Drill presses with exposed belt

[wsal]

Hey all,
I've been looking for a drill press, and I'm drawn to old heavy machines by brands like Waldown etc. Just wondering - is there any particular disadvantage to the older design style that has the exposed belt and sprockets (or whatever they're called)? Like these: http://res0.graysonline.com/handlers...79667077000000
Do they require more care/maintenance than something fully covered? Are they safe enough from rust/other problems in a detached garage that usually has a door open?

Cheers
Will

[jhovel]

I think they just increase your risk of doing something silly like grabbing the belts while they are running to steady yourself after a trip or trying to change the speeds without stopping the motor.....

[elanjacobs]

I think they just increase your risk of doing something silly like grabbing the belts while they are running to steady yourself after a trip or trying to change the speeds without stopping the motor.....

Anyone who tries changing speeds while it's running deserves exactly what they get.

[dai sensei]

My father bought his old Waldown from the old railway workshops when it was probably ~20years old (???), he cleaned it up and then had it for ~30years. I've had it for the last 10 years and it even went through my workshop fire, but after replacing a few bearings and then giving it a motor rewind and a paint job, it is still going strong and accurate. It has a solid shaft, not hollow, they just don't build them like that anymore.

[wsal]

Neil, that's pretty much the exact same machine that I've got a lead on at the moment. So you can vouch for them? How's the runout/slop?

[Stewie D]

Those old Waldowns will last you several lifetimes plus more if looked after and even if you abuse them they'll still survive. Is this for a home workshop ? If it is for work then it probably doesn't comply with newer OH & S regs without an emergency stop button and a belt cover.

Stewie