Which Drill Press Should I sell?

[Slowboat]

Ok folks,

I have a problem - not enough room, and too many drill presses. I'm trying to figure out which one to sell.

So here is the list:
Delta DP220. Runs perfectly, restored by me...not selling...

Rockwell 15-017: Floor model - production table. Very little runout, and a very nice drill press. Doesn't go very slow. The problem is that the table lift crank & gears are missing, so raising and lowering the table is challenging - it has two bolts to compress the table collar.

Craftsman 15" from the 1970's, made in America. Runs pretty well, and goes down to 300rpm, which is great. It has a narrow 1/4" belt used to change speeds, rather than a heavy duty belt. Table doesn't have a lift crank, but isn't too heavy.

I also have two milling machines for bigger/slower stuff.

So which one would you sell - the Craftsman or the Rockwell?

Thanks,

Slow

 

[gtermini]

Dump the Craftsman. The Delta is a way more rigid machine.

Greyson

 

[jabberwoki]

Chuck that filthy crapsman into the arms of the first sucker that lobs in!

 

[Slowboat]

Would you swap tables, or do you guys like the production tables? That thing is really heavy! Trying to adjust the height will ****. What about not getting the slow speeds?

Also, why the hate for the Craftsman - still made in America, still all cast iron...

 

[Davefr]

I'd keep the Rockwell as long as you have a chance of finding the table elevation parts.

I hate that little rubber band that the CM uses as a belt.

 

[zkling]

I have the same delta, good press, but the production table can be a pain for larger parts or small parts with a big hole. (hard to clamp down). That ***** yours is missing the raise mechanism.

I think I too would get rid of the craftsman. I had a DP220 floor model that I restored, sold it when I upgraded to a 17" delta. Now really regret that decision. Of all the easiest to "replace" down the road would be the craftsman. Just my 2¢

 

[pepi]

They hate craftsman cause they do not know any better.

 

[Provincial]

They hate craftsman cause they do not know any better.

I have had the same Craftsman that I bought new in 1973. Over the years I have abused it often and it has held up very well. The belts are made by Gates and are available online or through any Gates dealer on special order. I can't remember ever getting the belt to slip, even with large reduced-shank bits in steel. I was skeptical of the little belt when I bought it, but it proved me wrong.

Search for table-raising modifications on this site and Google. Many people have done this, and the options are many. Everything from cable counterweights to hydraulics.

Also research adding an idler pulley to the Delta for reducing the speed. An adapter can often be placed in the hollow top of the column to support an arm with the idler pulley.

The Delta is worth the effort to upgrade. The Craftsman is common and built lighter, but is still made of cast iron. They show up on Craigslist all the time at reasonable prices. The earlier ones without the table raising gear are less desirable for obvious reasons.

 

[Egapgt]

Slow...I know this isn't the classified section, but I would be very interested in the Craftsman if you decide to get rid of it and we can come up with a reasonable way to get it to south Alabama.
Tom

 

[pepi]

The earlier ones without the table raising gear are less desirable for obvious reasons.

I have the later version, 1990 I think, handles anything I throw at it.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Can you store one at a buddy's house ?

 

[zkling]

They hate craftsman cause they do not know any better.

Or more so we actually know what we are talking about.

 

[rusty65]

Honestly I would sell the Craftsman the Rockwell just looks so cool and you have two mills so drilling machines aren't rare in your shop so a little shop art will look good.


Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

 

[Alchymist]

The Craftsman is pure junk. Crate it up and haul it to the shipping co, I'll give you the address....

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

This one's easy, keep 'em all!

 

[oldtools]

Sell both since you already have the Delta.

 

[Slowboat]

Thanks guys! The Craftsman is hitting CL today...

 

[Buckgnarly]

PM sent!

 

[Slowboat]

Pm sent back. Let me know before it hits CL.

 

[pepi]

Or more so we actually know what we are talking about.

That is always the question, guess we will never know.

 

[jabberwoki]

Pepi pepi pepi!!!! Who will cry for Craftsman but you my friend!!

 

[BFBOB]

Depends on the market. If you're going to sell it here, sell the Rockwell since the membership knows quality. If you're going to sell it on CL or EB, sell the Craftsman since it's an easier sale and will probably bring a higher percentage of new cost.
Not bashing Craftsman! It's good stuff, and very good bang for the buck. But TOP quality it ain't.

 

[Outlawmws]

Pepi pepi pepi!!!! Who will cry for Craftsman but you my friend!!

I will;

Their is nothing wrong with that Craftsman for a home shop of even light pro work (mechanic, not a machine shop) Having said that, I'd sell the Craftsman over the Rockwell in a heartbeat and yes, keep the production table. If you hate it, I'l trade you straight across.

I went though one of those Craftsman and sold it to one of my oldest friends, and its a good DP, not as good as the Rockwell but tons better than the Taiwan of Chicom **** that abounds... I did that rebuild about the same time I got my Rockwell (same DP sans the Prod table) so I know them both pretty well.

Lastly, that Craftsman is I think the last of the US made DP's for Sears. after that they went over seas I believe.

If only having 4 speeds in the Rock bothers you, hang a treadmill motor on it and never look back.