Worth restoring

[DARKSCOPE001]

Hey guys I just got back from sweeping up all the junk at my grandmas house and as I said in a previous post all the tools were promised to me. Well one of the tools my grandpa left me was a old drill press (nothing huge or spectacular but a drill press) So I finaly got around to brining it home and taking a few quick shots of it.

Tell me what you guys think? Is it worth taking this thing appart and cleaning it and restoring it? Or is it simply worth its weight in scrap?

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[Tatsuya]

Perhaps it's worth a shot simply 'cuz that thing looks awesome.

 

[black88coupe]

I wouldn't be ashamed to have that in my garage. Especially since it's been "in the family".

 

[djjsr]

That may not be a top shelf drill press, but it's still a better quality than many that you can buy today. It's a keeper and now an heirloom.

 

[Packard V8]

I'd keep it for all the above reasons. You got it for free, it's a family heirloom and you don't have a drill press.

jack vines

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

Thanks guys. I was just curious if it was worth taking appart and lubing up and cleaning for use. It looks really cool imo. The motor still turns over. Im not sure what kind of shape its in but I think it might be kinda cool to get all shiny and clean and well working again. It reminds me of all the cool old tools i used back when I was at aviation school.

Thanks again Ill keep you guys posted on how it turns out. i need to get a few pictures of this 70's era craftsman right angle drill. Thing is cool looking but it doesent work at the moment

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[e-tek]

Oh ya....keep it and looovee it!

 

[djjsr]

I like old tools just BECAUSE they look like old tools. I have some of my father's carpentry tools that are over 50 yrs old and I would NEVER EVER restore them to look new. Took many years for those things to get looking like that. When I grab the wooden handle of one of his saws, I know it looks and feels exactly the same as it did 50 years ago when he used it every day as a carpenter. It's got his sweat in it and it'll stay that way until the day I pass it down to my son.

 

[sselander]

according to the vintage machinery web site:

"Companion was a brand name for less expensive tools and machines from Sears, Roebuck & Co. The Companion name was replaced by Dunlap in 1941. Makers of Companion woodworking machines include Walker-Turner and Central Specialty (later purchased by King-Seeley). See the entry under Craftsman for more history and a list of manufacturers codes. "

they also have pics of various Champion machines

http://vintagemachinery.org/mfgIndex/detail.aspx?id=199&tab=0

 

[old salvage]

Restore ? ? It looks pretty good as is. I'd just spray it with wd-40, wipe it down and start drilling.

 

[Kirbot]

That may not be a top shelf drill press, but it's still a better quality than many that you can buy today. It's a keeper and now an heirloom.

I agree

Restore ? ? It looks pretty good as is. I'd just spray it with wd-40, wipe it down and start drilling.

I agree again.

I have a lot of old machines like that, and I'll always try to save the original finish before repainting.
There isn't really any collectible to worry about, but it's only original once.

 

[rick carpenter]

I like old tools just BECAUSE they look like old tools. I have some of my father's carpentry tools that are over 50 yrs old and I would NEVER EVER restore them to look new. Took many years for those things to get looking like that. When I grab the wooden handle of one of his saws, I know it looks and feels exactly the same as it did 50 years ago when he used it every day as a carpenter. It's got his sweat in it and it'll stay that way until the day I pass it down to my son.

If I buy the rare modern hand tool, it will only be because its quality is better than I can find in a vintage tool. But, I wouldn't buy an old impact driver or molding plane for daily use. There is a lot to be said about some modern design/function/technology/materials, and let's don't forget, warranties.

But I really like old hand tools. Because, relatively speaking, they were expensive and required thoughtful purchase, not like now when the borgs have tons of cheap, hobbyist quality, break-n-replace crud. Craftsmen used them all day long so they had to fit right and work right. Plus they were made of metal and wood mostly, not so much plastic (until you get to a certain vintage, then it's all downhill from there).

Keeping tools in good working condition for years is one thing, like your father's tools, but most old tools have set neglected for quite a while and have accumulated layers of gunk and/or rust. But they can fairly easily be cleaned back to the patina of your father's tools. So yeah, if they've lasted this long all crapped over, more often than not, they're "worth restoring".

 

[Tim Cowan]

I got a DUNLAP bench model drill press about 45 years ago from a pawn shop and I still use it in my hobbyshop. I did replace a burnt-out motor. I agree, keep it and use it.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

thanks everyone for the replies. I didnt mean restore like repaint. I ment like restore clean. The paint is perfect for a machine that old. But I was wondering if i should take the thing appart and lube it up and regrease everything? also the upright shaft that the press head rides on is a bit rusty I was wondering if i should clean that up?

