Better Than New! 60 Year Old Drill Restored

The latest vintage woodworking machine to find its way into my shop is a Fobco Star Drilling and Milling Machine.
I don't think this drill has been used in about 20 years. The electrics are shot and the chuck is seized. Before I can commit to this resto I need to make sure it is repairable.
Restoring a vintage Fobco Star Drill Press.
I am really enjoying these restorations so let me know if you want to see more of them and I will try and fit in the odd restoration video.
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Disclaimer.
All of the videos on this channel are intended for entertainment purposes only.
Should you choose to make or do anything as depicted on this channel you would do so at your own risk.
Woodworking and the use of power tools can be extremely dangerous.
The equipment and methods I use may not work for you as it does for me and by no means do I suggest that my methods of working are correct.
Therefore you should always use your equipment and power tools as instructed by the owner's manual supplied by the manufacturer.
Always use protective gear where applicable and never attempt something you are not comfortable doing.
Your shop safety is YOUR responsibility, so therefore I accept NO responsibility or liability for any injuries or accidents you may have if you attempt to do the things that I do.
Please, stay safe and work smart.

[@carolcezar3800]

The author does like to kzbin.infoUgkxkNYRBJuiJ6EwD-tQSAlxg0eFKsnR2cgz from scratch, shaping and trimming wood from large blocks into fine finished products. As another reviewer mentioned, most projects require a lot of high-dollar equipment that most of us don’t have the room or budget for. But, knowing how to do these things, even if we won’t be able to practice the full stack project, is still great.

[@jeffreyflat7986]

This press has worked like a charm for my projects kzbin.infoUgkxajoEbapTfqWaadnqb04h6U576yxXp-FE . I didn't even secure it to my table top, mainly due to the fact that I was using a 15 lbs drill vise. It's not flimsy at all as to what others have claimed it to be. Make sure the locking nuts and levers are secured and there won't be any issues with light pressure and patience. I was able to drill through aluminum, plastic, and steel (steel took a while) with no problems at all. Yeah it took a little longer than a regular drill press, but I don't have the space OR the money for one.The instruction manual was worthless, but luckily assembling the press was intuitive. However, the manual would be good for ordering replacement parts if needed. There is a nice breakdown of the parts that are included in the kit. Before ordering, make sure it is compatible with your unit, it is clearly stated what models the press is compatible with.This was an excellent purchase for $40!!

[@Level3Lifestyle]

Its nice to see Wadkin, fobco and the like have a good reputation outside of the UK too, these old machines deserve to be well looked after and live on longer than us all- Its why i resto all my old machinery too. I'd highly recommend a Startrite 532 if you're ever looking for a bigger bandsaw

[@markp6062]

Great work! I completely understand the "why do the restoration" question. 1) Because I CAN 2) It's FUN! 3) Those machines were built to be rebuilt and run forever. I enjoy helping them live their legacy! 4) I get amazing levels of satisfaction from seeing them reborn at my hand!

[@gregstockert3169]

I restored a Delta DP 220 years ago. 72 years old now!! I love my vintage machine, and find great joy in the idea that it will almost certainly continue to provide useful service for decades to come.

[@thomasbrubaker4627]

I recently got a hold of a DP220. It’s turned into a bit of a money pit, but I think it’s worth it for a solid machine made in the U.S.A..

[@parzival9494]

Color scheme and shape of the drill press now resembles a Star Wars droid.

[@mickeyyoung9233]

Wife calls out "Jean have you seen the green hand towel?" 😆 🤣 Come on fellas we have all done it, you know what I'm talking about 😆

[@dennisburns7024]

I appreciate how you talk us through the process. So many channels want us to believe they pull pieces of rusty junk out of the swamp and bring them back to almost original without saying a word. You're the real deal

[@thomasbritzman6793]

So many of these people making videos don't have a clue what they're doing,This guy did a nice job

[@glennmoreland6457]

FOBCO England The Fobco "star" drill press was a very well made machine... They fetch a premium here in the UK...

