Fobco Star drill press -

[bicyclerepairman]

I recently bought this from gumtree. I'd like to restore it as good as I can, but wanted to check it's a viable project before I start any serious work. It has clearly had a long and interesting life! I have all of the parts apart from the belt cover - they're just scattered over my bench. I also bought it for a good enough price that I don't mind spending some money if needed.

As best as I can measure, it has 2 thou radial runout (measured at full extension, and measures the same both on the chuck and on a drill bit mounted in the chuck). There is no lateral movement in the quill as it is extended and retracted, however there's about 10 thou of play if I unlock the quill at full extension and give the chuck a good wiggle.

I've mostly used hand tools for my projects till this point, so would really appreciate any advice!

 

[Porkypine]

Lovely drill the Fobco Star, I used one for years at a place I did jobs for, I think it was 50 quid as I sourced it for them.
Should last forever

 

[tom2207]

welcome to the forum , great project.

 

[frank horton]

again, it will last for ever.......in somethings olderisbetter....

 

[Rrobson]

Those amounts of play or movement are totally acceptable with a drill of that build and size. It doesn’t sound like anything is bent so there isn’t a great deal to do.

Should you wish, bearings are straightforward to replace and not big money to buy. I restored one a few years ago but I can’t remember the bearing codes. Paint is also available so you could make it look like new should you wish. Looks like you need to source some belt covers too.

If there is slop between the quill and the head, there isn’t anything you can easily do about that. However it’s a small bench top drill, they aren’t designed for half thou accurate holes.

Good luck with the restoration

 

[Red'n'Black]

I recently bought this from gumtree. I'd like to restore it as good as I can, but wanted to check it's a viable project before I start any serious work. It has clearly had a long and interesting life! I have all of the parts apart from the belt cover - they're just scattered over my bench. I also bought it for a good enough price that I don't mind spending some money if needed.

As best as I can measure, it has 2 thou radial runout (measured at full extension, and measures the same both on the chuck and on a drill bit mounted in the chuck). There is no lateral movement in the quill as it is extended and retracted, however there's about 10 thou of play if I unlock the quill at full extension and give the chuck a good wiggle.

I've mostly used hand tools for my projects till this point, so would really appreciate any advice!

View attachment 507970

I have one of those, good solid machines.

I didn't pay much for mine as it had a lot of abuse and bodgery over the years. I never got round to restoring it, just fixed the worst bits and left the rest alone. Of all the tools I've bought, it's the one that gets the most use.

I got most of the replacement bits from Tony at lathes.co.uk, that was 15 years ago so not sure if he still has any.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[Porkypine]

The one I used to use was put straight to work as it was, arrived kind of daubed over with typical machine grey paint at some point in it's past. no idea what colour / finish they were when new. This one had a 'Hoover' motor fitted, maybe 1/2 HP, can't recall but it never refused to bang a hole in anything