Photo Index - Montgomery Ward | Powr-Kraft - Light Duty

Machinery Photo Index

Manufactured/Badged by:
Montgomery Ward | Powr-Kraft
*

True Manufacturer:
Duro Metal Products Co., Chicago, IL.

Machine Specifications
Machine Class:	Wood Working Machinery & Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type:	Drill Press
Machine Size:	14"
Submitted By:	William Pierce

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Light Duty
Date of Manufacturer:	1930s-40s (?)
Serial Number:
Last Updated	7/21/2016 4:50:09 PM

Comments:

My son picked up this little drill press at a yard sale, and I restored it for him. There is not a great deal of information on Duro Metal Products, but according to some catalogs on VM.org the company made an array of woodworking and metal working machines selling some with the Montgomery Ward badge but the majority under its own name.

I've characterized this machine as light duty due to the small diameter of the post and the light weigh castings. Nonetheless it has a 14" swing. The motor that came with it is a 1/3 hp Companion brand sold by Sears Roebuck. My guess is that the drill press was sold without a motor, so that the original or some other prior owner installed the somewhat oversized-frame motor.

I disassembled the machine completely, checked all working parts, and cleaned, polished, and painted as appropriate. The top spindle bearing was found in good condition, and the quill bearings--actually bronze sleeve bearings--are serviceable. Another member has noted that the size used here is NLA. Since these are OK, I did not look into custom made replacements. The motor bearings are the open type. They were in decent condition but required cleaning and re-greasing. A new switch and cord were installed.

The little machine runs very smoothly, and runout is negligible. My son would have liked a stop rod; however, this drill press has only a quill lock.

Photo 1:

Comments: Front view, finished
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 2:

Comments: Side view, restored
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code

Photo 3:

Comments: As found
Source:

Direct Link
IMG Code