Vintage Drill Press Homemade Upgrades

Vintage Drill Press, homemade upgrades to make it easier and and safer to use.

[@jimgraham4673]

Really smart upgrades. Paint the switch knob R E D .

[@myrnapelano4974]

Nice upgrades. I have a brother to your press. Bought it for $100 in 1968.

[@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop]

Appreciate the feedback, amazing yours is a 1968! Thanks for watching, Kevin

[@mark_luna]

Love that switch mod!

[@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop]

Mark, I appreciate the feedback, thanks for watching! Kevin

[@jamesstrawn6087]

I have this same machine in my shop from the 80s. It has been a good machine & my hands use it almost without the engagement of my mind. One upgrade on mine was to replace the original set-screw in the channel that allows the table to tilt. Mine now has a permanent set that can be altered if ever I want to tilt the table. Before, it tended to tilt of its own accord. I have several drill presses now, better ones, yet I go back to this one the most.

[@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop]

James, thanks for watching and commenting. Some simple changes can make a big difference, Kevin

[@johnbazaar8440]

I like that switch arrangement. I have a similar setup. I think I’m going to use a tandem switch, one throw for the motor, one for the light.

[@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop]

John, thanks for taking the time to comment, like your tandem switch idea, Kevin

[@amirchristian3638]

Amazing

[@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop]

Thanks

[@Woodworker1947]

Brillant! - an informative, nicely explained and useful video - I like the speed change lever idea and will use a version of it on my drill press Well done and thank you! :)

[@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop]

Hi, appreciate your feedback, glad the video helped, thanks for watching, Kevin

[@Woodworker1947]

No probs - nicely explained and demonstrated, unlike some on here! Best wishes. @@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop

[@DustinRogersinMO]

Those are all great upgrades.

[@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop]

Dustin, I appreciate your feedback, thanks for watching my video, Kevin.

[@flyingfarm1]

I purchased the same drill press in 1982. I love it and use it all the time. My looks a lot more rustic than yours. Perhaps it is time to clean it up.

[@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop]

Appreciate your comments! My dad and I bought the drill press at a business that was importing power tools back then, this was before we had stores like Harbor Freight. It was a tremendous savings and value. Thanks for watching, Kevin.

[@FWSwart999]

I was born in 1986😂... but on a little more serious note. I currently have 4 Drill Presses, the "youngest" is a Startrite Floor Type (Made in England) from 1998, then I have a very small bench model dating from 1982 (Taiwanese made), another bench model (Japanese) from 1979 and a huge bench type (Also made in Japan, but different manufacturer). This last one is pre 1966, but not sure which year exactly. Weighs in around 140kg (+/-300lbs). Build quality on the older machines are much better than anything new available from China nowadays.

[@Tome4kkkk]

Upper part of the shaft of my drill press (cheap Chinese) is responsible for 90% of spindle play. Do you have any drawings or photos of such assembly?

[@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop]

Hi, I don't have any drawings of my drill press and don't see a way to send you a picture of my drill press through this email portion of KZbin. My drill press seems tight and I do not have any play in the spindel. The lower portion supported by a large ball bearing, upper portion I can not see, but most likely is a sleeve bearing of some kind. Not much help to you, Kevin

[@GnosisMan50]

I would replace that keyed chuck with the keyless chuck… they’re not that expensive.

[@kevins_fix-it_or_make-It_shop]

I appreciate the tip, that would save a lot of time, thanks for watching! Kevin