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> Sensitive drill press hamilton vari-matic speed
Sensitive drill press hamilton vari-matic speed
Here's possibly the coolest sensitive drill press I've ever seen! The construction and features are just "neat".
This benchtop unit is for drilling small holes very accurately in things like pc boards, carburetor jets, model railroad parts, etc.
As a useful tool, its wonderful. As a piece of mid 20th century industrial art and engineering, its a masterpiece.
It's a Hamilton (USA of course) model VARI-MATIC. Probably 1960's vintage-maybe earlier:
As you can see, the head pivots about the support column, like a radial drill press. The head is raised and lowered off the table via a crank handle turning the vertical leadscrew parallel to the column. Quill travel is about 2-1/2".
Please note the drill has a foot switch (on/off) attached to keep your hands free to position and hold the workpiece.
The original metal Hamilton stand is included. The footswitch is not attached to it so it can be moved where you like it.
The riser table rotates and is removeable for taller items. The riser is about 4-1/2" tall. Maximum height above the foot (table removed) is about 16". With riser table, minimum height is 2".
The original motor is a HOWELL The motor is 1/4hp, 110V of course, and has a 2 step pulley to achieve the large speed range.
The coolest feature is the variable speed, which goes from 880 to 9350 rpm.
Its adjusted by the cast wheel on the left side of the machine. This moves the head in and out relative to the motor. The machine uses a pair of conical tapered cones (one on the head, one on the motor). As the head is slid up and down the angled ways, the cones move off axis to one another resulting in infinitely variable speed control. This is a very old method of making a variable speed device and not often seen in a functional machine-just in the literature. The variable speed functions perfectly. Interestingly, they're now using similar technology in car transmissions (again).
The drill has 3 issues of note:
The paint is non-original ugly goldish.
The 2 smaller knobs-one for variable speed slider lock, and the one which locks the height adjustment are non-original and have been replaced with straight brass knurled knobs. The originals were plastic or bakelite fluted knobs.
The worst thing about this machine is that it was dropped and the base plate was cracked. You can see below (both before and after photos) that the casting was broken at the back left corner. It did not affect the surface on which the drill column goes through. The base was rewelded professionally with cast iron rod, then ground on top. The bottom of the base was then surface ground to make sure it was perfectly flat. Last, it was painted black.
A true officianado would like to strip, clean and repaint this machine.
Other than the aforementioned issues, this is just a super nice functional and interesting piece that you'll enjoy using and passing down.
SALES WITHIN NEW MEXICO are subject to 7% tax.
(1) Be as accurate as possible in my descripion of an item. I will generally tell you my (subjective) opinion of condition and try not to exaggerate. Please study the pictures as my opinion may not be yours.
(2) Tell you the good the bad and the ugly. I may not be completely familiar with an item, and may not find or be aware of all issues. However, I will not knowingly hide any important issue, deficiency or problem.
(4) Be communicative and available before, during and after the deal.
(1) Understand that this is used equipment. The opportunity to purchase at significant savings compared to new has both benefits and drawbacks. If you require new perfect warranted equipment, please purchase new.
(7) Follow up upon receipt of the tool/machine and inform me that it has arrived.
(8) Despite best efforts, occasionally an unforseen issue arises. If there is any issue, allow me the opportunity to work with you to provide a satisfactory resolution.
A little communication goes a long way...
This is an item that is has to go freight (by truck) or be picked up here locally in the Albuquerque area. I encourage local pickup and can load on to anything you've got. Weight is about 225 lb. including the base.
There is NO CHARGE to prep and load.