[@rnp497]

normally don't like talking over a restoration BUT your accent and the minimal need to explain every single step made this a joy. Oh and WD40 is a must have in every house

[@erwinruff01]

the copper has kinda like a Steampunk look. If you paint all your machines like that, it would probably look super dope

[@MrPatdeeee]

"They said, you couldn't do it!😈But YOU didn't know you couldn't do it🤠 So, YOU went ahead and DID it😇😍!" You are a genius kind Sir. Your video's are incredible. Thanks for sharing your talents with us. Love it❤

[@stevewoodward7850]

Really enjoyed this restoration from start to finish. It just shows you what can be achieve with knowhow, patience and attention to detail. The bronze colour I must admit turned out well but as a traditionalist I would have liked the original cream colour applied. This machine will keep on working many years after all this Chinese and Korean rubbish has been put in a skip!

[@vmitchinson]

Unfortunately most products for home use does not have much quality no matter the country of manufacture. Even our food quality has dropped while the prices have skyrocketed. In North Amercia that is.

[@blackjackjoe7]

I always appreciate seeing someone that knows how to properly do the spray painting like yourself. So often, you just see bozos with a spray can sweeping back and forth, up and down without going past the object being painted and stopping after each stroke. You did it right. Nice job!

[@matthewpeterson3329]

The PVC boat for the column was clever, but an easier way to soak big parts in Evaporust is to wrap the item in paper towels soaked in Evaporust, then wrap the entire thing in saran wrap. It's just as effective, very fast, and costs almost nothing.

[@Kainosktisis]

Needs a racing stripe! Red one, great job, saving a old workhorse is always the best way to go, a little love and grease and it will last forever.👍👍👍

[@rogerwhiting9310]

Those old barrel shaped Motors were great.

[@bmostert]

I have the same Fobco drill press but with a benchtop stand instead of floor mounted. Came out of an old college and still going strong. Build quality is on another level compared to the crap on the shelves today!

[@johnwayne2103]

This is true and I have been researching why this was so true back 50+ years ago. I am not sure which company's in Europe who made machinery but in the U.S. it was a select few of them. The reason being was that during the industrial revolution a lot of heavy machinery was manufactured and those plants who had the facilities to manufacture machinery latter on switched to a consumer based economy after WWII, so they utilized their plants to make these sorts of Consumer/Prosumer products and they were overbuilt with materials that could probably make 3 of the same kind if they cheapened the manufacturing process which is done today in China. The products are built just to the spec to get the job done and nothing beyond that unless you want to go to a higher spec which is pro level. Hence the reason why I go to all garage and estate sales and I have found some fantastic machinery for very cheap, unfortunately I can't go too big due to transportation and logistics and also add to the fact that I don't have 3 phase power in my Home otherwise I would have a Bridgeport Mill and a South Bend lathe. :) Craftsman and Delta machinery like lathes, Drill presses and other wood working products were made by one company but I haven't been able to track down who made their products, all I know is that it's good stuff and a lot of the motor's were made by General Electric. So anytime I see a piece of Machinery that has a General electric motor hanging off of it I try and buy it. G.E. Motors were built like tanks! Plus I love the Black paint they used, almost looks like black Porcelain.

[@rstone286]

I have one of these exact drills. Weighs a tonne, but built in the days when ‘Made in England’ actually meant something. Round holes straight, every single time. Quite happy even swinging large hole saws in steel… 🙂

[@backyardbasher]

The Fobco Star is one of the finest Drilling machines you will ever come across and far better than that crap you have in the back ground.

[@paulgeorge7347]

you've inspired me to restore my own fobco pillar drill

[@gutsngorrrr]

I've just finished doing the exact same Fobco drill press. The Fobco drills are some of the best made, built like a tank and very heavy. I did a full strip down, including the motor. It's now like a new machine and way better than most of the new junk.

[@Nick_Graham_Woodwork]

I’ve been following for years. I am glad to see a touch of gray hair. It feels like we got old together.

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

I don’t think I would sell it I think it would out last your new one after the restoration you’ve done on it. And I really like the colour choice. Thanks for bringing us along for the ride it was so enjoyable to watch

[@Fullion-CA]

Another option for that working plate would be a product like Belzona. A metal based filler type product used for building up such projects.

[@MrSims-ky2ne]

Wooden vee blocks next time for that pillar soak I was so worried you would roll all the evaporust out all over the place! Great Channel mate!

