1945 Atlas Drill Press – Model 73

I was given an Atlas drill press some time ago. It did the job, but it wasn’t until I watched some restore episodes on YouTube that I realized I had a jewel right in my own shop.

I sort of felt ashamed that I didn’t appreciate the value in restoring things.

Let me tell you it is a wonderful feeling.

Needless to say I started cleaning all my tools. =D

I then started searching around the net to find information about my drill press and found http://www.garagejournal.com.

A user by the name of FrankLee took me under his wing so to speak, and started helping me.

He gave advice from buying supplies to clean and restore it, to sending me parts that I needed at affordable prices. Actually, that’s an understatement because he probably could have charged way more for them.

But he recognized that I was serious and was going to finish this project. And being a great person helps too!

I had a little hiccup with the bearings because I don’t own a press and couldn’t find anyone to help. I finally found someone local who charged me to press the bearings.

It just happened to be the same guy that bought a motor from me.

There was so much grease and grime inside the head unit! It was a chore!

I ended up hurting my hands and had to take a break to let them rest.

This project took way longer than it was supposed to. Due to the lack of experience and knowledge.

This was my first restore, but I was extremely pleased at the way it turned out.

If I ever find a similar old drill press, or any old tool for that matter, I am definitely going to restore it.

It was an honor restoring this Atlas Drill Press and enjoyed every second of it.

If anyone has any questions, please do not hesitate to ask and I will do my best to help.

Below are the materials and tools I used.

I must disclose they are affiliate links to help maintain the website and keep the lights on.

Don’t forget to check out the YouTube episodes too!

Materials Used: (Affiliate Links)

• Rust-Oleum 314558 Black Stainless Steel
• WD40
• Citristrip Paint Striper
• Shop Rags
• Orange Hand Cleaner
• SuperLube
• 3-1 Oil
• Commercial Utility Box
• Toilet Brush
• Blue Tape
• Evapo-Rust
• Isopropyl Alcohol
• Dish Cleaning Brushes

Tools Used: (Affiliate Links)

• Dremel 4300
• Rotary Wire Brush Set
• 6 Piece 4″ Drill Wire Wheel Set
• Wire Brush Set
• FANXIANG 15″ Buffing Rake
• PURUI 8″ 11PC Aluminum Alloy Brass Steel Metal Polishing Kit
• PURUI 6″ 11PC Aluminum Alloy Brass Steel Metal Polishing Kit (If you only have 6″ grinder)
• Goggles
• Heavy Duty Chemical Gloves
• Work Gloves
• 3M Resperator
• 3M Resperator P100 Cartridges
• Hearing Protection
• DeWalt 8″ Wire Wheel
• DeWalt 6″ Wire Wheel
• JB Weld
• Heavy Duty Toggle Switch
• Heavy Duty Power Cord
• JSB Bearings
• Bosch Orbital Sander
• Diablo Sand Paper (40-60-80-120)
• Grinder Wire Brush Set
• Ridgid Grinder
• Ridgid Drill
• 4″ Gear Puller
• Yost Vise
• Ryobi Bench Grinder
• Harbor Freight Hercules Bench Grinder

YouTube Episodes (3 Part Series)

Build Photos