Old Delta 14" Floor Drill Press, Questions.

[CW]

[WD]

I like to replace the 1/2" chuck to 3/8" chuck from an old Delta floor drill press I brought yesterday. Unlike the modern drill press you insert a drift key into the slot of the quill and hit the chuck arbor out. This old Delta drill press doesn't have a slot in the quill.

Further, can I replace the present 1/2hp to 3/4hp or 1hp motors?

I have posted both drill press and vise in apbw.

Thanks everone.

[bridger]

first, do this:

that press may have a threaded chuck rather than a taper mount.

[WD]

Thanks for the website. The drill press came with a six-pages operating, maintenance instructions and part list. The pics are too small to determine if it is threaded or Moss taper mount. I have checked the spindle and there is no runout and would not want to mess it up.

I have been searching for more than two years in estate and garage sales after seeing it in David Marks DIY Woodworking show. This drill press is very heavy for a small 1/2" chuck and would like to replace it with a bigger Jacob's chuck.

Thank you again.

[Joe AutoDrill]

Can you determine the model? If so, I probably can tell you whether it is threaded or Jacobs Taper style... Either way, replacement chucks are available assuming yours is ruined...

Is it a floor or bench-top type?

Forget about replacing the motor... It is probably possible... But you might as well buy a new drill press from someone for about twice the cost and have an all-new machine.

Regards, Joe Agro, Jr. [phone] [phone]

[Joe AutoDrill]

Duh... Disregard this portion of my reply. Stupidity virus got me today.

[bridger]

if there are any numbers stamped in the side of the chuck you can determine the mount. here is a site that likely lists it:

be careful running bits in excess of the rated capacity of the machine....

[Joe AutoDrill]

Sounds like a relatively old machine. Unfortunately, I don't have any records on a 14" Delta of any kind... The easiest way to determine if it is a threaded chuck is to lock the largest allen key you can in the chuck with the long end sticking out and away from the chuck. With the motor set to the highest possible RPM (most resistance on the chuck when turning by hand), smack the allen ket so that it spins the shuck counter-clockwise. I personally use an aluminum hammer to do this. NOTE: Make sure you are NOT smacking the spindle or chuck in any way. You simply want to rapidly spin the chuck... With the motor and sindle's resistance, it will unscrew off the end IF and only if it is a threaded chuck.

Now... If it is a Jacobs Taper chuck, you should be able to see the top of the taper just above the chuck and just below the spindle. In that case, you can probably use a J6 wedge set and remove it. Let me know if you think this is the case as I can eMail you a file to show you how to do this... But I'll need a valid eMail address to do so.

You can get brand new Delta machines relatively inexpensively... Delta DP400 is around $430 new from a number of sources... And it's a 16.5" unit too.

Not quite as heavy as the olkder machines, but no lightweight either... The same exact machine can be had used for less as the DP400 or 17-900.

Not sure... Detla is good about stocking parts for their machines, but because I've never heard of yours (and I doo drill press stuff all day) I'm a bit worried that it is not supported any longer. You will have to contact them or a dealer directly on that front...

Wish I could be more help!

Interesting units... Some are really complex too. I like seeing the units other folks make but HATE working with them. Some with CV joints and all that are a real PITA and expensive to maintain... I don't even sell CV join heads because of the stigma that is developing around them.

Much success to you and feel free to eMail me for that chuck removal file... It's a bit rough around the edges, but should help.

Regards, Joe Agro, Jr. [phone] [phone]

[WD]

14" B Model floor type. S/N 123-6654. The chuck is Chicago Supreme 0-1/2", in good condition except, it cannot be open or close (not tightening or loosening) with your hand but with chuck key. I would like to replace it with 0-5/8" chuck.

I paid $100 at an estate sales, replacing my one yr-old 13", 3/4HP Central Machinery floor type. I can't stand the clanging sound and vibration at high speed. This old Delta is far superior to many of the newer drill in the market. This Delta looks like the one use by Mark Davids in DIY woodworking show.

BTW, if you are familiar with old Delta, can I still get the 1/2" bore cast aluminum steps pulley (P/N 985-A)? I need the original otherwise, I will replace both pulleys (slight dents and wobbling at the motor side).

Thanks you very much.

(I use to work on National Acme, Wickman, Index and other multi-spindle screw machines and all types of drilling and attachments)