[@matsvineyard7564]

I love the copper and black. Well done.

[@izzeystarz7578]

Well worth the wait. Wasn't disappointed. Perfect colour scheme. And yeah, get rid of the benchtop and keep this one. Go vintage!

[@MerlinIslandCrabCoveRailway]

We had that exact model in our engineering factory, and it was used every day for near on 50 years. it must have drilled over fifty million holes. When my brother retired and sold off all the equipment I had the drill in my workshop it had virtually no wear only problem was the electrics needed a little care.

[@spinyuk]

I think the colour scheme reaully suits that design, it adds to the Art Deco vibe the drill seems to have :)

[@troyboy4345]

"Don't sell it" ! .... that is now a fabulous machine and far better quality than most modern machinery you could buy these days, well worth it's place in your shop, quality 100% .... top job matey !

[@andrewpickering7248]

You should definitely keep it, it looks great in your workshop and it matches your logo

[@charbaker]

The space age design really popped after the restoration. Love it!

[@dundasjunctionmodelr.r-jam8267]

Solvent will not damage the stator windings,I repaired these motors for the past 45 years , now retired, a good insulating varnish coat on the winding would help

[@zapa1pnt]

Jean, 4 things: 1) Question- Did you remember to use the grease joint, on the front of the spindle casing, to lube what needs lubing? 2) I believe, the clamp you put below the head unit but above the table, actually belongs below the table, to support the table when moving it horizontally. (Which is where it was when you started) 3) I suggest you replace the drive belt with a "link belt". They are great and will remove noise and vibration you didn't know you had. Every belt driven tool should have a link belt on it. 4) Great rebuild job. You are a great organized thinker and worker I envy you. 💚 I loved your idea, of using PVC pipe as a soaking tray. I have a few thing I can use that for. Cheers.

[@WoodshopJunkies]

I greased the spindle assembly, bearings, and sleeve manually when the unit was disassembled. In the future, when performing maintenance I will use the nipple. I think the collar was in the wrong place originally. I believe this machine can double as a milling machine for light milling. In those instances the head height gets adjusted and the collar supports the head. This feature doesn't work on my machine because I suspect the pillar bar has been replaced at some stage. That is why there is a step on the shaft right underneath the drill head. But I could be wrong.

[@zapa1pnt]

@@WoodshopJunkies: Jean, you seem to be right. I looked at many pics of the FOBCO machine and the collar is always under the head. But the post and collar sizes are a puzzle. The head appears to be made to fit the small part of the post but the collar made to fit large part. No matter which size post is the original, neither size post will work for both head and collar. 🤪😵‍💫👽

[@barbarianatgate2000]

What a great job! There are so many fake restoration videos online that it's a real pleasure to see a genuine one. There was someone near me who had an old Delta Rockwell drill press from the 1940's for sale that they had restored to like new condition. I was too late to purchase it, but seeing this video makes me still want one. Beautiful job.

[@gillessellier1451]

You should diy your sandblasting unit. That should make another great video

[@user-mu1rw1qr2u]

I have the same drill, good video, all that’s missing is a chuck guard 😉👍

[@ronitsingh85]

can't believe the column is a solid shaft! they spared no expense when they made this drill press. Such machines are an honor to restore and enjoy. Quality at this level does not exist now. Maybe only for $2k+ industrial drill presses. also the pulleys are machined from iron and not zinc cast! nice! I would say this beats delta/walker turner machines interns of quality for sure

[@dieselrugg]

I prefer this style vid over your tablesaw restoration. Start to finish is nice.

[@chiplane3976]

Nicely Done!

[@moobaz8675]

I have the same drill press. It was my grandfathers and is 60+ years old. I’m going to restore it but keep the original patena. It’s a great drill with many memories. Nice job. 👍

[@toolguybak]

Nice job. The color looks great it is very close to the vintage Sears Power-Bronze. One word of caution, that’s a bench model base with a floor height column. I’ve seen a number of these conversions get tipped over because the base isn’t large enough.

[@WoodshopJunkies]

Thanks. I suspected such a conversion was done due to the step cut in on the column.

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

@@WoodshopJunkies You could tie a bungie chord in the back and against the wall to keep it from tipping over.

