New drill press question

J

just1randall

Joined
Jul 7, 2012
Messages
14
Hello,
Been lurking for a while reading and trying to pick up what I can to get started with knife making... already wrecked a couple, so I'm on my way.

I had a question on an old Rockwell 17-600 that I picked up. The main drive spindle is about 3/4" lower than the front spindle, so the belt is angled a bit at each step. No machining experiance, so not sure if this is normal and couldn't find any hits online. I don't have a chuck ready just yet but it seems to function fine with no load.
Some day I'd like to use the original motor, but until then would it be OK to use it as is? I don't want to cause excess wear or damage the press.

IMAG0461_zps9a5d3ddd.jpg



Regards,
Manuel
 
Well you got a gem there. Those are very nice machines and your has a production table on it as well. As for the belt issue a picture from the rear would be helpful but you should have a set screw on both the front and rear drive pulley/shive it will be located in one of the pulley groves. When you loosen this you should be able to adjust the hight on the two to make them run parallel.
 
Most drill presses of that size have 3 pulleys and two belts.

Maybe you lost the center pulley ?

Brett is right about the setscrew, you should be able to make adjustments.
 
Hey Brett,
I'll check them closer when I get home and adjust if possible. I'll also add some pics... Thank you!
 
Hey 1-10,
Yikes... don't scare me!!! Just double checked the parts diagram and I think I'm good on the spindle count! Thanks though. ;)
I'll be checking the set screw tonight.
 
Not the ones I have seen Count. Mine has two 5 step pulleys. With quick adjustment to the pulley you will be fine. Check Enco or Shars for a low cost chuck but don't get there cheapest one.
 
So it appears Bubba did a bit of work on the motor shaft. Looks like some metallic tape was used to wrap around the shaft. :(

IMAG0465_zpse02aac98.jpg


Also the top of the pulley sits about 1" above the shaft, so no much room to raise it any. Did some searching last night and found a split bushing may help for this???

IMAG0467_zps00da5922.jpg


I loosened the set screw on the front pulley, but it wouldn't budge after some light persuasion, so I left it alone for now. It actually looks pretty well bottomed out and dont see it being able to lower much if at all.

I'm waiting on a body/spindle assembly from Albrecht to fix this guy up. Someone thought it would be a good idea to weld a straight arbor to it.

IMAG0468_zpsee510888.jpg


Regards,
Manuel
 
Well if the guy who welded that shaft on there knew what he is doing that might of worked out but Im betting you got some run out with that chuck.
 
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Also two easy thing for the belt. #1 is just skip the lower pulley on the motor and go starit accros to the bottom drivin pulley you will need some belt adjustment. #2 is remount the motor on the higher on the motor base plate.

Also it would help use if you filled out your profile so we know where abouts in the world you live. Maybe one of us is close and can help you with this.

Brett
 
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Hey Brett,
I like your idea on moving the belt, I'll try that! Once I get it all dialed in with the chuck and tested, I'll post the results. I do plan on painting it in the future, so at that point I'll get the motor mounted correctly.

Thank you!
 
what does a new drill press cost ver how much are you going to put in this one to get it working?? you must be fit and have alot of steam in you because the way the other dealers are talking it is going to be lots of work. I will you the best of luck.
 
Hey Richard,
I admit I'm a sucker for projects... and the $150 I spent on the press seemed reasonable to take on another! Something about making an old tool work again, that does it for me. :)
Regards,
Manuel
 
I would not worry about it too much. The small amount of slope that you have will wear the belt a little faster but it isn't like the v-belt running the fan in an older car. It probably isn't under high tension and doesn't need high tension for the job it is doing. The slope in the belt puts a very small lateral load on the pulleys (acting along the axis of the shafts) but that is so small compared to the load acting perpendicular to the shafts.
 
just1randall said:
Thanks Richard! :)
Click to expand...

the last time I ask a question like that I got a ding for it and I was just trying to help. I bought a brand new craftman drill press but a table model for $159.95 plus tax. I was using the hell out of it for a long time too. it still looks brand new. that is why I was asking how much you paid for it.
 
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