Harbor Freight Tools 38144 User Manual

38144

®

16-Speed Drill Press

Assembly and Operating Instructions

3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011

Visit our Web site at http//www .harborfreight.com

Copyright 1998 by Harbor Freight T ools®. All rights reserved. No portion of this
manual or any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form

without the express written consent of Harbor Freight T ools.

For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.

THANK Y OU for choosing a Harbor Freights Tool product! For future reference, please complete the

owner’s record below:

Model: _________________ Serial No: __________________________ Purchase Date: ______________

SAVE THE RECEIPT, WARRANTY CARD AND THESE INSTRUCTIONS. It is important that you read the entire

manual to become familiar with the unit BEFORE you begin assembly.

Technical Specifications

SKU: 38144
Model: 13 inch Drill Press-16 Speed, Floor Model
Power Source: 120V, 60HZ, Single-Phase,
Speeds: Sixteen (16) speeds ranging from 220 to 3600 RPMs
Drill Chuck Capacity: 7/64” to 5/8”
Spindle Stroke: 3-1/8”
Swing: 13-1/2”
Column Diameter: 2-57/64”
T able T ype: 11-1/2” square-dr y table that rotates 360 degrees and tilts 0-45 degrees in one-degree increments.
T able T-Slot Dimensions: 1/2”
Overall Height: 62-7/8”

Unpacking

Unpack and check contents. Make sure you have all parts described in the Parts Lists and Figure 1 on page 3.
Remove all preservative lubricants from parts with a clean dry cloth.
Some of the parts are heavy and may require two people for lifting.
If any parts are missing or broken, please call Harbor Freight Tools at 1-800-444-3353. The shipping box should contain:
A. Table Assembly F. Head Assembly

B. Arm G. One (1) box of loose parts
C. Instruction manual and warranty card
D. One Bag of Parts J. Column Assembly
E. Base

#38144 REV 10/03 REV 03/04 Page 2

Figure 1

Spindle
Belt is M24

Figure 2

Motor
Belt is M25

#38144 REV 10/03 Page 3

Work Area

TO AVOID RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY, EQUIPMENT DAMAGE, FIRE AND SHOCK, MAKE SURE YOUR WORK AREA IS:

Free of damp, wet or rainy conditions
Free of flammable gasses or liquids
Childproof - use padlocks, master switches and remove starter keys when not in use.
Well-lit
Clean and uncluttered
Well-ventilated

The Operator

COMMON SENSE AND CAUTION ARE FA CTORS WHICH CANNOT BE BUILT INTO ANY PRODUCT. THESE FACTORS MUST BE SUPPLIED BY THE OPERATOR.
PLEASE REMEMBER:

Prevent body contact with grounded surfaces such as pipes or radiators.
Stay alert. Never operate equipment if you are tired.

Do not operate the product if under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Read warning labels on prescriptions to

determine if your judgment/reflexes might be impaired.

Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry as they can be caught in moving parts.
Non-skid footwear is recommended.
Wear restrictive hair covering to contain long hair.
Use eye and ear protection. Always wear:

ANSI-approved dust mask or respirator when working around metal, wood, and chemical dusts and mists.
A full face shield if you are producing metal or wood filings.
Ear protectors

Keep proper footing and balance at all times.
Do not reach over or across running machines.
Always check that adjusting keys and wrenches are removed from the tool or machine work surface before plugging it in.

#38144 Page 4

Before Operating

√ Know the machine. Learn its applications and limitations, as well as the specific

potential hazards.

√ Check for damage. If part of the machine is damaged, it should be carefully

inspected to ensure that it can perform its intended function correctly. If
in doubt, the part should be replaced.

√ Be sure the switch is OFF before plugging in.
√ Before starting machine check to ensure that all chuck keys, spanners and wrenches

are removed from the machine.

√ Make sure guards are in place and working order.
√ Make sure tool has been cleaned and properly lubricated.
√ Check for damaged parts. Before using any tool, any part that appears damaged should

be carefully checked to determine that it will operate properly and perform
its intended function.

√ Check for alignment and binding of all moving parts, broken parts or mounting

fixtures and any other condition that may affect proper operation. Any part
that is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced by a qualified technician.

