Walker Turner Drill Press advice

[myyaz33]

Been looking for a decent drill press to do light metal fabrication with the occasional large hole on half inch material.

Found a Walker Turner local and in hopes someone can tell me more about it and if it might fit the bill for my desires.

Listed as 1/2hp motor, 4" swing, 3 speed step pulley

Would it be worth $75?

 

[bmwrd0]

I have one like it. Really depends on the spindle bearings, as they are not standard, and thus unavailable. By the way if it is the same as mine it is a 15" swing, not 4"

I have never tried to drill 1/2" plate, but it you ran it on the slowest speed, it should be alright, though you might need to make a low speed attachment. They are good presses, so if the bearings aren't shot, sure 75 isn't bad, depending on your area.

Poke around over at VintageMachinery.com you will find a lot of info on old presses.

 

[myyaz33]

This is going to show my ignorance on the subject, but are the spindle bearings something that can quickly and easily be checked when I go look at it? The website you gave me came up with an error.

 

[rsanter]

If it is in decent working condition then that is a decent price.

Move everything by hand, things should move nicly and not have a feeling of grinding or squealing or anything like that.
Things should also be tight and not have a lot of slop.
Chuck should run true and not wobble, you need a bit in there to check that.

Bob

 

[cgrutt]

I'm restoring a Walker Turner drill press. That seems like a very nice press for $75. As mentioned, make sure the bearings are solid. There shouldn't be any noticeable play in chuck and top spindle. Chuck up a bit and use press to cut a hole if you can. Hole should look like a circle, not an oval, etc. If bearings are shot there will be a noticeable wobble in the bit. Should sound normal too, no squeaks or squeals, etc. Best way to check is with a runout gauge but assuming you don't have one. Good luck!

 

[bmwrd0]

Sorry, this is the website: http://vintagemachinery.org/

Everything Rsanter says is right, put a good bit in and grab the chuck, shake it back and forth, up and down to check slop, and rotate it by hand to check grinding. It should be smooth, no roughness and tight. With that press, you are in for a lot of work if it doen't match that. Mine is from 1940 and spare parts are ebay only.

 

[myyaz33]

Thanks for all the help.

Definitely not looking for another project for my list so I will take the advice and give it a good look over before making a decision. The nice gentleman states it works just fine and has a couple other ones that he uses more (better units). Just wondering if all isnt well would i just be better off with a newer cheaper unit. I really like the looks of the old WT press.

 

[Cruzan80]

I have a feeling the 4" is depth of cut, not bit->post measurement.

 

[myyaz33]

Although the day didn't work out at all like i had planned, the result is the same. The drill press in is the back up my pickup in the garage. Checked everything out while I was at the sellers place and all felt smooth and not sloppy. Also drilled a few holes and all looks good. No time tonight to unload it as I have to wrangle my little ones. The model/serial plate was painted over but i was able to scrape off enough to get a number DP-1040. Now onto find out what that means. Thanks all