Vintage Atlas drill press restore and modifications.

[schor]

Before I get into this post I would like to mention and thank a friend (MattMatt) that was instrumental in me achieving this project. He is a machinist that made the drawings and guided me throughout this project. I would never have been able to design and build this on my own. I am a better on the lathe now (well better is easy if you know nothing starting out) but I really believe I can call myself a hobby machinist now.

The next step of the process is to drill and ream the hole for the cam post .015 off center of the part that fits into the post. I used the 4jaw to first center the post on the lathe then move it out the .015. I have videos of the positioning but it really is just a bit too boring to post. So here's the actual drilling which can be boring on its own.

[video=youtube_share;7UEep2QnqKI]http://youtu.be/7UEep2QnqKI[/video]

Next step is to build the cam. I didn't have a bandsaw at the time. Here's how I had to do it.



Then set it up in the 4jaw because that's all I had for a chuck at the time.



Next is to part off the piece. Then drill and tap the .015 off center hole.

[video=youtube_share;Pucl_isqP5c]http://youtu.be/Pucl_isqP5c[/video]

This is taking way more time than I expected.

More to come....

 

[schor]

Next step is the actual rod that will be threaded into the cam with a jamb nut holding its position.

A quick video of showing the fit after turning.

[video=youtube;_rdY8AK_lmk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rdY8AK_lmk&feature=youtu.be[/video]


Next is to cut the threads on the piece. I use a stub arbour in my tailstock to keep the die aligned when I start the thread.





This piece is a bit longer than needed.


Part it off and chamfer some edges.



More to come.

 

[Spirit20]

Did Sears sell this drill press under the Craftsman name also?:thinking:

 

[schor]

I think there was a sears version that atlas made. It's really close to a 42b but it had a depth stop which the 42b didn't.

 

[george wilson]

The old d.p.'s sound so much better! I still am using my 1963 Sears drill press that I bought new for $125.00 on sale. That was a fair amount of money back then. I think I was making $2.50 an hour.

I had an older bench model Sears drill press that was nicer than my 1963. It had a tilting table. I just had no place to put it,so regretfully sold it. Except for being dirty,it was in perfect condition and no holes at all in the table. Could have made a great restoration.

Currently,I have found a fantastic Walker Turner 20" metal working D.P.,which I'll be picking up in January. It has been beautifully restored by the owner and is VFD equipped. I've needed something to drill larger holes for some time. Had a big drill press at work,but not at home. My only way to drill large holes ( up to 1 1/2") is my 16" lathe,which can swing 24" in the gap. Not the handiest way to drill them,but doable.

 

[Smudgemo]

It always makes me so happy to see old things refurbished and back in use. Excellent job! I would like to do the same to my old Delta one day, but it already is working very well. Here's a shot of the center pulley in case it's of any use.

-Ryan

 

[Charlie5683]

Well to begin, I have access to an Atlas press like your restoration project. Could you tell me the runout you ended up with on the quill or 2" down from the chuck? Charlie5683

 

[schor]

Well to begin, I have access to an Atlas press like your restoration project. Could you tell me the runout you ended up with on the quill or 2" down from the chuck? Charlie5683

I will measure it again, but I do recall it was 2 thou after finding the right chuck but that was without lowering the quill. I think that's darn good for a small benchtop drilll press. I will try to remember to check the runout at the max depth and see what it is.

 

[Vince_O]

Very nice job. I have a drill pres like yours that the motor is stuck and the wires were all chewed up. Its on my winter project list, but didnt say what winter I will start it.

 

[magu]

Thank you for sharing Steve! You did a fantastic job bringing the old atlas back to life. I have always admired these, maybe one day I will come across one as well.