Need help with a drill press i bought

S

simko

Joined
Jan 14, 2003
Messages
1,638
Hey everyone, once again icome to ask you experts.
Heres the story:
I was out junk shopping, and i saw this drill press, so i bought it for 5 dollars. WHOOOOHOOO
for me, it was a good buy. Anyway, the thing is, it has no power cord, switch, or belt, so it may not work, i wired up the cord, and it does. So my problem is now, i need a switch that will fit into the drill press. Ill take a picture and see if i can post it, probably not, but if anyone knows where i can get a switch for it, ill email you the picture.

Here are some details:



Make: TradeMaster
Model: TMDP-50B
1/2" capacity
Spindle JT 2 1/2#
5 speeds
Serial # 43079
 
Hi Aaron,

How about just wiring the cord into an electrical box with a single pole light switch in it. You could then mount this box on the drill press somewhere...just a thought. :)

-Darren
 
Any good hardware, or wholesale electrical supply store can supply you with the proper switch. The only problem might be, if you need it to fit some exact space requirement, or preexisting hole. All you need to know is the voltage, and amperage rating(will be on the motor plate), whether you wan't a simple on/off switch, or something more exotic.
 
well, i could do the light switch.... but im not an electrical know how kinda guy,,,
mike: theres no plate on the motor, i bouoght this thing pretty beat up, and i was surprised it works and everything, im going to be posting pics once i get them hosted. On the drill press theres a cut hole, which i think is for the switch but in the pics, you will see there are no wires, its empty.
 
Well, I say keep things simple. Especially if your not experienced with electrical work.
Trying to wire a switch through the drill press into that hole is just forcing yourself to work in a really tight space.
Since you don't know what you have in the way of a motor, I would also avoid buying a specialty switch to fit inside as you have alot more variance on the capacity of the switch.

You can probably safely assume that the motor is less than one horsepower. Depending on the size of the drill press its probably only around 1/3, so there's very little chance of it drawing more than 15 amps and 110-120volts.
I would head to the local hardware store and buy 14gauge or heavier S-O cable a light/wall switch rated for at least 15 amps along with a steel box and face plate (the box should have 2 punch out holes, and one be big enough for one switch, you'll also need wire clamps to screw into the ends). Your probably looking at less than $20 for all this. Also buy a good quality plug with a ground lead for the cord if you don't already have one.

Wire the motor to the switch. Its pretty straight forward but I'd rather not describe it over the internet. Then wire the cord to the switch to be plugged into the wall. You can then use light steel strapping or long zip ties or something to mount the switch on the side of the motor where it will be out of the way. I wouldn't mount it to the pole on the drill press unless theres room above or below the rack that the table runs up and down.
If you think you want a light on it, you can get a double box for two switches and then mount a light bulb on it somewhere too.
There should be someone working at the store that can explain how things go together while your looking at the peices. Its really simple to do but I'd rather not try to just describe it, as there is a chance of bad things happening if it isn't done right.
 
How about a foot switch that you plug into? The one I have requires the machine to be in the on position (yours is when plugged in?), but the machine doesn't run unless you push the throttle.
 
Like posted above, Just get a drywall box and a 20 amp off on light switch, a few feet of 12 gauge extention cord wire and a plug.
That should do it!
 
maybe i'll get a switch that my dad has from one of the houses hes doing.... ill post pics when i can
 
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