Buffalo Forge Company Post Drill Press no.66

[Larry Buskirk]

That question is a tough one to answer.

On one hand it was part of the way it was when you acquired it, on the other hand it would look good mounted on a recycled barn post. 

Are you going to highlight the raised lettering?

I know....decisions...decisions...decisions....

Just part of the fun of redoing these old treasures we run across.

[Tas]

49 minutes ago, Larry Buskirk said:

That question is a tough one to answer.

On one hand it was part of the way it was when you acquired it, on the other hand it would look good mounted on a recycled barn post. 

Are you going to highlight the raised lettering?

I know....decisions...decisions...decisions....

Just part of the fun of redoing these old treasures we run across.

Oh Larry, making it tough for me  

The reason I’m considering not bolting it back on the steal post, is because I’m not entirely sure that’s the original post, due to old newspaper images etc. 

 

I haven’t considered highlighting the lettering, I would like to keep it as original as possible, but I’m open to suggestion.

 

Theses treasures are fun. 

Who wants to collect stamps

[Tas]

2 hours ago, Cal said:

And the alternative is... a paperweight?

Looks great so far.

Thanks Cal

you're an inspiration

[Larry Buskirk]

If I  remember correctly the drill press was advertised as a metal drilling machine for Blacksmiths.

From everything I've read/seen Blacksmiths were kind of a "Jack of all Trades" so I'm sure they were used for more than metal.

Did you get any bits with it? If not measure the spindle, and let me know the size.

I might have some bits, my neighbor gave me 2 or three 5 gallon buckets full of bits awhile back.

He told me to salvage what I could use and scrap the rest! While being the way I am I just can't see scraping them.

For a look at what the raised lettering might look like highlighted check Shane Whitlock's post in the restoration tips,& tricks section.

 

[Grandpadave52]

Unbelievable transformation Tas. Are you planning to repaint or leave a is with a clear coat? If you're planning to paint, then definitely need to highlight the letters. Larry's link on Shane's method is outstanding and inexpensive.

 

As for the vote, I'm mixed too. I like Larry's idea of attaching it to an old barn beam or making your own weathered beam from a 6"x6" or 8"x8" (sorry don't know what the metric equivalent is for "down under")...most likely that's how it was in it's original state. What's your plans for the table? 

[Tas]

5 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Unbelievable transformation Tas. Are you planning to repaint or leave a is with a clear coat? If you're planning to paint, then definitely need to highlight the letters. Larry's link on Shane's method is outstanding and inexpensive.

 

As for the vote, I'm mixed too. I like Larry's idea of attaching it to an old barn beam or making your own weathered beam from a 6"x6" or 8"x8" (sorry don't know what the metric equivalent is for "down under")...most likely that's how it was in it's original state. What's your plans for the table? 

G’day GrandpaDave,

Thankyou kindly.

 

Definitely not painting.

 I use a product called Penetrol 

But clear coat, I would like to know more of what is available, have you used any type of clear coat before?

 

This is my 2nd Post Drill Press Restoration. And it’s been the toughest

More photos to come once I’m finished.

 

Oh by the way, back to the post. The drill plate on this post doesn’t have any grooves in it, that’s why I was thinking it’s not the original, but I could be wrong. 

[Tas]

7 hours ago, Larry Buskirk said:

If I  remember correctly the drill press was advertised as a metal drilling machine for Blacksmiths.

From everything I've read/seen Blacksmiths were kind of a "Jack of all Trades" so I'm sure they were used for more than metal.

Did you get any bits with it? If not measure the spindle, and let me know the size.

I might have some bits, my neighbor gave me 2 or three 5 gallon buckets full of bits awhile back.

He told me to salvage what I could use and scrap the rest! While being the way I am I just can't see scraping them.

For a look at what the raised lettering might look like highlighted check Shane Whitlock's post in the restoration tips,& tricks section.

 

G’day Larry.

Blacksmiths certainly were remarkable 

They made things to last. 

