Manufacturer
The casting on the head reads:
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Reed‑Prentice Company
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Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Reed-Prentice was a major American machine-tool builder from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s. They made very high-quality lathes, drill presses, and turret lathes used in factories and military production.
This machine likely dates from roughly 1930–1955.
What the Machine Is
A floor-standing geared drill press used for:
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Drilling large holes in steel
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Tapping threads
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Reaming
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Countersinking
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Sometimes light boring
Features visible in your photos:
1. Heavy cast iron frame
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Built for rigidity and accuracy
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Likely weighs 1,500–2,000+ lbs
2. Large adjustable table
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Slotted for clamping workpieces
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Rotates and moves vertically on the column
3. Power feed quill
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The lever mechanism allows controlled feed into material
4. Gear head
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The large top housing contains gear reductions for torque
5. Variable speed conversion
The side unit marked:
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Drive‑All Manufacturing Company
This is a mechanical variable speed drive added later.
It allows speed changes without swapping belts.
The plate shows:
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Low (Pull Out)
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High (Push In)
Size / Capacity (Estimated)
From the proportions, it is likely:
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20"–28" swing drill press
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1.5–3 HP motor
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Spindle taper: likely Morse #4 or #5
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Drill capacity: 1½–2 inches in steel

