Thread: Richardson Drill Press

JohnQ
yours looks likes its in good nick. Definately looks lke a Richardson so maybe they had a name change in the later years. I've had a bit of a search on the net but there is virtually nothing about them. Came across a job advert from 1947 where they wanted a moulder to work in "A modern foundry". That was about it.
Looking at your pics I reckon the machine at my work would have had the same pulley on the motor originally. Why it was changed is anyones guess. Could be as simple as someone pinched the pulley and that was all they could find to replace it.

regards
bollie7

Bollie7

I asked an old work mate at a reunion last year, he said it was agout 50 year old.
The only upkeep I've done on it is to change the top belt 18mths ago, fix the taper & give it a wipe over.

Will try & get some speed readings later today.

Regards
JohnQ

Bollie7

Finally got a few RPM readings. When trying this on Friday I had it set to the lowest speed. Turned it on, motor was laboring with the reduction, turned to pickup the tacho & returned to see smoke starting to come from the motor. Turned it off.

No time like the present to upgrade to the other motor which was 3/4hp & not a 1/2/hp as thought. Think I will definately need to clamp everything now with the extra power. The old motor still runs but the start winding is a bit scorched.
Here's some of the speeds.
76 - 142 - 220 - 347 - 554 - 554 - 1300

Must agree the belt tensioning is a pain.

Regards
JohnQ

OOh No, you let the smoke out. I've had a couple of elecos tell me that once you let the smoke out of something they are never the same.lol. I saw an april fools day thing once at an electrical wholesaler where thay had a a brochure advertising coloured smoke in cans.
Your has a lot lower speed than low on mine I think
regards
bollie7

Congratulations JohnQ,

You have the nicest and newest looking Richardson/Sterling Drill I have ever seen (apart from that motor which isn't original any way).

They were great Aussie made drills - pity not made any more unfortunately like a lot of things we once manufactured.

I have had a few Richardson Drill over my time which I sold off, some as spares. Here is a few pictures of them if it is of help.

Regards,
Keith.

I think they must be a generic thing, I have one very similar to what keith posted but it's a paper drill. It has a nameplate that says Bristol Industries.

Do you happen to have a spare spindle available Keith? If not anyone else know where I may find something?

Thanks

Hi Com_VC,
I sold thoes parts a while ago now, but these types of Drills come up all the time on Ebay so you could do some good there.

Regards,
Keith.

Thanks for that anyway, will keep a look out on eBay.