[@Jako-fh8zg]

Brilliant- the 2 colours go very well together 👍👍👍

[@tday99music]

Great work!, not sure why I'm so entranced with resto vids but here we are.

[@kevin_delgado]

Nice work on the restoration. A couple of things: 1) Don't sell it. Have one DP for wood, one for metal. You won't regret it. 2) For the arc of shame on the table, take it to be brazed. The brazing will go nicely with the paint choice. 3) If PB Blaster or Kroil (or similar) are available in your location, they are better than WD40 for getting seized parts to move. 4) I have a large PVC tube I use for stuff like this (plus several smaller ones for smaller applications). One end is permanently capped, the other with a removable cap. I keep it vertical and place large metal tubes/rods in from the top and fill with Evaporust. Let it work for 24 hours and tip the tube to drain the Evaporust and pull out the treated item. No need to cut the tube into a trough.

[@jacklazcano4987]

thanks mate you just spurred me on to fix mine, had it for 7 years ( a gift ) . Now I have no excuse.

[@gvente87]

That bronze color was a good choice. Craftsman (Sears & Roebuck Co.) did a very similar color scheme in the late 50s

[@billyhaddock5540]

Great Job of rebuilding the Tall Drill Machine. lv the video..

[@woodandwheelz]

Great Restoration. I'm currently finishing up a restoration of a 1940's Craftsman "Mohawk" drill press that I inherited from my Grandfather. I just finally got a belt cover guard and, as you mentioned, need to find someone to make me a return spring. Mine is literally broken. It has bushings in the motor housing as well but also has 2 small ports on the top and bottom of the motor to add oil. Wondering if I should both grease and oil it or just rely on the oil. It didn't show signs of being greased previously. I'll hopefully be putting out a video on it soon. Thank you for sharing your experience restoring this beauty from the past.

[@creedsexton296]

I like the color of the drill it looks cool and vintage both.

[@kuehnel16]

Fantastic job 👏 👍 👌

[@johntraxler2505]

This was a great save of a vintage machine…liked the use of everyday options including rust removal of the pole. Way to think outside the box!

[@pcvchaves]

Very cool and downright magical seeing before and after.

[@chutomagh9946]

I really liked the copper colour and the video. My favourite items in the video were the custom soaking containers made from PVC pipe.

[@Everythings_Adjustable]

That's a real beauty 🛠👍😊

[@haynldy]

Older stuff was made way better than modern stuff. Even appliances and other stuff is the same.

[@christopherrobinson4421]

Just saw this. Dude you did a GREAT JOB!!

[@pamelagreen8543]

I like the color. It blends with the other things in your shop.

[@Canuck014]

I really think the colour turned out great

[@jasonfoster8249]

I looooove the copper color!

[@daviddeupree7707]

Thanks man great video. And all the best from Northern California

[@GeorgeWMays]

Awesome. Very clever tricks with the PVC and the casters. Live and learn. Get yourself a blasting cabinet. You'll never regret it. Thanks. Much appreciated.

[@xxxccrawford170]

Great job on the drill press

[@patrickdugan4395]

Love the copper color!

[@flashgordon6238]

The color is perfect. I have a 1957 Craftsman 100 Drill Press the same color.

[@nickmatney6605]

I have a drill that is almost identical! The previous owner wired up the drill to a foot switch and I have recommended everyone with a drill press do the same. Have a master on/off and then the foot switch to control the motor. It keeps both hands free to hold the part and quill plunge from start to finish without the need to let go to turn off the motor. It is also safer in the event of a problem (like a part catches and spins) just move your foot!

[@zapa1pnt]

Anything being drilled should be clamped in place, to avoid grabbing, spinning and mutilation of your person. 😟😱😭☠ Basic shop safety.

[@nickmatney6605]

@@zapa1pnt I agree...but sometimes things aren't clamped. 🤷‍♂️

[@johnmay371]

Great job! They don't make them like that anymore!

[@scottullrich9541]

Add some red pinstriping. It'll pop and go well with the gold/copper paint

[@fundi_mike]

Great result - I would probably have disassembled the chuck also, if for nothing else then just to be sure it had fresh grease in it. I think my OCD would have kept nagging me if I did not ;-)

[@DennyMK007]

Even if the color is not one you like, the end result looks 100 times better than before the restoration. Good job 👍

[@nelsontheseagull]

Lekker, I have an very old heavy Stanley Grinder I need to do, thanks for this!

