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Machinery Photo Index
Manufactured/Badged by:
Atlas Press Co.
Kalamazoo, MI

True Manufacturer:
Atlas Press Co., Kalamazoo, MI
Machine Specifications
Machine Class: Wood Working Machinery & Metal Working Machinery
Machine Type: Drill Press
Machine Size: 15"
Submitted By: Erik Sandell
Machine Specifications
Description/Model: 63-1M
Date of Manufacturer: 1943 to 1945
Serial Number: 018871 (View SN Registry Entry)
Last Updated 8/20/2020 2:37:16 PM

Comments:
Background:
This tool is the first I have purchased and restored. I parted with $300 in 2019 for this drill as bundle deal. I feel I overpaid a fair amount, but I guess I really liked the lines of the drill and cool Atlas W68 compound vise came with. It was purchased from a daughter who said her father was the first owner. She had had hauled it across the country in various moves and was happy to be rid of the heavy beast. She did say she remembered a shiny thing that went on top but had no idea where it was now. Tragedy...The fate of all quill guards it seems...sad times.

Machine Info:
This drill is either modified, parted together, or mislabeled as the ID plate on the base calls it a 63-1M, which is normally equipped with a Morse taper. Unfortunately, this drill does not have a Morse taper, but rather a standard Jacobs style chuck. Based on research I think my machine dates in the early to mid-1940's as this is when Atlas starts to advertise a 1M series to their model 63. It also has the earlier version of head that Atlas produced with sweeping lines instead of the more "boxy" style that distinguishes models of the late 1940's and onward.

Treatment:
The conservation of the drill was straight forward as I prefer to retain original paint if enough of it remains. The quill was fully disassembled for inspection and had the oil inside replaced. The bearings are in good condition, so I did not remove or replace them. Select parts were blued for corrosion resistance. The machine was cleaned of soiling and corrosion before application of Renaissance Wax which will preserve and protect the surface. The motor that it came with was shot, so it was replaced with modern 1/2 hp Dayton split phase, it works great. I tried to balance the chuck it came with as it had a wobble, ultimately it too had to be replaced with a new one from McMaster-Carr. It now runs super smooth, quiet and has almost 0 runout.

Photo 1:

Comments: Overall photo after treatment.
Source: Erik S.
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Photo 2:

Comments: Before and after.
Source: Erik S.
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Photo 3:

Comments: Badge on base.
Source: Erik S.
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Photo 4:

Comments: Before and after. This after photo has the original chuck which had runout.
Source: Erik S.
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Photo 5:

Comments: Overall photo after treatment.
Source: Erik S.
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Photo 6:

Comments: Detail photo after treatment.
Source: Erik S.
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