√ Do not use the tool if any switch does not turn off and on properly.

Operation

√ This drill press is designed for use with DRILL BITS and MORTISING ATTACHMENTS only. The use of other cutting tools or

accessories could be hazardous.

√ Always use clamps, or a drill vise bolted to the table, to hold the work. It should

never be held in place by just your hand.

√ Never force the tool or attachment to do the work of a larger industrial tool. It

is designed to do the job better and more safely at the rate for which it
was intended.

√ Always unplug the cord by the plug. Never yank the cord out of the wall.
√ Always turn off the machine before unplugging.
√ With normal use, the motor housing may get hot.
√ Make all adjustments to the machine with the power OFF.
√ Never stand on the machine. Serious injury could occur if the machine is tipped

over.

√ Always use the correct drilling speeds for the drill size and the type of material

being drilled

√ Never leave the drill unattended while it is running.
√ When turning off the machine, never leave unit it has come to a complete stop.
√ Never hold material to be drilled with your bare hands. Damage to the machine may

also occur if the flung material strikes the column.

#38144 Page 5

Assembly (Please refer to Figure 2 and Parts Lists/Diagrams)

CAUTION! Consider the weight of the components and take necessary precautions when lifting components. Assistance
will be required when assembling.

Before adjustments are made, ensure that the machine is SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED. Also make sure all locking
handles and securing screws are FULLY TIGHTENED when adjustments are completed.

Before assembling, remove all traces of preservative from the components and wipe all parts thoroughly with a clean dry cloth.
Apply a thin coating of light machine oil to the table, column and base to prevent rust.

Column Assembly to Base

MOUNTING SURFACE: Ideally, the base should be firmly bolted to the floor or workbench prior to assembly of other compo­nents. The mounting surface must be flat, level and capable of supporting the drill press’weight combined with materials to be
drilled. Mount the drill at a sufficient height so you need not bend your back to operate.

1. With the Base on a flat level surface, bolt on the Column Support (#4B) using the five 10 x 40mm hex head screws provided.

2. Tighten firmly.

Table and Support Arm to Column

1. Remove the rac k (#2B) from the column b y slac k ening off the collar g rub screw (#11B) and removing the collar (#19B). The
rack is stowed in this position for transit purposes.

2. Lubricate the worm gear (#18B) with light grease, and insert it shaft first fully into its housing in the arm until it is flush with
the helical gear (#17B). Hold it in this position. The worm gear shaft will extend through the housing ready for the crank to
be attached later.

3. Gently slide the arm assembly over the column and hold it steady while inserting the rack down through the worm gear
housing until it is flush with the helical gear, ensuring the long smooth end of the rack f aces up. Place the bottom end of the
rack in the groove formed by the column support and the column.

4. Hold in this position while replacing the collar on the column. Ensure that the end of the rack is firmly engaged in the groove
formed between the collar and the column. However, there must be a working clearance between the rack and collar —
make sure the rack is not pinched. Fir mly secure the collar with the grub screw.

5. Thread the Arm Locking Handle (#16B) in from the left, and tighten to secure the arm to the column.

6. Attach the table crank (#8B) to its spigot and tighten the securing screw.

7. Slacken off the arm locking handle and turn the crank, testing to ensure the arm will move the full length of the rack easily,
without binding, and will also rotate about the column evenly and without tight spots. Note: If too tight, nip up the arm
locking handle and slacken off the collar grub screw. Adjust to give a greater working clearance between the rack and
collar, tighten the grub screw and test again.

8. Insert the table into its housing on the arm and secure with the table clamp (#13B).

Head to Column

1. It may be necessary to unscrew the Head Lock Set Screws (#21A) slightly to ensure they do not protrude internally, as this
will prevent the head from sliding fully into position.

2. With assistance, raise the Head and place it on top of the Column, ensuring it slides home fully.

3. Align the head with the base and firmly secure with the Set Screws (#21A) provided.

4. Screw the three Feed Handles (#24A) and screw them firmly into the hub of the spindle feed shaft (#25A).

#38144 Page 6

Installing the Chuck

1. With the Chuck Guard lifted clear of the spindle nose, slide the work table up the column to within 6” of the spindle.

