Photo Index - Albany Hardware Specialty Manufacturing Co. - Variable Speed Drive

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Albany Hardware Specialty Manufacturing Co.
Albany, WI; Viroqua, WI

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Drill Press
Machine Size:	6" throat
Submitted By:	Dwight Flach

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Variable Speed Drive
Date of Manufacturer:	Unknown
Serial Number:	1299
Last Updated	1/27/2013 11:27:43 AM

Comments:

I've listed this DP in the metalworking category because of the relatively low rpm range available and the brass speed chart shows an available spindle speed of 268 rpm to 2140 rpm when using drill bits up to 1/2" in Brass, Cast Iron and Steel. This DP was purchased by the seller's father from a school near Milwaukee, WI many years ago. I came across it being sold locally, not knowing anything about AHS Manufacturing. But, I was intrigued by the variable speed configuration, which I have never seen before on any machine. The age of the DP was also interesting since the patent date shows 10/20/1908. This DP is either a later model from AHS or a different model of approximately the same vintage. Jeff Joslin has posted the patent showing the other model, which is a bench DP and has slightly different features. Thanks Jeff!! I completely disassembled it down to individual parts and all parts were degreased, paint stripped to bare metal, electrolysis or solvent used to remove rust and repainted. Dental tools and bamboo shish kabob sticks were used to pick away small bits of crud. A rust preventive product was applied to the bare metal parts and Sherwin Williams DTM semi-gloss black to the cast iron parts. Black appears to have been the OEM color since it was the lowermost paint layer that I found when stripping. Some of the interesting things I've noticed about this DP; The rotating depth dial opposite the handle has increments in both, English and Metric. I imagine this is because this drill press was sold overseas as well. The "nut" that the table elevating screw goes through was filled with Babbitt to form the female threads. The column has a vertical line scribed into it and is used to center the table under the spindle by matching a scribed line on the drill table's collar. The hand-stamped serial number was found on a small, raised boss under the variable drive on the right side and is #1299. Brass lube plugs were provided by AHS for greasing the bearings and have "GREASE" stamped on them. The drive and driven wheels appear to be made of a composite material and are fortunately in very good condition. The motor mounts to two threaded studs in the base cavity and there are two additional threaded studs under the center of the motor. Together, they are used to raise or lower the motor to adjust the belt tension and level the motor. I now have upwards of 150 hours into this project. I've learned there is another DP like this one in Wisconsin and in Washington state, and a bench DP in California. I've posted the California bench model DP on this site and hope to post the other two free-standing models in the near future. If you know of any others in existence, I'd like to hear about them, as I'm sure others would as well. Thanks (SOLD, 1/27/13)

Photo 1:

Comments: RH view. The motor shown was replaced with a vintage cast iron, Babbitt bearing 3/4hp Master motor that fit perfectly to the mounts in the base cavity.
Source: D Flach

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Photo 2:

Comments: Up and running in my shop.
Source: D Flach

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Photo 3:

Comments: LH view. "As purchased" condition showing the extent of surface rust, grime and crud to be removed. Many hours were spent on disassembly and cleaning with just about every tool and technique available in my shop.
Source: D Flach

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Photo 4:

Comments: LH view with vintage 3/4hp Master motor, new leather belt, foot switch, Rohm chuck and shop made "lathe" live center mounted to the angle plate in the T slot on the front of the base.
Source: D Flach

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Photo 5:

Comments: Left close view of the variable speed drive system as purchased.
Source: D Flach

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Photo 6:

Comments: After restoration. The brass plate is a chart showing the recommended speed settings for drill bits up to 1/2" when drilling brass, cast iron and steel.
Source: D Flach

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