Which drill press would you keep

[tool_scrounge]

The other problem with the Homecrafts are bushings, rather than bearings, in the quill. I understand the trick setup is to swap in a DP 220 spindle, though I haven't actually done it myself.
Really tough call on the Powermatic/Delta thing. I've never used a Powermatic Reeves drive, but was never really impressed with the others, including Delta's that I have used. The table raiser is pretty much a must have for me. On the other hand, that is probably one of the best Delta 15" DP's ever made, with 6 speeds, and 6" of quill travel. Decisions, decisions......

Sleeve bearing upper quill only from the exploded view diagram I saw. It is a lot heavier drill press than I was expecting. Best thing I did was to replace the included laundry machine motor.with a.1140rpm baldor. It reduces the minimum speed from 700 to 470 rpm.

The Delta 6+6 is one of my favorite 15" drill presses. They did make a factory option large size production table with a lifting mechanism like the 17" drill press. By some miracle i ran into a NOS one a while back but I have yet to install it.

 

[pharmerphil]

Keep the PM

 

[lis2323]

I also want to know this.



I still think the WORST thing about homecrafts is there is no place for a on/off switch really, so every single one is either a regular 110 switch mounted to the cabinet or macguyver'd off the motor mount. Not that it's not a fine spot for the switch to be, but the boring *** normal switch ***** compared to say, a Cutler-Hammer like my Rockwell has.

I use these paddle switches on all my older machines. I realize restoration purists will cringe, but for safety and function this works for me.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

Since this looks like the place to ask - i've got an old Atlas press and I think the SKF bearings (so named on the nameplate) are getting tired. is there a good place to ID them and source replacements?

 

[Davefr]

Since this looks like the place to ask - i've got an old Atlas press and I think the SKF bearings (so named on the nameplate) are getting tired. is there a good place to ID them and source replacements?

Just look for a number stamped on the bearing and either google it or do an Ebay search.

...or go to vintagemachinery.org and see if you can find a parts list for your model machine and find the bearing number.

As a last resort, get out your calipers and measure the key dimensions and hope you can find a match.

This site has some pretty good data:
http://www.skf.com/binary/79-66347/457013.pdf

The guys over at owwm.org can usually help with bearing p/n's for most of the common vintage machines.

 

[Cypherian]

I kind of want to reclaim space and while the footprint is small i have a hard time justifying two.

The pm 1150a is from 1993 but suffered some neglect and a fire.

The rockwell 15-665 is from 1973 and was unprofessionally refinished by me.

Deltas in features include:
Pm is reeves drives and more truly variable. Rockwell is a belt change

I have a yet unused mortise kit for the rockwell

The pm has the table adjustment and a cleeeean table

The rockwell table has a few holes as its from a school.



What say yall?

While the cool factor goes to the Delta , the ease of speed changes on the Powermatic seems like the better choice. Time to redo it and then get rid of the Delta :}

Cypher

 

[tapered-pin]

whichever one has the most options on speed control (looks like the PM)..