Scrap, I don’t think so, I couldn’t throw anything like that out either

I do have a handful of bits, I purchased with my other Drill Press, however I’d like to see what you have please. 

  I love Shane’s tip for raised lettering, I’m in two minds on what to do there, looks great, but still I like it plain, unless It was completely painted. 

[Larry Buskirk]

Taz,

Could you please post a photo of the bits that you do have.

There are several different styles of bit shanks in the buckets.

MT1, MT2, some that are round shanks with a flat, square taper shanks, triangular taper shanks, etc. .

Some were probably specialty bits made for specific machines, but I have no idea what machine they might be for.

Most of them are common bits that you would use in a Jacobs type chuck.

The ones I listed above are what I could see just digging part way into the buckets.

I'll have to spread a tarp out to dump the buckets out to see what all is in them.

 

It's to bad they didn't have color photos back when these machines were made.

Black & White photos just don't give us a glimpse of the colors used on everything made back then.

When I was in the Detroit area around 2000 I went to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.

There was a restored 4-4-0 locomotive there that looked almost like it was painted up for a circus.

The plaque describing it stated that it was repainted to match the original colors they found while stripping it down.

To bad it was early January when I was there. They have a late 1800's working village, but it was closed for the winter season.

I hope to return someday to check that part of the museum out. If it's anything like the 4-4-0 I'm sure it will be impressive.

 

 

[Grandpadave52]

2 hours ago, Tas said:

But clear coat, I would like to know more of what is available, have you used any type of clear coat before?

Tas....I'm aware of Penetrol but have never used it.

I've used THIS as a stand alone finish and a top coat over painted finishes but it's only suited for indoor exposure.

I've also used THIS if item is to be subject to outdoors.

I've had good results with both. Not sure what product brands you might have available there?

 

Typically though, I repaint most everything, but I can see why you might choose not to paint this drill press. It does look very good after all he work you've put into it. However, if it was mine (which it's not) I would have to at least do the letters; probably in a bright red (International Harvester-Farmall) but maybe either a black or dark green...but only if it was mine. Regardless, it is really cool! Looking forward to seeing the next phase of this project.

 

 

[Tas]

ThankYou Grandpadave,

I’ve also heard of Rustoleum

I might give it a shot on the post rather than the Drill Press. See how it turns out. 

Drill press is pretty much complete, started on the post now. Soaking in vinegar and bicarbonate. 

And double check the cogs, they may need re-doing.

Oh and I forgot, I snapped a bolt, so I need to extract and repair, which is a pain.

[Tas]

On 11/14/2018 at 10:11 AM, Larry Buskirk said:

Taz,

Could you please post a photo of the bits that you do have.

There are several different styles of bit shanks in the buckets.

MT1, MT2, some that are round shanks with a flat, square taper shanks, triangular taper shanks, etc. .

Some were probably specialty bits made for specific machines, but I have no idea what machine they might be for.

Most of them are common bits that you would use in a Jacobs type chuck.

The ones I listed above are what I could see just digging part way into the buckets.

I'll have to spread a tarp out to dump the buckets out to see what all is in them.

 

It's to bad they didn't have color photos back when these machines were made.

Black & White photos just don't give us a glimpse of the colors used on everything made back then.

When I was in the Detroit area around 2000 I went to the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.

There was a restored 4-4-0 locomotive there that looked almost like it was painted up for a circus.

The plaque describing it stated that it was repainted to match the original colors they found while stripping it down.

To bad it was early January when I was there. They have a late 1800's working village, but it was closed for the winter season.

I hope to return someday to check that part of the museum out. If it's anything like the 4-4-0 I'm sure it will be impressive.

 

 

 

[Tas]

15 minutes ago, Tas said:

 

Hi again Larry

And ThankYou too.

    Henry Ford museum!! Lucky Larry

    Anyway as pictured, the broken bolt, not sure how I’m going to deal with it yet, it’s a pain in the butt. 

These are my drill bits, they came with another drill press I restored, bench type, you can see it on Pinterest or I can post it in here. It’s under the heading “The Globe” Drill Press.

