Drill Press Repair Question?

[Tom Norton]

My Delta Floor model DP is about 35 year old. But it has a wobble in the quill. I have used and replaced the bolt that applies side pressure to the quill but it kinda helps.
So I was wondering about a threaded rod that has a spring loaded ball bearing in the end. McMaster Carr has them but the pressure is only 10#'s.
Wondering if an has some thoughts or has done a fix?
Thanks!

[Geoff Crimmins]

Could you post a photo of your drill press, or give us the model number so we know which machine you have? Also, could you give more details about the problem? Is there play in the whole quill assembly, or is there a wobble/runout in the chuck and drill bits?

[Lee Schierer]

My Homecraft Drill press was old when I got it and I discovered that the oillite bushings that support the quill were worn. I replaced them for less than $10 and all the play was gone.

If you are talking about pressing the spring loaded ball against the shaft, you will ruin the shaft in short order. The ball is intended to be a detent and it will not want to rotate continuously. You will likely score a groove in your shaft.

[Bill Dufour]

Replace that bolt with a brass one so you do not score the quill. If the quill is really that sloppy there is no practical fix. It could be spray chromed and the quill housing bored out bigger. Cost would be more then a new DP.
Bill

[Jim Becker]

Is it really the quill that's wobbling (bearings?) or do you just need to re-seat the chuck/taper? I know I get benefit from doing that every once in a blue moon with my Jet DP.

[Tom Norton]

I will post the model number tomorrow and will look more closely to see if there are any oil lite bushings.