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[thrifty bill]

+1 Restore, no. Clean up, yes. That drill press has "patina". Grease what needs to be greased, lightly clean up the outside of it (nothing abrasive!!!), WD40 is not a bad idea. And enjoy it!

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

ok guys so I started working on cleaning up the drill press. So far so good except a few small snags.

First i took the motor off the main pole and off the press head. Plugged it in it works fine its erie quiet and spools up without a hitch. The belt is shot tho. I took it off and it still looks like its streached acrost the pullies no elasticity left at all.

The problem, I cleaned the press head and tried spining over the pully at the top. It barely moves its stiff as hell and takes quite a bit of force to move. Is this right? or is there something gumming up the works? Whats the fix and shold I attempt fixing it?

Where can i get a replacement belt? does anyone know of a place that will sell industrial belts like that in various sizes? i can probably get a rough size but I havent taken any measurements yet.

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[4x4gearhead]

I would just take a few days and shoot some marvel mystery oil all over the bearings and all that while you got the motor off, I bet youll find it frees up a bit, that is a really cool old drill press man.

 

[djjsr]

The belt is shot tho. I took it off and it still looks like its streached acrost the pullies no elasticity left at all.

Where can i get a replacement belt? does anyone know of a place that will sell industrial belts like that in various sizes? i can probably get a rough size but I havent taken any measurements yet.

If the belt is a V belt, take it to your local hardware store or auto parts store and they can probably match it up for you. V belts do not have elasticity.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

alright thanks guys. So I decided to dive into it and do it the right way. I took the head compleately appart. removed the quill from the head. removed the spindle from the quill. cleaned everything. now im putting it back togeather and i have to ask.

What should I use to lube it back up? Because its an older (and probably lower end at the time drill press) It has bushings instead of bearings. The entire machine has 1 bearing right at the bottom of the spindle to help with the loading and keep it from wearing prematuely. So because they are bushings, should I use oil instead of grease? and then just use grease on quill gears and stuff?

Thanks again guys ill have to show you once im done. I hit another snag, this time its missing parts Nothing major tho just some little jaws that slide into the head and into the table to grip the upright pole. I only have 2 and the machine needs 4. They look simple enough to fab up tho. Oh btw I got my inspiration from that guy rebuilding the craftsman 150 drill press. Man that thing is cool

Thanks
Sean Scott

 

[willy3486]

Good for you on getting it going. I quit trying to buy new years ago and look for old stuff. I usually take apart,clean ,paint and use. I can't get the quality I want today in new. Anyway I have restored a lot of stuff. Most of the stuff found in "basement workshops " just needs cleaning and new cords. As far as it not turning good thats normal on some stuff. You have a tool not used in years the oil and grease will harden. All the info above is good and par for the course for what I do. I also use brake drum cleaner on metal parts I can. It cleans really well. Keep it away from motors,gaskets and such.

Belts are easy to find, tractor supply,local hardware stores,parts stores. If its together just take it with you. Most of the stuff I have restored uses V belts so notice the shape as well. As far as making parts I have made a lot of parts of well. So do it if you can't find one. If you need any info check out owwm.org or owwm.com, I think they use both. They have all kinds of stuff there,old manuals,photos and the such. Its a good site, but like any there are a few oddballs there. I got tired of one and quit posting. They also have a place on there to buy or sell. You could post a description or picture of the part you need. There are people there that restore them and have a lot of parts.

As far as oil check on the site as well. They have info on that. I use a kholer type oil for their engines. I don't remember the weight of it. Anyway good luck. Most people appreciate the old stuff due to how well they are made.
Some of my rebuilds are at the link
http://community.webshots.com/user/willy3486
I have pictures of a old walker turner drill I rebuilt, I had to make parts for the deck of it to hold it. I also have a old scroll saw I redone as well,I made parts for it as well. There is also the metal lathe I redid there. And other tools are in my shop I have redone or waiting to be redone.

 

[spongerich]

Light weight motor oil will be fine for the bearing surfaces. Oil them lightly every time you use it. It's a pain in the ***, but if you run them dry you'll ruin them quickly and replacements can be difficult to find. I tend to stay away from grease on machine tools because it attracts grit and shavings and once they're stuck on there, they're REALLY hard to remove.

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

Ok guys so i finaly got the Press head back togeather and I cleaned up the vertical pole a bit and same with the table. Still gona do a bit more cleaning but this will at least get the drill press back togeather and off my moms kitchen table lol.

I also took a few photos of the inserts that hold the press head and table to the upright. I only have one set of these inserts and I need two. Also If you look at the one photo you will notice the nut that I bought to replace the one that got lost is to small for the insert. Strange. its a 1/4-20 nut. Do them make them with different size wrench flats? I think this one is half or whatever but Idk.

Thanks
Sean Scott