is this a good drill press for metal? OLD Delta

[Klunky Chris]

looking at the old Delta for $100 might move quick so I'm trying to make a decision.

It's missing a couple things and needs a drive pulley
I also don't know what kind of switch it has.

seller said:

To the best of my recollection, the motor is a 7,200 RPM motor, however the speed will be determined by the gearing. As stated in the ad, the drill press requires a new belt drive gear, although that is a standard item that can be easily purchased.
I have used the drill press and it works well... but it needs the drive gear to function now.

from what I gather, this is a great old machine. I obviously need a press for metal work so that's what I'm looking for

opinions?

 

[brownbear]

You have to think about what size of material you are going to drill. If it is always small pieces then this drill may not be worth it.

In my local Canadian tire store which sell tools and drill presses. For 100 bucks I can get a new one(12 inch size). It has the gearing that is variable.

Steel needs to be drilled slowly. But there is a specific speed for every material. So if you need to drill many different materials you need to be able to change the speeds.

So the motor is 7200 rpm. That means you need to use pulley calculator to find the right size pulleys to get the rpm.

Example a 4 inch pulley on the motor driven to a 8 inch pulley on the driven will reduce the speed to 3600 rpm. Still too fast for steel.

Its all in the pulleys.

If it is going to be difficult to source pulleys and belts in the right size for this drill do not buy it.

Cause like I said a small drill press sells for about that price.

Large floor drill presses are several hundred dollars or up to 1k for really commerical one. Which no home owner needs.

I am just getting a 12 inch model. As I do not have needs to drill huge items.

 

[Klunky Chris]

thanks!
yes, I should qualify a bit in that I know enough to be dangerous as far as pulleys go (4 step, 6 step, 3rd pulleys etc) and I'm tryng to get something that has a slow enough speed to drill large holes in thick steel (think bumpers!)

love to find something with 150-180rpm!
(while we're talking about it, what speed does everyone like for something like a 5/8" hole in 1/8" - 1/4" steel??? I was assuming 150-180rpm?)

I haven't seen this drill in person (a bit of a hike) so I don't know how many HP it is.

I guess I'm mainly asking if anyone HAS an old Delta and does it work well for cruiser metal work? If so, what pulleys are you using and how hard were they ($$$) to get?

Thanks for any info everyone!

 

[brownbear]

http://www.ibiblio.org/twa/info/drillSpeedChart.pdf

I think 500 ish is the speed. See the chart above. I just found it on google.

 

[Landcruisin'60]

Isnt it like 360 divided by the drill bit diameter?

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I just got a 3/4 hp drill press from Grizzley and it comes with a speed chart. To be honest, I pretty much leave it on the slowest speed, which is about 140. It's plenty fast even with the small bits.

I got this one: http://www.grizzly.com/products/G7944

It works very well, and wasn't expensive, but I wish I had spent double and gotten more drill press. I really like the idea of a real old line US made press, but there are not many left.

This one looks like what I should have bought: http://www.amazon.com/Delta-17-968-...82-9612653?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1181965058&sr=8-2

That old Delta looks cool, but it looks a long way from servicable.

 

[76FJ40]

Chris,

I have the same drill press as the one pictured. The quill on mine is worn so ity's not the most accurate but it was a good deal for $35.

If you're looking for a good drill press, check out the 12" Hitachi floor model at Lowes. My son Ryan bought one a year or so back for ~$160. It's very well made, has great power, and all he uses it for is metal.

 

[honk]

I would doubt the guy's memory in saying that the motor runs at 7200 rpm. 1750 is more likely as AC electric motors have been either 1725=1750 or 3400 rpm since invented or then about.

You want slow speeds to drill steel - thicker steel - slower speed. 50 rpm is not too slow.

 

[splitshot]

Chris,

I have the same drill press as the one pictured. The quill on mine is worn so ity's not the most accurate but it was a good deal for $35.

If you're looking for a good drill press, check out the 12" Hitachi floor model at Lowes. My son Ryan bought one a year or so back for ~$160. It's very well made, has great power, and all he uses it for is metal.

I agree, Hitachi's are well made..

 

[sixty]

I'd get it, the old presses are made much better than the newer ones & are easily rebuilt.

Here is an old (probably mid 50's) Atlas I rebuilt & modified:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=504982



Check out owwm.com for good info on old presses.

 

[Trollhole]

Pass on that.

Go new unless you like to fool with old school stuff.

 

[spressomon]

Pass on that.

Go new unless you like to fool with old school stuff.

X2...how long after you acquire the old drill until you want to be able to use it? That baby's going to take some time.

 

[Mace]

I disagree, I love the old stuff.

Much nicer. See if you can get it for a better price tho..

 

[Trollhole]

I agree that the old stuff is built better but when it breaks it sucks.

 

[Junk]

Chris - you should be able to find one like that except working for less than $100. Heck if you were closer you could take my old Delta Rockwell. Recently replaced it with an old school clausing.

 

[zebrabeefj40]

Junkster,

Bring the old Delta to CMCC for Chris. If Chris is headed to CMCC that is.

Nick

 

[Klunky Chris]

I've got a trailer i can bring with the 40!

and yes, I'm going to CMCC. Looking forward to rausch creek this year.

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Chris, if you are still interested in that old Delta, check the quill by grabbing it near the chuck and see how much it moves. A good quill should not have much movement.

Good luck on the rockwell.

I lucked out at an estate sale and picked up a fine old Chicago, floor model. The only thing wrong with it was that the switches were all busted up. No one bought it because of that and I got a half price since it was a sunday - $75!! Went to Delta and got new $12 switches. Sweet.

 

[Klunky Chris]

just picked up an older Dayton for $200

3/4hp 1 phase 110 or 220 (currently 110 but thinking about re-wiring for 220...thoughts?)
5/8" chuck 150RPM solid with no noticable movement in spindle
4" spindle travel
20" Heavy base and big table with oil moat.

he bought it used 8 yrs ago but unknown total age. needed some tlc, I cleaned good and regreased pole/spindle etc. pretty smooth now.

Not as cool as a Clausing or older press we're talking about but should be good for me.

up and ready to drill as mentioned before...... EXCEPT!!!!! the damn center pin in the chuck key bounced out of the key and is along the road somewhere between south Baltimore and home..... (Dan!!! keep a look out for it! )

where's the best place to get a replacement?
"ROHM 3-16L J3 S3 w germany" chuck

just thought I'd update. I'll add pics later

 

[zebrabeefj40]

MSC, J&L, Grainger, McMaster-Carr all sell chuck keys separately. Heck, even Homey Depot and Lowes sell them.

Nick