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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2020
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    Willowbank QLD
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    518

    Default Richardson drill press

    Hello all

    I have an old Richardson drill press. When I change speeds the motor slides forward on two slides and needs to be "levered" back to put tension on the belt.

    It does not appear very practical and I suspect I am missing something. Please share you Richardson drill press experiance.

    Thanks

    Steve

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
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    6,443

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Reidy41 View Post
    Hello all

    I have an old Richardson drill press. When I change speeds the motor slides forward on two slides and needs to be "levered" back to put tension on the belt.

    It does not appear very practical and I suspect I am missing something. Please share you Richardson drill press experiance.

    Thanks

    Steve
    Hi Steve, Does this picture help ?

    Richardson Press Drill.jpg

    There is a retaining screw locking the slide.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Murray Bridge S Aust.
    Age
    71
    Posts
    5,945

    Default

    Hi Steve, I've a drill press that has a similar tensioning system, it's a real PITA. I'm looking at fitting something like this to make life a bit less aggravating.
    Push Toggle.jpg
    HTH
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Healesville
    Posts
    2,129

    Default

    A simple hinged bracket between the mounting and the motor with a thumb screw at the outer end to hold the belt tension could be an easy fix for you.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Willowbank QLD
    Posts
    518

    Default

    Barron, my drill press is similar to the one pictured, I undo the two square headed bolts and the motor slides forward. It is the pushing back part that I have to lever,

    Kryn, I may have to modify mine to adapt something similar to your picture. It is a pity that they did not incorporate a tensioning device.

    Steve

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    NSW
    Posts
    177

    Default

    I have one, and have never had any problem tensioning the belt. I just put the fingers of both hands around the cast boss that the slide rods go through and push the rods with my thumbs. Maybe the rods need cleaning and oiling.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    If you look at Kryns photo it seems the way to go. I can't remember what the bloody thing is called.Know that the bolt pushes horizontally when locked.

    I have completed this mod with my 12 speed Taiwanese drill press which functioned as per belt tension method - as the Richardson press does, when new.

    I believe mechanism could be easily adapted to this particular drill press.

    Add a heavy duty hinge mechanism . I made mine on the lathe from 12mm round bar -with a 6mm bore with minimal clearances. Shop bought hinges were too sloppy and allowed motor droop.

    My hinge is welded on to one of the plates, (but could be bolted ) the left hand side of the motor mount plate.

    Care needed to maintain alignment flat across the top of the pulleys.

    Mates will be needed ,as I note wife did not like at all,holding the drill press motor up while I fitted the bolts.

    The mod makes belt changes a great deal easier.
    Photos tomorrow as its raining now .
    Cheers
    Grahame
    Drill press_hinge copy.jpg

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    34
    Posts
    1,075

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Grahame Collins View Post
    If you look at Kryns photo it seems the way to go. I can't remember what the bloody thing is called.Know that the bolt pushes horizontally when locked.
    Toggle clamp
    Gear cutting specialists and general engineers www.hardmanbros.com.au
    Fine pitch gear cutting from 0.1 Module www.rigear.com.au

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,443

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Reidy41 View Post
    Barron, my drill press is similar to the one pictured, I undo the two square headed bolts and the motor slides forward. It is the pushing back part that I have to lever,

    Kryn, I may have to modify mine to adapt something similar to your picture. It is a pity that they did not incorporate a tensioning device.

    Steve
    Hi Steve, Guys,

    I've never had a problem with tensioning the belt after a speed change. I just push the motor back with my thumbs. It doesn't help if the pins are dry or out of alignment. You really don't want a great deal of tension on the belt, as long as it doesn't slip, its fine.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2020
    Location
    Willowbank QLD
    Posts
    518

    Default

    Thanks for the reply's, it looks like it may be a case that it worked well when new but it is no longer new spec. That little piece of information changes my approach. Now to find if it is gummed up, a rough surface or miss alignment causing the problem. Why did I doubt quality Australian manufacturing.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Mackay North Qld
    Posts
    6,446

    Default

    Good one, Reidy!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Charlestown NSW
    Age
    65
    Posts
    1,669

    Default

    My old Richardson used to be very tight in the pins. Cleaning all the grud out of the holes made a big difference. For the 45 odd years that I've owned it I've been meaning to make a lever arrangement to move the motor back. Still using a pinch bar. Cant rush these things. lol
    Peter

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