Photo Index - Montgomery Ward | Powr-Kraft - Benchtop drill press, model no.18KT614

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:	Larry Hampton

Machine Specifications
Description/Model:	Benchtop drill press, model no.18KT614
Date of Manufacturer:	late 30s
Serial Number:	none
Last Updated	10/31/2016 1:55:52 PM

Comments:

I purchased this in August of 2016 at a Denver-area industrial auction. It was grimy but complete except for the motor mount. A previous owner had fabricated a clever motor mount which I restored and would have left in place except an authentic Duro mount became available.
The machine had no surviving decal or tags, and it could have been badged either Powr-Kraft or Duro (model B3080). I chose Powr-Kraft because I could make a Powr-Kraft decal and I found no holes for a Duro metal badge.
The DP has a slightly larger-diameter column than its precedessor (Duro model 3080), from the mid-30s, and the base and table are also somewhat larger. This makes for substantial mass and good stability, with a stated weight of 92#.
I was not able to find bearings to replace the shielded spindle bearings, so I used the boiling/negative pressure re-oiling trick using chainsaw bar oil. That seems to have worked nicely, though there is a noticeable splatter of oil when the DP is turned on. If I re-work the project some day (how likely is that?) I'll try to force grease into the bearings rather than heavy oil.
An Emerson 1/3hp/1725rpm motor came with the machine. It might be original or at least period-correct. I re-packed the yarn-filled oil chambers and replaced the bearings and cord.
The original Jacobs 33B chuck was still attached, and it works like a charm after disassembly, cleaning, and lubrication. No visible wear, so it might not, in fact, be original.
I painted the machine with Rusteolum metallic nickle and metallic flat soft iron.
The only modification I can admit to is installation of a toggle switch on the right side of the head.

Photo 1: