Photo Index - Atlas Press Co. - 73 Floor Model

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Atlas Press Co.
Kalamazoo, MI

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Drill Press
Machine Size:	15" Heavy Duty
Submitted By:	Jim Stipp

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	73 Floor Model
Date of Manufacturer:
Serial Number:	033348
Last Updated	2/11/2013 6:44:01 AM

Comments:

I received the drill press from my neighbor who had purchased some waterfront land that housed only a small garage/shop, and after opening the shop door I was completly amazed at all the old tools and equipment that was inside. After further investigation, it was discovered that the original owner of the land who passed away sometime ago was a retired pipe fitter and used the small shop as a boat livery and repair shop. His wife has just celebrated her 100th birthday this fall. The shop has been kept closed and undisturbed for aproximatly the last 30 years. As my neighbors only interest is to tear down the shop and build a new home he allowed me to take what I wanted so I drug home boat loads of things including this drill press. (Model No. 73 serial #033348) It was still in pretty good shape when I brought her home with the exception of alot of rust and grease/grim.

The stripping process began by completly dis-assemblying the complete press and removing all the rust via wire wheel, steel wool and elbow grease. All the handles, nuts, bolts and cam locks were wire wheeled without any damage to them. The paint is of course Rust Oleum smoke gray which I added some Rust Oleum Industrial black with a squirt of white to attempt to match the original color. Due to technology reasons the pictures do not represent the exact color although the color match is pretty close. I also added a hardner for oil based paints to give it more durability but ended up with an extreme amount of gloss so I had to tone down all the painted parts with a quick lite spray of minwax clear satin and am now impressed with the final finish.

The motor is a General Electric 1/2 hp 1725 rpm (model #5KC63AB329A) which runs very well. I am certain that the motor is the original motor the owner purchased when the press was purchased new. The downside is that the motor base does not fit the motor mounting bracket because of the way the motor was manufactured and I am unable to turn it. The drill press operates and runs very well and smooth with only a mere .001 run out. As you can see I am still missing a few original pieces that if any one knows of where I can purchase them it would be very appreciated. Missing is the spindle guard, part #41-45, Original On/Off switch plate #41-43A, spring tension pull knob #9-729 and the column cap cover #60-55. The drill press table does have some damage and I would like to replace it or have a new one casted if anyone would be interested. If you look closely in the background of picture three you can see the other jewel I drug home which is my next restore project now underway. Would also like an original manual for the press!

Thanks for viewing
Jim Stipp

Photo 1:

Comments: As brought home
Source: My camera

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Photo 2:

Comments: After restoration
Source: My camera

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Photo 3:

Comments: Close-up/Next project in background, Craftsman 6" jointer
Source: My camera

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