Replies

1. 
   oldfred | Feb 26, 2003 04:56am | #1

   I've used radial drill presses and think the one you are looking at is medium duty but a good machine.  The fact that you can tilt the head and drill at an angle while holding your work flat is one of the best features. So is the ability to pull the head forward and reach into the center of wider objects. 

   I can't picture just which part might be askew, but if it looks like an easy fix, buy it.  You won't be sorry.

   Fred

2. 
   notDusty | Feb 26, 2003 09:23am | #2

            notrix ,

      I have an older Rockwell radial drill press and it is truly a woodworkers tool. While it is true there are heavier duty industrial machines available ,mine was used when I bought it about 15 years ago. It is still a great tool . There is a good chance that the problem you speak of is the spring tension that controls the quill pressure. It may only be a quick adjustment . Even if something is broken , the value is there , I would buy it for that price in a heart beat.                   

             good luck

      

1. 
   NOTRIX1 | Feb 26, 2003 06:39pm | #3

   Hi and Thanks for the responses,

   Through this site:

   http://www.owwm.com/

   I was able to loctae schematics and parts lists and determine it's the spindle that has become loose some how and is droppping through the quill and inch or so. Looks like a stop collar has come loose and easily tightened up. As I said the lack of run out has mee thininking it's a minor adjustment but I'llbring a dial indicator today and make sure.

   BTW if you've not discovered http://www.owwm.com/ you are in for a treat if you appreciatte the old woodworking machinery.

   Thanks again,

   N

1. 
   NOTRIX1 | Feb 27, 2003 08:19pm | #4

   Hi All,

   Just to let you all know I purchased the DP and it was in fact a very minor slipped stop collar on the spindle. I measured the runout to .005" and feel most of that is in the chuck. It's a great tight machine that feels sturdier than any new ones.

   In fact I could do an entire thread on the woes of trying to find a good-no great-drill press for less than $500. Most seem to be made in 2 or 3 factories with different labels affixed. Lots of plastic, some have run out you can see! Quills that wiggle in your hand etc.. The lates FWW did a good article on DP for less than $500 but failed to compare them with a vintage machine. I feel no peice of machinery has dropped so in quality over the years. Do yourself a favor and search for an older Rockwell/Delta, Walker Turner what ever. These machines are beasts and I feel even a 40-50 year old one will still outlast a new one. I've seen great floor models, that I've not the room for, for the price of the new.

   Yeech!

   N

2. 
   notDusty | Feb 28, 2003 08:50am | #5

          notrix ,

      Thanks for posting the website on machinery , it is a very useful site and a lot of fun . Also congratulations on the drill press .The Rockwell radial drill press I have is the youngest I own , the others are a floor model old Delta thats tough as nails and the other is an old Atlas floor model that I really love .These old machines may outlast any newer models 

                              Dusty      

3. 
   sharptools | Feb 28, 2003 01:44pm | #6

   I have the same drill press you are describing.  I bought mine at an auction about 5 years ago, and have been very happy with it.  The only drawback I have noticed is that when the horizontal ram is extended (head of drill press is far away from the post) it tends to flex, especially if you are drilling large holes with a forstner bit.

   I have also used a mortising attachment with this drill, and it works well as long as you keep the head as close to the post as possible.  The standard Delta mortising attachment will not fit this drill, so you need to find one made specifically for it.

   Kevin