[@CALDues]

The color and project is Beautiful

[@crossgrainwoodproductsltd9230]

Really nice job! I love restoring old machines. When you finish with one and it runs as it should again, it is a great sense of satisfaction to see it in action. Also, Craftsman had a whole line of tools from that era that was the metallic color.. it was the more expensive versions. I think it looks great. Well done!

[@guyvangenechten6484]

Very Nice job!!!💯👍👌

[@tonycosta3302]

My vintage Craftsman drill press was originally a more intense gold color than what you used. I kept it the same for the restoration and it looks glorious. I nicknamed it Elvis.

[@woody1320]

Very well done as always!!!!

[@rustandoil]

Where I work we've got two Fobco drills we've had from new 😎

[@cornelmasson4610]

As you were dismantling it, it's so cool to see how well the old stuff was made.

[@chapman9230]

Lovely end result.

[@theskyehiker]

I love the color choice. Classy.

[@chkchkpap45]

Man that thing is bangin! Looks more gold than copper, but hey, the final look is amazing and those old machines are bulletproof.

[@joe1569]

Lots of good things in your video.

[@logiboy123]

Nice restore, was a pleasure to watch.

[@gutsngorrrr]

Just to let you know, the On Off position markers for this drill press, were originally stickers, nice ones, but still stickers.

[@cps5698]

New color choices great. How about adding some bright orange accents to echo your hammer logo, and making it (IMO,) even better?!

[@colinquick8078]

Great job I do the same. However you must Upside down your spindle clamp with the depth stop to gain another 1/2" depth.

[@dougggiereid]

Great restoration. I do like the copper colour which works really well with the 2 tone colour scheme. I am a huge fan of vintage power tools. I used my 1939 Tauco Delta table saw several times a week and love it's accuracy. I do not know how old the motor is but it purrs along perfectly.

[@budsworkshop]

Well done! I enjoyed watching your process.

[@garyheurich6835]

I have an 80 year old Delta drill press. It hadn't been run in almot 40 years. When I got it and plugged it in, it fired up like it had been used just yesterday. It was quiet and smooth like nobody's business. They just don't make 'em like they used to.

[@jt9498]

Excellent job of restoring that vintage drill press. As an owner of an older floor model drill press myself (Industrial IMC), I found this video very satisfying. Looking forward to watching your restoration of that old compressor.

[@pathardage1880]

I really enjoy watching your restorations of the older machines. Thank you.

[@MAJMonkey]

Great video! Commenting for the algorithm

[@Anne6621]

nice job , that collar belongs under the table so it can support it so you can swing the table around

[@fudpukker]

Nice job Jean, nice job...

[@colinowen3672]

I have a bench version of this drill press and restored mine about 5 years ago. I love it as a machine and have added a cheap, small, Chinese milling table to the accessories. I have only made 2 parts so far, new Cu contacts for my Toyota starting motor. I find it is the most used tool in my shed. I leave a rotary wire brush in it for cleaning threads and things and have made a larger plywood table with sacrificial wooden pads for drilling into and clamping to. I notice that when you started the clamp collar was below the moveable table and when completed, it was above. I think it should be below to stop gravity from taking the table to the very bottom. Well done, good to watch, Colin

[@soloban81]

Those old power tools are built incredibly well. they are worth restoring.

[@philrader2016]

Beautiful Restoration.

[@zekecorder8226]

Well done! Hints. WD40 works, the fish oil/kerosene mixture is great for we sanding and other uses. However, in my experience, PB_Blaster works better as a penetrating oil, but that is simply a personal preference. Also Evaporust is a multiuse resource, you talked about using "left over" Evaporust. It will remove rust for many times. Only when it no longer seems to work do you have to dispose of it, and that is normally after many, many uses. Just an idea to help you save expenses. But, again, nice job.

[@Korgon2013]

Beatiful! I have my grandfather's DeltavDP220, old tools are often the best tools.

[@brendancook3922]

Another w in the win box. Great vidy