Fixing an old 1940’s Drill Press

[@CFDEngCo3]

There's nothing more therapeutic than drinking a nice cup of coffee on a cool Sunday morning while watching a Frank Howarth video.

[@pete3897]

at 4.20AM

[@tolndakoti]

I think I know why the motor and mount is so unusual. Back then, drill presses didn’t come with a motor. You had to buy it separately. The retailers/manufacturers didn’t even sell the press + motor as a package deal. So those motors are multipurpose, and the original owner bought a model that can reverse. I’m restoring a Rockwell Delta Homecraft drill press from late 50’s, and learned this while researching.

[@ronitsingh85]

very true, if you see older catalogs, they give the prices of the presses only and then with the motors. cause back then you could use any motor of the approbate size to mount onto the mounting plate and chose, 1/3, 1/2, 3/4 or 1 HP depending on your needs.

[@migo-migo9503]

I love these old drill press. So much quieter than than the newer ones and more features. The quill travel is also much farther than what you can buy these days.

[@DustinSeiger]

I completely understand the “can’t say no to old tools” feeling. My dad always said a tool is the only thing that pays for itself.

[@anthonydtobias]

"A tool is the only thing that pays for itself" 🤔 very well said! Your dad is a smart man! I like that saying.

[@rivengle]

Unless you have an Adobe subscription.

[@DustinSeiger]

rivengle Adobe is an electronic tool 😋

[@rivengle]

@@DustinSeiger An evermore expensive one that you can never pay off. :(

[@MJ-nb1qn]

I never turn anything down but the covers!

[@Alanbataar]

As always, a pleasant video. Two things: 1) the spring housing has a hex on it specifically for tensioning and de-tensioning the spring - it's safer/easier to do with a wrench, and... 2) the web next to the holes on the underside of the table is meant to capture a hex nut, and the top would be screwed down from above with a countersunk flathead screw. The fastener you used is undersized: the fasteners should fill the slots, and the nut will work as intended.

[@frankmakes]

interesting, that makes perfect sense.

[@ahbushnell1]

Have you been in that shop a decade! That means I have been watching you a decade. Time flys.

[@jkrende]

So the reason you would run a drill press in reverse. (I work in a steel shop so this is something we need to do from time to time.) When you are drilling Steel and want to get your hole dead on, you use a center punch to mark the center of the hole, and you can leave the table loose where it can move. You lock the rotation, get the drill spinning backward, feed it down. With a bit in and running backward instead of cutting, it will "pull" the work piece into alignment - your punch mark with the center of the bit. You lock the table, double check, and then go on and drill your hole. good way to get very close to dead center as long as you punch hole in the right place.

[@ensen89]

Imagine you have one drill press set up with special jigs to drill the same hole in multiple pieces a lot of times. And for some reason in the middle of the operation you get the need to drill something else. ;) A secondary drillpress is a usefull item in the shop.

[@Retroweld]

I love the aesthetic look of these old machines. Great job Frank.

[@edstengel2495]

I inherited a similar 1940's Delta bench top drill press from my dad, who got it from his dad. Sentimental value to me, so I restored it much like you did. The table was exactly as yours and was a pain to move up and down on the shaft. I cleaned and oiled both the shaft and bracket, but it was still tough to move and kind of heavy. I bought a small hydraulic bottle jack that I keep under the table. When adjustment is needed, just loosen the handle holding the table to the main shaft and use the jack to raise or lower the table. Works like a charm.

[@909sickle]

That was nice of your brother to stop by and help

[@nashvillain171]

*Frank on a rainy Sunday morning is the best Frank!*

[@larryg3326]

Rain!? You got rain? You can bet Frank and a whole bunch of us wish we got some rain.

[@davehumphrey6431]

Nice storytelling. I loved the way you matched the shot of the press with the overlay of the drawing near the beginning...and the clever positioning of your hand at 7:00 in, to cover the hole where the shaft came in. Very nice! Great job.

[@sampickett3843]

A real treat to witness you thinking your way through putting the drillpress into useful service. The table build at the end was like the cherry on top of a dessert.

[@paulrowley71]

Fantastic. Pretty much in original condition. It’s been well looked after and good that it’s been overhauled to give many more years of useful life. Great job.

[@jefferywright4204]

Frank - The anti-clockwise feature is for left handed drill bits which you use with screw extractors for normal right hand thread screws and bolts that are broken. Hope this helps.

[@dalejones4186]

Hi Frank. The reverse is for left handed drill bits used to remove busted bolts,screws and set screws. Great drill. Thanks for sharing. Love your videos.

