Photo Index - Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl. - Variable Speed Model 15-655

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Delta Specialty/Delta Mfg. Co./Delta-Rockwell/Rockwell Intl.
Milwaukee, WI; Jackson, TN; Tupelo, MS

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Drill Press
Machine Size:	15"
Submitted By:	William Pierce

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Variable Speed Model 15-655
Date of Manufacturer:	1979
Serial Number:	1784178
Last Updated	1/30/2011 5:50:42 PM

Comments:

This machine came from a local technical school and had seen its share of use, mostly in a wood shop from the amount of sawdust that had accumulated in the guard box. It's become the newest of my OWWM, but I had become interested in the ease of using the variable speed feature.

The drill press had been repainted by brush, so I disassembled it, stripped the paint, and repainted. All non-painted parts were cleaned and polished as appropriate. The special washer and knurled nuts were missing from the depth control rod, as was the worm screw that controls the quill watch spring. I was able to obtain these from a new parts supplier. Both the speed control handles and knobs, one of the pilot wheel handles, and all the pilot wheel knobs also were missing. I made replacements as necessary. The "arc of shame" isn't too wide, but there were some pretty deep holes. I've patched them with J-B Weld which will do for my use, since I'll be adding an auxiliary tilting woodworking table.

The two main spindle bearings, as well as the 63mm NDH Z993LL08B at the bottom of the spindle assembly, were badly worn. For no good reason apparent to me or to any member I've corresponded with, the manufacturer considers the latter bearing part of the spindle assembly and does not make it available separately. Moreover, the 63mm OD bearing is unavailable, period. (The entire spindle assembly remains available at a price more than double my estimate of value of the entire restored machine!) Thanks to member Raymond Stettner who wrote that he had had the bearing cup enlarged to fit a standard 68mm 6008 bearing, I did the same. Photo 3 below shows the replacement bearing in the enlarged cup.

I'm very pleased with the operation of the refurbished drill press and have just purchased from another member the "nose" adapter which will allow use of no. 2 Morse taper chucks and other devices.

Photo 1:

Comments: frontal view
Source: my Canon

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: side view
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: enlarged cup with 6008 bearing
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 4:

Comments: "before" but after disassembly was well underway
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code