- Joined
- Feb 17, 2013
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- 4,403
I was at a Habitat for Humanities store late last week, looking for "raw materials" and odd tools. Saw a vintage Craftsman drill press, marked "As Is - motor does not work," but no price. Thought it might be worth picking up and refurbishing, if the price was right. When I asked, they said $25!!! Durn near ripped my jeans getting the wallet out.
I've since disassembled it for a thorough check and cleaning. Nothing missing, nothing broken! Just some bearings needing replacement, and they're on order. Durn ... they sure built them stout in those days! - '50s or '60s, as near as I can tell. The model number is 103.24530. I've found a couple restoration threads on other forums, as well as manuals on line. Mine has the optional "Vari-Slo" variable speed pulley setup (Sears Cat #9-2340) - slick! Can't wait to get the motor running, so I can check the system out.
The motor actually looks like it's in OK (runnable) condition - no shorts or opens, centrifugal switch looks OK, preliminary check of capacitor looks OK. Just need to replace the bearings, actually measure the capacitance (a VERY old flat-pack design), verify that all the old cloth-insulated wiring is OK (add heat-shrink to doubtful areas), then try adding a power cord.
About the only feature the DP is missing is a table lift. Right now, I'm toying with adapting an automotive scissors jack to perform that function. I'm pretty sure I can do it so it's easily removable, and without modifying any of the original parts - so the "vintage" character of the DP isn't compromised. Once I get everything done, the big question will be whether to sell it and hold on to my existing DP, or to adopt this beautiful classic and sell the "plain Jane" but fully functional one I already have. Decisions, decisions ...
PS - I'll probably be posting updates at the "Antique & Vintage Machinery" forum. Looks like there have been previous threads posted for similar drill presses.
I've since disassembled it for a thorough check and cleaning. Nothing missing, nothing broken! Just some bearings needing replacement, and they're on order. Durn ... they sure built them stout in those days! - '50s or '60s, as near as I can tell. The model number is 103.24530. I've found a couple restoration threads on other forums, as well as manuals on line. Mine has the optional "Vari-Slo" variable speed pulley setup (Sears Cat #9-2340) - slick! Can't wait to get the motor running, so I can check the system out.
The motor actually looks like it's in OK (runnable) condition - no shorts or opens, centrifugal switch looks OK, preliminary check of capacitor looks OK. Just need to replace the bearings, actually measure the capacitance (a VERY old flat-pack design), verify that all the old cloth-insulated wiring is OK (add heat-shrink to doubtful areas), then try adding a power cord.
About the only feature the DP is missing is a table lift. Right now, I'm toying with adapting an automotive scissors jack to perform that function. I'm pretty sure I can do it so it's easily removable, and without modifying any of the original parts - so the "vintage" character of the DP isn't compromised. Once I get everything done, the big question will be whether to sell it and hold on to my existing DP, or to adopt this beautiful classic and sell the "plain Jane" but fully functional one I already have. Decisions, decisions ...
PS - I'll probably be posting updates at the "Antique & Vintage Machinery" forum. Looks like there have been previous threads posted for similar drill presses.
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