[@WillFastie]

When you first built the shop I thought it was huge. Many of us are no doubt looking forward to your new project, building the shop expansion.

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

Clever trick on the support leg to floor support. I like it, will save that trick for use later. Thanks.

[@back-corner-turnings]

This is to cool. I’ve had this exact drill press bolted to my bench for about twenty years now. I love it. Quiet, accurate and dependable.

[@curtismakes]

Nice. It's nice to have extra drill presses for operations where you just leave the same bit in. Pre-drill bits, countersinks, etc. Great work!

[@lv_woodturner3899]

The vintage motor was likely sold to be used on different machine with different rotations. Good to see an oldie-but-goodie given a new life. Dave.

[@nicolaspillot5789]

The pulley cover is just magnificent.

[@VeraTR909]

Your mellow video style helped me through a panic attack. Thanks, and these old tools certainly deserve the love ;)

[@joe1569]

you have a soothing, calming voice. this makes your videos quite enjoyable.

[@gregj2647]

I have an old 1940’s vintage Craftsman drill press that looks a lot like yours. When I got it from my uncle, the shaft was bent but I was able to get it straightened at a machine shop. I don’t use it very much because it’s not very user friendly. The table is very difficult to move up and down, but after watching what you did with the table, I might have to start using it again. Thanks for the informative video 👍

[@loucinci3922]

Nice find. Good job tracking down the slop issue.

[@eriks7198]

Hey Frank, dont worry about putting force onto that chuck to get it off. It is a Jacobs taper with a threaded ring on top, you need to break that tapers hold using that knurled ring. Use your adjustable spanner to grab the hole. I find it helps to put a big allen key in the chuck then hold that in a drill vise. This will give you the leverage needed to turn against the knurled nut. Great drill press!

[@bkh1324]

Hey Frank thanks for all the content. With the table not moving up and down very well many you can spring the metal that gets squeezed together. Usually a slot there just a screwdriver and a turn. Thanks again I think of you as a machinist wood worker!

[@katelights]

reverse is useful if you want to use it to tap threads in holes, or use left handed drills to remove stuck bolts

[@timbering4744]

Also noticed the motor has a double ended shaft so maybe Powercraft used the same motor for different applications.

[@benoitbeaudin6144]

I feel old tools sometimes work better than new ones. I'd like to see a video on your sharpening setup for your tools. Mainly your lathe gouges. If possible!

[@ThePlacehole]

Survivorship bias - only good tools survive 80 years.

[@frankmakes]

I have that somewhere, but i forget what video it's in.

[@jocofi5852]

frank howarth it’s at the end of your bench grinder video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aquup3eMjqZ9r8k

[@jimchval2331]

Glad to see you and your family are doing well with the fires in Oregon,Nice find for the old drill press.

[@billbaggins9961]

I really enjoy your relaxing voice overs. All of your videos are so professional and a treat to watch. Thanks for sharing... Colorado

[@robtowle1580]

As a fellow Portlander I woke up feeling super agitated with smoke, fire and pandemic anxiety. Watching you work on restoring this old tool was just the calming distraction I needed. Thanks man!

[@garyK.45ACP]

In the late 60s I was in college and working as a machinery mechanic for the University Hospital. I did all sorts of maintenance and repairs to equipment...pumps, motors, fan units, compressors, etc. We had a drill press just like this one in our workshop. Worked great! Enjoy!

[@borninthewrongcentury2993]

I recently acquired a drill press very similar to this one but made by Duro Manufacturing. It didn't need any work and it's been a very useful tool in my shop. I love having a machine with so much history.

[@rtkracht]

Thanks so much for this. I have a 50’s era Sears drill press with exactly the same problem. The design is fairly close and I’m confident now I can get it working as good as the day my grandfather bought it.

[@Big-Wonka]

You can't beat vintage tools. They're built like a tank. I love my 1940s delta unisaw. I also have an early 50s craftsman drill press. Not like the junk you buy nowadays.

[@chinaman1]

Agreed, that's why I love woman from the 1940s. They don't feel a thing!

[@namewarvergeben]

I wonder how much of that is just survivor bias. Crappy tools of old just wouldn't have survived until now. And quality tools of today may last just as long, but they're not the ones you buy for cheap. Not that I have any numbers either way

[@Big-Wonka]

@@namewarvergeben That's true. But they also didn't make tools out of plastic either. I know what you mean those. Cheap tin tools from the 50s aren't around anymore. I just think the chance of getting a quality tool in 1950 is higher than now.

