Fobco Star drill advice

[misterfish]

I've just acquired a Fobco Star bench drill courtesy of eBay to replace my old small Axminster machine that has struggled of late with some tasks. I've been keeping my eyes open for a while for a reasonable drill, but they all seem to be a long distance away, 3 phase or too expensive for my wallet.

It's a bit scruffy and needs a good going over but seems to work well. The built in switch has been replaced at some time with a substantial NVR switch.

So a couple of questions. At the top of the head assembly at the front there is what appears to be a grease nipple for lubricating the quill (I assume). How often should this be lubricated and should it be any particular type of grease and are there any other places that need to be regularly lubricated Also, has anybody got any manuals or parts diagrams or any other useful documentation or useful owner tips and hints.

It seems a good example of old British engineering, solid, heavy (took two of us to move it) and well made. Once it's cleaned up I think it should be OK.

Misterfish

 

[9fingers]

Jeff,

A nice solid drill of the fired-clay external-privy style and a fair price too!

I think the grease nipple will just lubricate the sliding body of the quill and just needs a couple of squirts once in a blue moon for hobby use.

The bearings 2 under the front cone pulley and two in the quill body will be sealed for life and not need greasing. Unless it has had a very hard life, these wont have worn much. If they do need replacing then a local bearing supplier will be able to supply these or let me know and I'll give you details of online suppliers I use.

Good Luck

Bob

 

[Racers]

Hi,

I have a Fobco too, cracking bits of kit mine runs like a swiss watch.


Pete

 

[misterfish]

Bearings all seem fine - no slop at all.

The only things to do are to give it a good cleaning - it is covered with sticky grease 'stuff' - a bit like a car engine gets after years of use - and possibly adjust the quill return spring as it seems a bit 'soft' at the top of its travel.

It's good to know it's a reasonable purchase. Originally it was a 3 phase machine (according to the specification plate) but the motor has been replaced at some time with a Brook Cropmton single phase motor (0.5HP). The person I bought it from had bought it from a friend a few years ago to make a cabinet and hadn't used it since. At least it should get more use now.

Misterfish

 

[cambournepete]

Information on Fobco drills at lathes.co.uk (!)