Thread: I must be getting Old - Drill Press / General Machinery Guidance

Hi Guys,

First post on the site so be gentle

Starting with a bit of background. I've been working on cars/bikes/boats as a hobbyist for 10 years or so. II must be getting old as I'm sick of "making do" with the tools that I've got to make the parts that I need. It's also worth noting that my work is 95% metalwork and I'm self taught being a builder by day. I want to build a decent workshop with the 3 major items purchased in the short term (1 year) being a drill press, lathe and mill. I've tried to be as detailed as I can with my questions below regarding the drill press. Please note I'm not looking for new gear as I can't afford anything more than some kind of Taiwanese/Chinese gear that are really hit and miss on the reviews. Also I'm a strong proponent of the "They don't make them like they used to" phrase.

Drill Press Option 1 - Classic

I've been watching the Waldowns, Servians and Richardsons going through the auctions the last couple of days. I'd love one of these old precision made machines. My only concern is that because of their age I find little information on their actual specifics such as speeds, quill travel, morse taper etc. Due to their location more often than not I wouldn't get a hands on with them prior to the auction end. I don't have any concerns with rebuilding, repairing one of these old beauties. To be honest I get a kick out of restoring gear like that. Should I be concerned too much with the lack of specifics or do the quality of these machines shine through? Heres an example of what I mean.

Drill press Auction (0517-7002485) | GraysOnline Australia

Drill Press Option 2 - Slightly Newer

Ok so with the 90's forward units you can get a once $2000 unit that is now at the same price range as the classics. I can generally find all the specifics on quill travel, speeds, morse taper, tooling etc. But generally they don't have that name backing that the old classics relied on. Plus they're not as pretty. Here's an example of what I mean from the same lot as the Richardson.

Rexon pedestal drill press Auction (0343-7002486) | GraysOnline Australia


It would be great if someone could give me some guidance from their experience.


Now the 3 Phase Single Phase Question

Due to work commitments I move relatively regularly between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. As a result I've got no chance of getting a rental with 3 phase. Whats the consensus on buying 3 phase machines and either replacing the motor or running an inverter? Is it worthwhile from a cost/quality point of view or do you lose too much grunt? Also are their issue with the heavier spinning stock of 3 phase machines taking too much start up load for single phase motor conversions?


Sorry for the long post guys but I really want to start getting longevity and reliability in my workshop. My hobby tasks in the workshop are the only thing keeping me sane with the construction industry in its current state.