[@macedindu829]

This goes for appliances as well. It's sad that everything is built like crap today.

[@James.......]

Very nice old tool. I enjoyed your narration

[@jimbecker5675]

Very nice restoration and setup for that great machine.

[@Mr2at]

Watching a Frank Makes is a great way to end the week.

[@woodywood1951]

It's nice when your twin brother can help you... Someone, years ago someone sold me an old wood lathe, and I had to do like you did: restore it. But I now have a very good old wood lathe. It's good to work with the old machines: they bring back some memories (the good one, of course!) I like those kind of videos! Thanks Frank. Good luke with these oldies!

[@stevedigby883]

I enjoy your videos and always learn something. The table with its fence and T tracks is very well done. Thanks.

[@keithspencersr.6806]

Love old machine, just so simple ideas

[@girliedog]

Great job on this old beauty.

[@xoxo2008oxox]

Frank, your videos are not only informative, but your production value is always amazing! Love the "pop" sound effects and the split screen (your clone). You make great wooden projects AND great videos! Great restoration of the drill press and that fence...who does that??? You do!

[@veronica5896]

Love old tools - and the people who takes the tima to restore them!

[@OlivierGomis]

The play that was on the shaft could have been made on purpose by the previous owner, to use for power taping threads, combined with the reverse it can be realy useful.

[@kilianstumpf5048]

Thought exactly the same! Fits the fwd and reverse mode perfectly

[@frankmakes]

I was beginning to wonder if it was set that way

[@devansimpkins9265]

How do you not have a check mark by your name yet!?

[@wayfastwhitie455]

Very cool drill press with a nice new addition.

[@jeremyo3072]

Frank’s home for lost and wayward tools. I feel you man. I acquired drill press number 4 this year. All range from 1930s to 1950s. I just can’t say no!

[@jobkneppers]

I think the ring should be turned up against the spindle to push the drill chuck of the Jacobs taper which is a press fit. Thank you for your great content!

[@fryreartechnology7611]

The reverse can be handy. I have maybe left hand twist drill bit that screw machines use or for drilling out broken bolt then hitting them with a easy-out. Awesome old machine you have there.

[@k13ehr]

Thanks Frank, as to production values, I think yours are second to none, you must have previous occupational skill in that area, if not then you are a bloody good amateur.

[@TheMichaelBJohnson]

Love the personality of your details. So great.

[@paulkolodner2445]

A suggestion: chamfer the bottom front edge of the fence. That creates a space for sawdust to collect, so you don't have to carefully sweep it all away after each hole.

[@MsRmaclaren]

One can never have too many tools. Love old tools!

[@AJR2208]

Hi Frank, I have an idea for your antique post drill - Find a nice old rustic post, make a base on castors & a work table to hold a vise (or two) then use the drill as a tapping machine so you can make your own threaded inserts, furniture screws & connector nuts. This way it can be both ornamental as well as a usable tool for your shop. Stay safe and well :)

[@arraybytes]

I had to watch your video because I have the same drill press. Have had it for 10 years now, use it all the time. The motor was replaced in 56 with one from Sears on mine, and I am missing the belt guard. But love it.

[@runedyrting8476]

I am surprised to hear that Power Craft is such an old company. Great work!

[@Cooper_42]

Today’s Power Craft tool company isn’t the same one as this “PowerKraft”.

[@jasrenfro9856]

Ok....you blew my mind when to passed the pinion through to yourself as yourself put the gear in the pinion gear as it passed through. Great video thank you for making it

[@frankmakes]

thanks, yes that worked out well

[@holzwerx]

Great little project! Love seeing such practical content! Made my lunch break extra fun!

[@specialk22tt]

2:32 - That was slick

[@wyldflowerfilmwerks6008]

Just kicked it up a 110 percent, fixed it and added a table vids are great!

[@Jeppe.P.Bjerget]

Great video as always. I just love the way you film. There is always some surprise in the way you make the videos. I wish you and your family a great week. Best wishes from Jan in Norway

[@HeikeWoolard]

That was a nice and easy fix.

[@fillg]

When the video opened with the empty workbench, I was expecting a "POP" and a drill press would appear. Sure would've been easier to pop it in there than to carry it in and down the steps 😃

[@ronupshaw]

Doood - your speech in the sequence by the dust collector was stellar. Very long, no stutters at all. Nice work! Impressive. I’m learning a little more about it, but still don’t understand it. Seems to be an anxiety/comfort issue?

