’t 3 phase. It was running when purchased. It has sat inside, in the shed ever since.

I’m trying to determine the exact model information. I want to help my Dad sell this, but would like to get more information first.

What I am finding are markings of RD 1410 on the serial number tag and some from the Defense Plant Corporation. Wiki tells me that should date this from 1940-1945.

EDIT. Found some more information that indicates the model Is an RD1170, which first came out in 1942.

The table is approx 30x22 and the arm is about 40” long.

I can move the quill up and down and rotate it. The head swivels, the crank to raise/lower works etc. getting the arm to move stems retract will take some penetration oils and perhaps a tap with a mallet.

Any assistance in identifying this would be appreciated.

 

[crguy]

Having the exact model number isn't as important as good pictures in your for sale listing. Those are great drills, but the 3 phase motor is an issue for a lot of people.

 

[Beerhippie]

Posted earlier today: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/interesting-walker-turner-drill-press.539590/

Where's #3?

 

[aquinob]

Check out vintage machinery website here: http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgindex/detail.aspx?id=808&tab=4

Just for S&G's I perused FBMP and saw a few within a 500 mile radius. Prices were all over the place. But if you expect top dollar it has to be in running demonstrable shape. 3 phase is not an issue with a small VFD which can be had for less than 100 bucks. One advantage to a VFD is that it can vary the output frequency which means you can vary the speed of the drill with just twisting a knob rather than shifting the belts.

Another alternative is to replace the motor. As long as the mounting is pretty standard, you should be able to source another 1/2 horse motor and run it on 110. If it were me I'd go with the VFD.

A long time ago when I was into vintage machinery I had a WT press in my hands. I dont remember too many of the details but something that sticks in my mind is that they used non standard bearings in the quill (the part that turns and goes up and down). As old as that thing is, it needs new bearings along with the ones in the motor. Sourcing those bearings might be tough although for all I know it may be better or worse these days.

Most of the folks that know about these tools are over on OWWM.org. Nice bunch of guys to ask questions. But never, ever ask about what something might be worth, that is strictly Verboten. They do that so they dont turn into the internet old tools appraisal service.

 

[M J Peters]

Thanks for the link to VIntage Machines.

I don’t think we are going to be looking for top dollar as much as finding someone that is interested in restoring and using it. Would hate to see it get scrapped.

I did a minor restore on a late 1940’s Delta DP. I don’t have the time or space to tackle this one - and wouldn’t have a need for it once finished.

 

[930dreamer]

A vfd would power that no problem.

 

[aquinob]

Then ask 2-300 and it should move in it's present condition. The market for old machinery isn't that great and the up and coming generations are not into fixing things or building things. The only thing to be careful about is whoever comes to get it should be able to move it which is not a small feat. It probably weighs around 8-900 lbs with that base and you dont want some schmuck to hurt themselves on your property trying to move it. Just sayin..

 

[Whitworth]

Those special bearings are/were available from Walker Turner Serviced Machinery, LLC

I haven't dealt with them in many years and they have a minimal internet presence, so some research would be required.

 

[M J Peters]

Then ask 2-300 and it should move in it's present condition. The market for old machinery isn't that great and the up and coming generations are not into fixing things or building things. The only thing to be careful about is whoever comes to get it should be able to move it which is not a small feat. It probably weighs around 8-900 lbs with that base and you dont want some schmuck to hurt themselves on your property trying to move it. Just sayin..

Definitely understand that. Definitely not something someone is going to throw in the back of their Corolla.

I found an old catalog that listed the weight at 450, but I don’t think that included the base.

 

[Beerhippie]

Definitely understand that. Definitely not something someone is going to throw in the back of their Corolla.

I found an old catalog that listed the weight at 450, but I don’t think that included the base.

They do break down into easily carried pieces weighing less than 250 lb each.

 

[tombell572]

I have one that is pictured in the Walker-Turner thread. The 450 pound weight sould include the cast iron base and as Beerhippie notes, they do break down nicely and are manageable. I dis-assembled mine in the seller's basement and moved the parts up an outside stair to my trailer with an appliance dolley. These seem to be in demand and yours should sell for a reasonable price given its somewhat less than pristine condition.

Tom B.