I think the bearings on my trusty old drill press are worn out. This spells TROUBLE for us folder makers. My predicament brings up the following questions:

Would I be better off installing new bearings or buying a new drill press?

If I change the bearings, how much trouble is it to do?

Where do I go to get replacement bearings?


Barry
Jones Knives

I have only heard of someone replacing bearings once and he was not happy with the job. The bearings are not the only thing with wear and new bearings may not fix everything. I suggest a new drill press.

Don't throw away the old press. Obviously the motor would be salvaged but the stand, riser pole and table could be reused as a rest for your grinder. Geno has a drill press (HUGE) that he uses and you may want to think about an ajustable height rest that will swivel out of the way when you want it to. Just a suggestion.

Use that one for leather work and get another one for fine work.
I have 5 or 6 now(all set up for different stuff) and they come in handy when making folders.

I have seen old drill presses turned into tapping machines, stamp presses, even lathes.

You can replace the bearings, but as Bob said, chances are that the bearings are not the only thing with wear.

I'd say it is time to upgrade.

Thanks for the help. I appreciate it very much. I am probably going to get a new drill press. It will save me time and headache.