04-25-2017, 10:36 AM
(This post was last modified: 04-25-2017, 10:45 AM by MoreToolsForMe.
Edit Reason: Speeling
)
Hey Folks,
I currently have a Harbor Freight drill press #38144 that does a lot of what I need, but has it's obvious shortcomings. My neighbor wants to "GIVE" me a pretty old PowerMatic #1150, serial # 65-6069-1, that's in OK, lightly used condition, but needing a good clean-up, handle replacements (all originals are missing) and of course a proper tune up. Can I assume that the serial number dates it to 1965? While I realize that at face value, the PM is a far superior machine compared to the unit made in Chinesiawanoreanam, it lacks some features that are important to my use. Particularly lacking is any convenient way to change the table height, as there is no rack on the post. The current table is non-tilting cast iron and likely weighs +/- 100 lbs. Can this be dealt with in a manner that won't break the bank? Also, the slowest speed is 300 RPM, which seems a little fast for some metal work. Pics to come soon!
My current, and for the foreseeable future, needs surround building and modifying guitars, amplifiers and speaker cabinets, along with any and all hardware associated with these items. Also, there are the occasional automotive and general "household" concerns.
What I'm trying to avoid is jumping out of the frying pan, of having a crappy drill press and into the fire, of having a great drill press that is a pain to use! I guess my main questions are:
A) Will I be able to find parts for the PM at reasonable prices?
B) Is there any easy way to make the table (which does not tilt or swivel) more easily adjustable in it's height, without needing to find/buy a different post, table and possibly even a base? I kinda like the "non-swivel/tilt" feature, as it is fairly precisely square to the quill and any tilt can be factored in by mounting procedures of the stock to be drilled.
C) How should I expect the quill (if that's the correct name for the piece that the chuck mounts to) to be mounted? I'm familiar with the tapered mounting unit, but did not find any slot in the side for removal?
D) Is the minimum speed of 300 RPM likely to be a problem? While I never drill larger than 1/2" in metal, I've been known to spin hole saws up to 4" or more in wood!
Also, is there an appropriate/good website for finding and sharing info on this "older" PowerMatic unit?
Thanks In Advance Folks,
Gene
I currently have a Harbor Freight drill press #38144 that does a lot of what I need, but has it's obvious shortcomings. My neighbor wants to "GIVE" me a pretty old PowerMatic #1150, serial # 65-6069-1, that's in OK, lightly used condition, but needing a good clean-up, handle replacements (all originals are missing) and of course a proper tune up. Can I assume that the serial number dates it to 1965? While I realize that at face value, the PM is a far superior machine compared to the unit made in Chinesiawanoreanam, it lacks some features that are important to my use. Particularly lacking is any convenient way to change the table height, as there is no rack on the post. The current table is non-tilting cast iron and likely weighs +/- 100 lbs. Can this be dealt with in a manner that won't break the bank? Also, the slowest speed is 300 RPM, which seems a little fast for some metal work. Pics to come soon!
My current, and for the foreseeable future, needs surround building and modifying guitars, amplifiers and speaker cabinets, along with any and all hardware associated with these items. Also, there are the occasional automotive and general "household" concerns.
What I'm trying to avoid is jumping out of the frying pan, of having a crappy drill press and into the fire, of having a great drill press that is a pain to use! I guess my main questions are:
A) Will I be able to find parts for the PM at reasonable prices?
B) Is there any easy way to make the table (which does not tilt or swivel) more easily adjustable in it's height, without needing to find/buy a different post, table and possibly even a base? I kinda like the "non-swivel/tilt" feature, as it is fairly precisely square to the quill and any tilt can be factored in by mounting procedures of the stock to be drilled.
C) How should I expect the quill (if that's the correct name for the piece that the chuck mounts to) to be mounted? I'm familiar with the tapered mounting unit, but did not find any slot in the side for removal?
D) Is the minimum speed of 300 RPM likely to be a problem? While I never drill larger than 1/2" in metal, I've been known to spin hole saws up to 4" or more in wood!
Also, is there an appropriate/good website for finding and sharing info on this "older" PowerMatic unit?
Thanks In Advance Folks,
Gene
Gene
"Gettin' Old Ain't For Sissies"
"Gettin' Old Ain't For Sissies"
My 20' x 20' garage has an 8' x6' laundry room cut out of the corner and does multiple duty storing my automotive tools/parts, woodworking toys (oops, I mean TOOLS), space for doing electronics/guitar work (building amps etc.) and music/band rehearsal/recording space, along with space for my desk and computer! I'm must be the only one who's ever had this kind of problem? 