2. Open the jaws of the chuck to their maximum width, using the Chuck Key supplied.

3. Put a piece of scrap wood on the table to protect the Chuck Nose.

4. Ensuring all parts are thoroughly clean and dr y and burr free, insert the arbor (#14) firmly into the end of the chuck. The
other end of the arbor, with the chuck now attached, is then inserted into the end of the spindle shaft (#13) turning, where
necessary, to ensure the tang on the end of the arbor is aligned correctly with the drive slot in the spindle shaft. Pull the
spindle down using the feed handles, pressing the chuck jaws hard against the piece of scrap wood until the chuck is forced
home.

Pulley Cover Knob

1. Locate the knob with pan head screw and attach to the cover.

2. Screw on tightly.

Installing the Drive Belt

1. Undo the Belt Tension Locking Knobs (one either side of the head #18A) and turn the Belt Tension Lever (#19A) clockwise
to bring the motor pulley (#11A) closer to the spindle pulley (#3) which will allow the belts to be slipped on with ease.

2. Lubricate the Idler Pulley Pivot shaft (#20) and Idler Pulley with light grease and install in its mounting between the motor
and Spindle Pulleys.

3. Consult the chart inside the pulley cover (and duplicated in this manual) and install the belts in the positions corresponding
to spindle/drill speed required.

4. Tur n the belt counterclockwise so that tension is applied to the belts. Tension is correct when the belt deflects by approxi­mately 1/2” at their centers of run when using reasonable thumb pressure. Lock the motor in this position using the locking
screw. Note: If the belt slips during operation, adjust the belt tension.

Settings and Adjustments (Please refer to Figure 3)

Figure 3

#38144 REV 10/03 Page 7

Before adjustments are made, ensure that the machine is SWITCHED OFF AND UNPLUGGED. Also make sure all locking
handles and securing screws are FULLY TIGHTENED when adjustments are completed.

TO ADJUST THE TABLE

The table is capable of moving in four directions (see Figure 3).

1. Raise or lower the table by slac kening off the arm locking handle (A) and turning the crank (C) CLOCKWISE T O RAISE and
COUNTER CLOCKWISE T O LO WER.

2. Swivel the table about the column by slackening off the arm locking handle. The table assembly, arm and rack (B) move in
unison around the column.

SETTING THE REQUIRED ANGLE (see Figure 3)

1. Tilt the table by slackening the Bevel Table Locking Screw (E) and tilting to the required angle. A scale (F) is provided on
the arm measured in degrees, to assist in setting the required angle. For all normal operations, the table should be set to
0 degrees.

2. To ensure the drill is entirely perpendicular to the table, insert a piece of straight round bar in the chuck, place a square on
the table and bring it up to the round bar. Adjust the table tilt if necessary so that the table is correctly aligned.

3. Tur n the table about its axis by slackening off the clamp (D).

TO SET DRILLING DEPTH (See Figure 4)

Located around the Spindle Feed Shaft is a Depth Stop Collar (A) with a graduated scale. The collar is capable of turning about
the shaft and can be locked in place by a Locking Screw (B).

To set a drilling depth:

1. Lower the Chuck until the drill contacts the surface of the workpiece and hold it in that position.

2. Loosen the Locking Screw and turn the collar so that the measurement for the depth of the hole required is in line with the
pointer (C). Lock the collar in this position using the locking screw.

The drill is now set to drill holes to your predetermined depth from that particular start point (i.e., providing the surface of your
workplace is flat and level, you may drill a series of holes, each to the same depth).

Figure 4

CHANGING DRILL (SPINDLE) SPEED

Before changing the speeds, make sure the machine is switched OFF and UNPLUGGED.

1. Open the pulley cover (#23).

2. Slacken off the Belt Tension Locking Knobs (on either side of the head #18A) and turn the Belt Tension Lever (#19A)
clockwise to bring the Motor Pulley (#11A) closer to the Spindle Pulley (#3) in order to remove all tension from the drive
belts.

#38144 Page 8

3. Consult the chart inside the pulley cover (or Figure 5) and position the belts on the pulleys according to the spindle/drill
speed required

4. When the belts have been correctly positioned, tighten them by turning the Belt Tension Lever counter clockwise until the
belt deflects by approximately 1/2’ at its center when using reasonable thumb pressure. Lock the lever in this position with
the two Locking Knobs.