[@dennispope8160]

The easiest way to make sure you’re spinning your spring in the right direction is to have the spindle dropped down and then spin the spring till the spring pulls the spindle back up.

[@pheehzero]

Yes, it goes in the same direction you want it to go CCW or up.

[@adkdan]

I have the very same drill press, Frank. The Powr Kraft DP of this era is pretty rare.

[@billqqq]

Very nice! I have my Grandfathers PowerKraft bandsaw from the same era. Also can never turn down free (or even not so free) antique tools.

[@bow-tiedengineer4453]

that cover on the top looks like a sultan's hat. A beautiful old tool. The red of those tracks is a nice pop of color too.

[@cassia_cries]

gorgeous machine

[@nordyfamily]

great work as always Frank

[@jlebowski8556]

I build a little sled for my grinder and the bottom front edge has a thin piece of material to catch the lip of the work bench. Now I can put it anywhere along the length of the bench and when I am using it the lip prevents it sliding back (and the weight keeps it from moving other directions).

[@jessewoollen-danner3754]

I no joke, did this exact same procedure on some old iron. I have an old Rockwell press that was exhibiting the same issue. We may have been doing this at the same time. Thank goodness for old woodworking machines .org

[@KristopherGrove]

I was just browsing Craigslist for used drill presses in Wash and this popped up. Great stuff!

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Great job on fixing the old drill press Frank! Thanks for sharing the video with us!💖👍👌😎JP

[@OtherBrotherDaryl]

Beautiful piece. Love the vintage tools. Stay safe. Be well.

[@storylineamerica4108]

Guarantee that drill press would out perform anything built today!

[@thunderstruck1078]

You need 2 opposing wedges to take off the chuck. Mr Pete (Tubalcain) did a video on this topic.

[@grizdeluxe]

My old drill press chuck is actually screwed in from inside the bottom of the chuck, and then you use wedges to take it off of the Morse Taper spindle.

[@etheroar6312]

@@grizdeluxe As I recall, sometimes, the screw has a left hand thread.

[@dhollm]

The wedge is called a 'drift' I think

[@nicolaspillot5789]

@@etheroar6312 left hand screws. This. Is. Important. I stripped a chuck screw on my first time. Lesson learnt, pass it on !

[@arnhemseptember2009]

Nice machine. It just has natural quality...

[@jeffreythree]

Nice old iron! I just picked up a 1952 Delta floor model drill press at an auction to replace my Harbor Freight bench top drill press.

[@gregmislick1117]

ARGH!! Frank, you're busy lining up 2 of everything...I'm still working on 1 of anything ! lol I have no fears that you will find a way to use it regularly once you work it into your process flow, similar to the Radial Arm Saws. Nice little reto-mod there Frank, congrats

[@mrbenmall]

That's an awesome friend!

[@lucab.6600]

Frank, amazing, as usual!

[@MukYJ]

Holy radial arm saw collection, Batman!

[@DaneSaysStuff]

Video came up in my recommendations. All I can say is holy heck is that thing clean! And that table set up is super slick! If you ever sell them, I'll be first in line to buy! Woodworking isn't my thing.

[@SteveC38]

Nice Job as Always Frank!

[@robstephens]

Great looking belt guard.

[@OlivierVerdier]

It IS really nice !

[@eustahijebrzic1866]

Frank you are great.

[@rickcimino743]

amazing.....as always. thanks Frank

[@potlimit2002]

You want a drill press to run forward an reverse for power tapping an using left hand drills for broken bolt removal.

[@danaowen9014]

Nice job. I injoyed this.

[@MojojoJenkins]

Love your work, Frank! I'd really enjoy a restoration video on that grinder you mentioned!

[@keithviolette5870]

The set screw in the end of the pinion shaft (where the down feed handle is) is to stop the down feed handle from sliding. I would guess it would usually hold the handle in the middle unless you needed a lot of pressure, in which case you can extend it for more leverage.

[@Silent-G]

I love your videos! I learn so much from you. Keep up the great work!

[@kiwdwks]

Nicely done...as always!

[@justinscott9151]

Dang Frank! nice find!

[@nathanworkman9069]

hey frank just wanted to give a bit of advise with the stuck table on the press. a few months and i redid our old one me and a friend got it was covered with rust and wouldn't move. i unbolted it and completely removed it my taking off the base and sliding it off. i soaked it in vinegar to get the excess rust off and wire brushed the shaft Along with the inside of the shaft clamp on the table. after hitting it with a little wd40 it works like new. figured it might help. keep up the good work.