I found a Rockwell model 15-665 drill press on Craigslist. They're asking $350. The drill looks like its been well taken care of, but is this a good drill and is it worth $350?
Thanks.
I found a Rockwell model 15-665 drill press on Craigslist. They're asking $350. The drill looks like its been well taken care of, but is this a good drill and is it worth $350?
Thanks.
I can't speak for that drill press, but Rockwell machines from that era were excellent machines.
I don't have much regard for the new stuff being sold under the Rockwell name currently. The old Rockwell was Delta.
The older Rockwell equipment was good but I would think the $350 is too high . Not really sure what drill press go for today last one I bought was 20 + years back. I would offer $100 not much more for a used machine
Give it a thorough once-over to make sure it's in good working order and that no important parts are missing, but I agree that machines from that time period tended to be built like tanks. About a month ago I bought a different model Rockwell/Delta drill press (15-655) for a little less than the asking price for the one you're looking at. Mine needed a repair to one of the pulleys, and I expanded that job into an all-out takedown, bearing replacement, repaint and restore, but it is a solid machine that I'll be happy with for a long time.
You can probably find the manual for the 15-665 at www.vintagemachinery.org, and lots of advice and expertise at www.owwm.org. Several of the members here are also members there.
Chuck Taylor
Thanks for all of the feedback. I've been looking at drill presses for a while and it is extremely hard to find anything that look decent for less than $300. The guy selling it just bought an old Powermatic and completely restored it so I'm thinking that this Rockwell is probably worth at least $300. Thanks again everyone.
I have one very similar that I paid 250 for 20 years ago. TEFC motor, 6 inch drilling depth. Only complaint is that the table doesn't tilt and doesn't have a crank to move up/down. It's a solid machine made in a day when Rockwell was good stuff.
This is a sad commentary on things. Delta, Rockwell, and Porter Cable was the gold standard.Originally Posted by Dave Cullen
Last edited by Chris Padilla; 04-11-2014 at 12:19 PM.
I just bought a Porter Cable floor mount drill press from Lowes, PCB660DP and it is one heck of a deal for the price $329. You might want to check it out first, it gets great reviews.
Its an excellent drill press as long as the motor and spindle bearings are in good shape. I have a similar Rockwell, same head casting, but a bench model with a tilting table. Hardly any of those old ones had a crank for the table, I've only seen them as add on accessories for the older drill presses.
If its in good running condition I wouldn't really balk at the price, but that's me.
These were discontinued about 15 years ago.
I've seen them new in the box on eBay for 3 grand. Beats ANYTHING you can buy today.
Rebuild is easy.
The last of the US made Delta basic 15" drill presses were $3-4,000 three years ago. $3,000 for that Delta on eBay is not unreasonable.
There are still a few US made units around but they are about that price. I would take an Ellis as a better unit for slightly less. An example: http://www.ellissaw.com/Drill-Presse...ill-press-9400