Operation

1. Insert the drill into the jaws of the chuck approximately 1”, ensuring that the jaws do not touch the flutes of the drill. Before
tightening the chuck, ensure that the drill is centered within the jaws. Tighten.

2. Make sure the table height and position is set so that the drill travel range is sufficient for the material to be drilled.

3. Make sure the work is securely clamped. That is, held in a drill vise, or bolted to the table.
bare hands while drilling. Severe personal injury may be caused if the material is flung out of the operator’s hand.

4. IF THE MATERIAL IS IRREGULARLY SHAPED and cannot be laid flat on the table, it should be securely blocked and
clamped. Any tilting, twisting or shifting will result not only in a roughly drilled hole but also increases the chances of
damage to the drill.

5. FOR FLAT WORK, lay the piece on a wooden base and clamp it down firmly against the table to prevent it from tur ning.

6. FOR SMALL MATERIALS that cannot be clamped to the table, use a drill press vise. Mak e sure the vise is clamped or bolted
to the table.

7. WHEN DRILLING COMPLETELY THROUGH WOOD, always position a piece of scrap wood between the material and the
table to prevent splintering on the underside of the material as the drill breaks through. The scrap piece of wood must make
contact with the left side of the column as shown in Figure 6. Also, set the depth of the drill so that the drill will not come in
contact with the table - or align the table so that the hole in its center is in line with the drill bit.

Never hold the material with your

Figure 6

8. Once the instructions above have been followed, lower the drill bit into place and switch the machine ON .

Note: A micro switch is provided inside the Pulley Cover that prevents the machine from operating unless the Pulley Cover is
firmly closed.

Cutting Speeds

Factors which determine the best speed to use in the drill press operation are:

1. Type of material to be dr illed

2. Size of hole

3. Type of drill bit

4. Quality of the hole/cut desired.

Generally , the SMALLER THE DRILL BIT the GREA TER THE REQUIRED RPM. In soft material, the speed should be higher than
for hard metals.

#38144 REV 10/03 Page 9

Drill Speed Table Note: Spindle Belt M24, Motor Belt M25

The table below shows the belt arrangements for given drill speeds (a full chart
is also located on the inside of the pulley cover).

After Operation

1. Remove all residue from the machine and thoroughly clean all surfaces.

2. Make sure all components are dry and machined surfaces lightly oiled.

3. Remove drill bits and store in a safe place.

4. Child-proof the machine and work area. Make sure to use padlocks, master switches and remove starter keys.

Grounding/Voltage Warning

Common household current is 110-120 volts. As long as your tool is rated from 110-120V there will be no complications using
this tool with household receptacles. Plug the press into a 110-120V properly grounded outlet protected by a 15-amp, dual
element time delay or circuit breaker.

NEVER try to plug a 110-120V tool into a 220-240V circuit (or vice-versa) or serious complications and possible injury to the
operator may occur. The plugs have different shapes to prevent this.

This piece of equipment has a three-prong plug. The third (round) prong is the g round to protect the operator from electric shock.
Cutting off the ground will result in a safety hazard and void the warranty.

#38144 REV 10/03 Page 10

Extension Cords

Your tool has a three-prong plug, therefore you must use a three-prong extension cord. Only use rounded jacket extension
cords listed by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

The extension cord must have a minimum wire size depending on the amperage of the tool and the length of the extension cord.
This size is determined by its AWG (American Wire Gauge) rating. The smaller the gauge, the greater the cable’s capacity. The
amount of cords used does not matter: Total length determines the minimum AWG rating. Every cord must meet the A WG rating.
Use the chart below to determine what AWG rating is required for your situation. Cord length is rated in feet. Harbor Freight

T ools can supply UL listed and outdoor rated cor ds in multiple A WG ratings if needed.

Maintenance

CLEANING: Regularly clean the work surface with dry brush or clean cloth. Keep machined parts of the press lightly greased.

Always keep the motor and chuck clean. Prevent metal, wood, dust and debris from accumulating in this area. If jaws do not
operate smoothly, have the chuck serviced by a qualified technician.