    Not sure I can complete this drill press this year, i have another side project to do. Carving a sign for my daughter, birthday gift. 

    I am about 97% finished on the post drill press too. Just soaking the post in vinegar and bicarbonate. Then check the other components, and the fly wheel too.

    How is it, the older you get the less time you have to complete tasks, but your also sleeping less  

 

You're a great bunch in this forum

[steven newman]

Seems to me...one like this came through the shop...one year..Flipped the picture over, to better read the lettering...

Was missing too many parts...including the flywheel..

Notice the chuck?

Holdall?   Decided to sell this on Fleabay...after I had it all cleaned up....as for that bolt...

Yeah...that bolt.  Shipping was almost as much as the sale price!  

[Tas]

4 hours ago, steven newman said:

Seems to me...one like this came through the shop...one year..Flipped the picture over, to better read the lettering...

Was missing too many parts...including the flywheel..

Notice the chuck?

Holdall?   Decided to sell this on Fleabay...after I had it all cleaned up....as for that bolt...

Yeah...that bolt.  Shipping was almost as much as the sale price!  

Hey Steven

pretty cool looking Drill Press 

no.50 correct? 

Yep that bolt.... it holds the handle in place. 

    The chuck looks like a modern one?

[Grandpadave52]

6 hours ago, Tas said:

another drill press I restored, bench type, you can see it on Pinterest or I can post it in here.

That would be great Tas...when you have the time of course.

7 hours ago, Tas said:

i have another side project to do. Carving a sign for my daughter, birthday gift. 

Of course we want pictures of this too

7 hours ago, Tas said:

you get the less time you have to complete tasks, but your also sleeping less

Working only 1/2 day helps...either 6A-6P or 6P-6A

[Larry Buskirk]

Tas,

Now that I see what you are looking for, I'll take a look through what I have.

Could you tell me the diameter of the shank?

If I remember correctly there were 2 or 3 sizes of that style, some will probably fit my Delta DP's mortising spindle.

The others I know won't fit anything I have, you're more than welcome to those.

 

I know what you mean about it seeming like we get less done once we retire, it seems like we got more done while we were still working. 

It might be the fact that others think we've got more time to do the things they want, without realizing we're still trying to get caught up on that "honey do list" that we put off while we were working?

Fact is our days still only have the same amount of hours as theirs!

[John Morris]

1 hour ago, Larry Buskirk said:

Fact is our days still only have the same amount of hours as theirs!

And the days any of us have left vary with the wind! So get er done!

[steven newman]

From a tub of drill bits I brought home, one year...

Have cleaned these up...anyone want them....

Been sorting through this mess, ever since....

[Tas]

13 hours ago, John Morris said:

And the days any of us have left vary with the wind! So get er done!

G’daY John

Can you actually buy more hours?

Ive searched Ebay haha

Its Saturday and I’m at work again, and work again tomorrow. However next weekend I have off

[Tas]

15 hours ago, Larry Buskirk said:

Tas,

Now that I see what you are looking for, I'll take a look through what I have.

Could you tell me the diameter of the shank?

If I remember correctly there were 2 or 3 sizes of that style, some will probably fit my Delta DP's mortising spindle.

The others I know won't fit anything I have, you're more than welcome to those.

 

I know what you mean about it seeming like we get less done once we retire, it seems like we got more done while we were still working. 

It might be the fact that others think we've got more time to do the things they want, without realizing we're still trying to get caught up on that "honey do list" that we put off while we were working?

Fact is our days still only have the same amount of hours as theirs!

Larry,

 I forgot to look today 

Hopefully tomorrow. 

It's very kind of you to offer the drill bits to me, I would love them, however I’m sure postage to Australia would be astronomical. 

    Larry, I haven’t retired yet, I’m 50, still have another 17 years to go. I don’t know what the retirement age in the US is?

I work indifferent hours, I’m not Monday to Friday, it’s a lot more than that.

 I utilize my mornings for my hobbies 

Edited November 17, 2018 by Tas