Which Drill Press?

[6pony6]

Which vintage drill press would you want? All things being equal, is one that much better than the other?



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[rlitman]

I believe they are comparable, but if it were me, I'd pick the Craftsman, as it was clearly made by Atlas, and I have had good experiences with my Atlas.

Just be sure to lubricate the return spring before it breaks.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Personally I have a thing for the old Delta tools myself so it would be Delta for me.

 

[jakemac]

Tie break, for now.
I've used my grandfather's Craftsman/Atlas my entire life. For me, no other DP compares.

For either machine, a third speed pulley is a must.

 

[gungatim]

Either one would work, they are pretty similar but I think the Delta is a little better made. I have a similar atlas and, while functional, it's not as beefy as the Delta.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Detla is better made and has better part availability in general. Atlas was fond of Zamak (pot metal) and I saw some issues with its application in their drill press.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I don't think you could go wrong with either, they look to be pretty comparable on size. Difference would be in the finder details that you would have to checkout first-hand...

i.e. Condition of bearings, how smooth do things rotate? Condition of chuck... Play in the quill... etc, etc...

 

[1982fxr]

Imho the craftsman. I have one of those and it runs crazy tight. I've heard others say the same. Jmho as always.

 

[Cahark]

I like the delta, but they are very similar. I've found the delta stuff is usually build a tad heavier at least In my experiences. However, Im sure there are exceptions to the rule


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[Sunset_Z28]

Buy them both and decide later.

 

[Mintgrun]

so many details not seen in those photos.
more pictures would help us help you make a decision : )

(please)

 

[6pony6]

Buy them both and decide later.

I like this advice the best. A quick update. The Craftsman was on my way home from work so I decided to take a look.

Owner plugged it in, turned it on, and it ran beautifully. Virtually no run out and everything worked as it should with original motor. Paid $60 and loaded it in my truck.

Based on the Craftsman badge/logo, and real quick research, I believe it's from early 40's.

While there, I also grabbed this Cincinnati Tool Co bench grinder that also dates from early 40's. Very happy with both. I may still go look at the Delta later this week.




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[schor]

For $40 you can't go wrong.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Awesome find and great price on the Craftsman DP and the Cincinnati grinder! Congrats! Now go get that Delta DP!!!

 

[rlitman]

You done good. But to be fair, there was no wrong answer here. It's more of a Mary Ann or Ginger type of question.

 

[Marctrees]

Mrs. Howell is more in my age range now. Marc

 

[jakemac]

The oval switch plate and 4 handles date the DP in the 1939-1940 range. In '41 the switch plate was rectangular. The '38 version had 3 handles. I have the '41 version.

Model 101.03622 ? The manual is available on VintageMachinery, but isn't very useful.

 

[exmaxima1]

For $40 you can't go wrong.

The way I read it, I think it was actually $60 for the drill press, and another $20 for the grinder. Very good deal.

 

[6pony6]

The way I read it, I think it was actually $60 for the drill press, and another $20 for the grinder. Very good deal.

You are correct. $60 for the DP. The more I mess around with this thing, the more I like it. It is one heavy beast though. I need to figure out where I want it, and stop moving it around.


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[cnc-me]

Buy them both and decide later.

This ^