Antique Drill Press??

[75Plus]

Found this, for the lack of a better name, drill press while cleaning out an old garage. Not exactly sure what to make of it. What you see is all there is to it. No table and the chuck only opens to 3/16". If anyone has any ideas please post them. I will add more info and pictures as I get it cleaned up and lubed.



This is almost as found. I have cleaned the quill and made it operational again.



Appears to be a two speed device. The quill is driven by a grub screw that extends into a keyway that is milled into it.



The pulleys on this shaft are frozen so I can not be sure how they are supposed to operate. I am thinking that one is an idler that the belt could be shifted onto. to stop power to the quill. The "U" shaped bit slides back and forth for shifting the belt. The shape of the pulleys suggest a round belt was used to drive it.



Another view showing the shifting mechanism.



This shows the only damage I have found. The casting has a piece missing. It appears the set collars above and below the tee casting were later additions.

Who ever made it did not make any effort to claim it as there is no name, numbers or any other indication of its origin.

Joe

[Brass_Machine]

Dunno if it is worth restoring... me? I see a hand tapping tool hidden in it.

Eric

[CrewCab]

I see a hand tapping tool hidden in it.

Exactly my thoughts as soon as the first photo popped up Eric 

CC

[Bernd]

I'll agree with turning it into a tapping tool. 

Bernd

[dsquire]

I hate to be like everybody else but what else could you use it for except maybe a drill press? 

Cheers 

Don

[John Hill]

I think it has survived long enough to deserve a dignified old age!   Please keep it like it is or restore it.

[trevoratxtal]

Hello Joe
I am thinking that one is an idler that the belt could be shifted onto. to stop power to the quill. The "U" shaped bit slides back and forth for shifting the belt. The shape of the pulleys suggest a round belt was used to drive it
You have it just right.
Apart from a taping tool leave a large countersink tool in it put a large wheel or handle on the top( in place of the bush with the screw) and have quick cleanups.
Yes a lovely old lady needs TLC.
Trevor

[75Plus]

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping someone might have some information or at least thoughts on its ancestry. This thing is only a few steps away from the bow drills. I was wondering if maybe it was from the era of the foot treadle driven lathes.

[Rob.Wilson]

Hi Joe

I have one similar , its a bit bent in places ,,,,,,,,,one day i will get round to fixing it up  job # 1872626626


Cheers Rob

Edit ,, there was no point putting the tape there for scale , great camera skills