Projects New drill press (OLD)

It has an auto feed and a keyless chuck. Fits up to a 3/8" ish maybe a 1/2" drill bit. It is about 3 1/2' tall.
It is possible that it may came out of our local Chevy dealership that closed in the early 60's. It is from Champion Blower And Forge in Lancaster PA. Think it may be lineshaft powered. Can't imagine turning it by hand to drill something. That would take forever. Any input as to its age would be cool

 

It's called a Post Drill, because you mount it on a post. Powered by overhead shaft. hit or miss, maybe electric, whatever.
That one goes way back, I'd say. ..Neat

 

Im trying to get one like it ,except it could be hand cranked also.

 

Way, way back, flat belt overhead drive would be correct, may have been a second operation drill and may have shared a power source with who knows how many machines.

 

I have one identical to it that was given to me 35 years ago. The one I have is close to 100 years old. Previous owner was an old guy in the church where I was pastor at the time. He had an old washing machine motor rigged up to power it. Still works.

 

I have a hand crank post drill that was my grandfathers
The Silver Mfg Co Yale model 1 1/2

 

I got one of my uncle about 25 years ago. He called it a post drill as well. He turned a groove into the hand crank wheel for a v-belt and used an electric motor to power it. I have never used it since I got it but I should.

 

King (s?) machine that was here in town when I was a kid and had been in the same spot for probably 60 years then had a row of belt driven machines including one of those drill presses. The main shaft never stopped turning and when they wanted to operate a machine they would flip a belt on the drive wheel of the machine and start working.

 

powered by something like this

 

Nice drill.
Don't expect the keyless chuck to handle much torque; they're known for slipping especially when using the larger drill bits, i.e. 1/2" at lower rpms.
Keyed Jacobs (or some other quality brand) would be better for this kind of drill.

 

I visited a shop in Michigan that made 7/8ths scale Conestoga Wagons, all the tools were powered by that belt driven shaft. He had a drill press like yours. It was all working and very functional. He made everything for the wagons except for the steel on the wheels and buggyspring seat.
His work was incredible and that was before this retro stuff was cool, he was just earning a living.

 

Since Jacobs chucks started being made in China, their quality is not that good, about 3 years ago I switched to buying chucks made in Germany, before I retired, and can't think of the brand name now.

 

Perhaps Rohm ?
Coincidently, they make good keyless chucks.

 

That is it! Thanks, this old mind isn't quite as sharp as it once was.

 

I bet OSHA would have a field day with this, I can just imagine the guards that would have to be built, been there!!!!

 

Those belt drive systems were also water wheel powered.Had some pictures from the 1880`s showing the rats nest of overhead belts for the drive systems.Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!! With a little TLC,that drill press will go for another 100 years.
Lost them all when our house burned in `88
Good luck.Have fun.Be safe.
Leo

 

When I became a machinist in the mid 70's, one of my work mates said he knew of a small country machine shop that was all overhead powered, was only about a half hour drive
(at the time) from me. Really wish I had gone and seen it, probably long gone by now.

 

I was told Barney Navarro's shop was overhead drive with flat belts to all of the machines.

 

There must have been at least 20 of the post type drill presses in different variations for sale spread out between the two swap meets in Portland. The cheapest one I seen was $40.

 

I'll have to be keeping my eye out now. All kinds of pieces needed to get this thing working. Even if just for the "neat factor" Thresheree is coming in a few months. even more reason to go.

 

here's another drill

 

Cool thread,
Couldn't help thinking a lot more would view/ enjoy this thread if you put OLD in the ***le.

 

It reminds me of these guys...

 

Sody pop
That is one lucky kid.
Way cool video
Gotta tell the young machinists though--always wear your safety gl***es.
Thanks

 

My older bud Alvin has an old shop like this...one overhead shaft ran 5 machines, he doesn't use the overhead like he used to. But it's a step back in time to go there...he does 'specialty' jobs for me sometimes, (he's got a lathe with a 22" swing) Works every day...
Never charges enough, I always have to 'barter him up'...LOL
Alvin has a collection of anvils. (100+) He still borax welds, we talk 'Black Smithy', I'm learning still. But I'm only 72.
Alvin is a real 'Smithy', and a genuine machinist.
It's a pleasure to know him.

 

Good idea, added.