On Mar 22, 2024, at 8:51?AM, Lauren Clarke <lauren@...> wrote:

A bit off-topic for the forum, but I've been watching the recent drill press discussions with interest as I am considering a related project.

I have been given an old Powermatic 1150A, I'm told it runs (have not tested pending a visit from the electrician to arrange for appropriate 220 connections). I currently only have a small bench-top press that owes me nothing, but is frequently a bit? small/underpowered for some applications I have (largely wood + aluminum, light metal).?

So far, I've tested the runout at the chuck and it's <.0001" which I was surprised at (made me think I might be doing it wrong, see pic and let me know if I did).?

So, this could be a fun refurb project that would result in a functional tool in the shop, but before I dive in I'd like to set some parameters on how much time and $ is appropriate to put into such a project. I've been known to make silk purses out of sow's ears.?

My plan is roughly as follows:

1. test runout (done: seems to be <0.0001 at the chuck)

2. disassemble to some extent (not sure where to stop)
3. remove surface rust

4. replace capacitors (they look a bit 'sweaty')
5. replace belt

6. lube all moving parts

7. paint?
8. replace labels if such can be easily found
9. fabricate a mag-switch removable plywood table/fence for wood applications
10. fabricate a (somewhat) mobile base for it

I'm open to correction/addition on any of that plan.

I have $0 and about 1 hour into this so far, was thinking maybe ~$500 + 40 hours (of lower-value fill-in time between projects) might be a reasonable target for the refurb (not counting the table and mobile base).

Some questions this forum might be able to answer for me:

1. What might be the best sources for manuals and parts (belt, capacitors etc). This DP is old enough that I'm unsure of a lot of what I'm seeing on-line.?
2. Are there any tests/things I should check before diving in?
3. The motor is labeled 3/4 hp, but sure looks a lot more capable than other motors I have with that designation at first glance, are there different ways of measuring hp?
4. What would be a good (new) comparator for this unit? This would help me assess my budget.
5. Should I replace the chuck (I expected to until I measured the runout).?
6. Am I being realistic about cost and time requirements?
7. Should I just use it as is and not fuss with it?

I'd appreciate any knowledge/experience/thoughts you all might have.?

Thanks,?
-lc

?

? <base.png><front.png><indicator.png><label.png><motor-label.png><side.png>