I'm on the look out for a new (to me) pillar drill and the first I'm taking a look at is this weekend; a bench mounted Startrite Mercury - 3 phase.
For any that can help or have experience of; I have a couple of questions:
Inspecting
• Wind the Quill right down and give it a good wobble for play
• Hand turn and check for play in the motor arbour (belt off)
• General visual inspection and check points of adjustment (bed rise & fall, pulley lock, stops, etc.)
• Are the quill bearing common (should they need replacing)
Any other characteristic problems I should be looking out for?
Power
I do have the option to run the machine on 3 phase (mainly for woodwork, with v.occasional metal) however is it worth considering converting to single? I've seen users add a digital converter for accurate and easy speed control.
• Would a convertor be expensive?
• Make a big difference? (assuming the belt change on a Startrite is straight forward?)
Many thanks,
Jim