My old buffalo drill press

[Old Everything Tech]

I have had my Buffalo Drill press for some time now.
There have been mods to it to increase the step pulleys to give a better speed ratio.
The spring-loaded spindle return passed away long ago and had to be modified.
I am trying to get a screw lift designed to raise the table.
It is getting too heavy for me to lift in my old age.
Take a look:
The weight serves as a return.

 

[RandyM]

I have had my Buffalo Drill press for some time now.
There have been mods to it to increase the step pulleys to give a better speed ratio.
The spring-loaded spindle return passed away long ago and had to be modified.
I am trying to get a screw lift designed to raise the table.
It is getting too heavy for me to lift in my old age.
Take a look:
The weight serves as a return.

By "return" you mean counterweight for the table? If it is, might I add the suggestion of more weight for the mean time. Nice old machine.

OK, In my haste I misread your post. The return is for the spindle. Never mind. Still a nice machine though.

 

[francist]

I wonder if you could make a similar counter-weight for the table lift? Would need more mass, of course, but the idea would much the same as a window sash system. If the weights are the same then the raising and lowering effort becomes close to neutral.

 

[slow-poke]

I have a Buffalo as well. I used a linear actuator, and it works great.

 

[Old Everything Tech]

I have another drill press that has a geared lift.
It allows for rotation of the table.
I like the linear lift, but the old Buffalo lacks space under the table, but I might place a lift to one side.
That was a very good idea.
Sorry for the fuzzy pic.
After retirement I am limited to a 10 x 10 area in my basement.
The wife is always on me about keeping it clean.
When on the farm I had a 40 x 70 metal building that allowed for lots of room.