Photo Index - Sears | Craftsman - 101.03581 Craftsman Bench Model

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Sears | Craftsman
Chicago, IL

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Drill Press
Machine Size:	12¾"
Submitted By:	Jonathan Shores

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	101.03581 Craftsman Bench Model
Date of Manufacturer:	1935-1942 (guess)
Serial Number:	none
Last Updated	7/19/2010 12:20:08 PM

Comments:

My father-in-law laid down the bucks to get this drill press while we cruised the gold country in the Sierra foothills of California looking for good fishing holes. Came on this little town where a guy had a garage sale. There was a lot of old mining-type "arn", lying about, but being somewhat pragmatic (at the time) I saw only a couple of useful things. I passed on both when my FIL said to go back for the press. I trusted his professional engineer instincts and he was right. This ole drill press saw its better days in the rough and ready world of logging and mining, yet for my purposes, it is as good, if not better, than a new, modern issue. Does not shake or hop while drilling metal. Works a fly cutter without a hic-up. The bits stay in the chuck real good, too. I have gotten and will get lots of jobs out of this tidy press.
I could use a belt guard and a spindle guard. In fact, I will not use this machine until suitable such is acquired or fabricated. The parts were probably lying around somewhere at the yard sale, but there was so much junk ( i mean goodies) heaped that it would have been next tuesday.
I found an instruction book which features this exact model. The book has a wealth of info, too.

(Admin-19 July 2010: revised specs.)

Photo 1:

Comments: Not a great pic of the press, but you can see the book and table with my vise anchored with a home brewed clamping setup.
Source: personal photo

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Photo 2:

Comments: This press is a heavy pup for a bench top. I like that a lot. Those adjusters really clamp it solid, too. I oil the spindle quite frequently, as you can see. A good wipe down before each use helps. The model can be fitted with multispeed attachment. This
Source: Personal photo

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Photo 3:

Comments: This was the motor that was on the fella, but it may not be OEM. It is for some line of Sears products. The motor is quiet, does not lug down, so why not? I remounted the motor as there was something wrong how it was mounted before.
Source: personal photo

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Photo 4:

Comments: Viewing the feed handle which is adjustable. This is an essential feature! The depth stop is adjustable for more precsion work or for repeats. My ShopMaster bandsaw is in the background (later post). These two vintage machines reside nicely side by side.
Source: Personal pic

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Photo 5:

Comments: I really like the versastile nature of this press. The Jacobs chuck is removed with a drift key (double-sided). The spindle can then be fitted with a collet chuck or 1/2 inch threaded spindle. These are secured with the knurlled collar; visible just upwar
Source: Personal photo

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Photo 6:

Comments: Last photo, I promise. This shows the robust nature you find with old woodworking/metalworking machines. The table allows for a vise, which is invaluable for finnicky work where precision is required. The anchor clamps are not standard issues. Odd bits.
Source: personal photo

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