LUBRICATION: For average use, lubricate twice a year with #20-30 weight household oil. Lubricate more frequently with
increased usage.

POWER CORD: Inspect the power cord periodically and, if damaged, have it repaired by an authorized technician.
REPLACEMENT PARTS: Replace belts at the

parts. Use of any other parts will void the warranty.
STORAGE: Always remove and store drill bits.

first sign of slippage or fraying. When servicing, use only identical replacement

KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN

#38144 Page 11

#38144 Page 12

Figure 7 - Parts List - Pulley and Spindle Assembly

1b

1a

Item Description No. Item Description No.

1a “V” Belt M24 1505010 15 Chuck 1502009A
1b “V” Belt M25
2 Pulley Nut 1302025 16 Chuck Key 1503010A
3 Spindle Pulley 1305009A 1 7 Wedge Drift 150300B
4 Pulley Insert 1302022 18 Ball Bearing 60202 GB278-89B
5 Ball Bearing17mm 60203GB2778-89C 19 Idler Pulley 1505006
6 Spacer 1302023 20 Idler Pivot 1505007
7 Retaining Ring 17mm GB894.1-86B 21 Knob 1505008
8 Retaining Ring 11mm GB894.1-86A 22 Pan Head Screw M5 GB818-85B
9 Ball Bearing 60201 GB278-89A 23 Pulley Cover w/labels 1305000C
10 Quill Gasket 1303003 24 Washer HD Screw GB9074.1-88
11 Quill 1303002B 2 5 Foam Washer 0805009
12 Ball Bearing 80202 GB278-89D 26 Chuck Guard 1508002A
13 Spindle Shaft 13003001A
14 Arbor 1503007

#38144 REV 10/03 Page 13

Figure 8 - Parts List - Head Assembly

Part Numbers shown here
have an “A” suffix

Item Description No. Item Description No.

1A Head w/pointer and trim 1302001A 24A Feed Handle 1304005
2A Cable Clamp 15020114A 25A Spindle Feed Shaft 1304002
3A Pan Head Screw M5 GB818-85B 2 6 A Collar Depth Stop (w/scale) 1304003
4A Hex. Screw M8 GB5781-86B 2 7A Stop Pin 1304010
5A Adjusting Lever 1502006 28A Connector Wire 1302019
6A Motor Support Bracket 1502002 29A Lockwasher Ext. 5mm GB862.1-87
7A Motor Support Bracket 1502003 30A Pan Head Screw M5 GB818-85B
8A Motor Mount 1502007A 31A No V olt Switch 1502010E
9A Lockwasher 12mm GB93-87 33A Switch Plate Cover 1302009A
10 A Nut Hex. M12x1.75 GB6170-86E 34A Pan Head Screw GB845-85
11A Motor Pulley 1505005 35A Pan Head Screw M5 GB818-85B
12A Skt. Screw Set M6 GB80-85A 36A Switch Box 1302008B
13A Motor 1302020B 37A Screw-Special Set M8 1302021
14 A Hex. Nut M8 GB6170-86C 38A Hex. Nut M12 GB6171-86E
15A Washer M8 GB97.2-85 39 A Quill Spring Cap 1504008
16A Motor Cable 1502016B 40A Quill Spring 1504009
17 A Hex. Screw M8 GB5782-86A 41A Spri ng R etainer 1504007
18A Belt T ension Lock Knob 1502005 42A Spring Seat 1504006
19A Belt Tension Lever 1502004 43A Power Cable 1302015B
20A Roll Pi n GB879-86 44A Cable T ie 1502017
21 A Head Lock Set Screw M8 GB80-85B 45 A Allen Key 4mm GB5356-86B
22A Depth Lock Screw 1504012 4 6A Allen Key 3mm GB5356-86A
23A Knob 1304011

#38144 Page 14

Figure 9 - Parts List - Base and Table

Part Numbers shown here
have a “B” suffix

Item Description No. CDP350F

1B Column 1301003
2B Rack 1301010
3B Hex. Socket Screw Set M10 GB80-85C
4B Column Support 1301002
5B Hex. Head Screw GB5781-86
6B Base 1301001
7B Tab le Support w/indicator 1501004
8B Crank 1001009
10B Gear Pin 1501007
11B Skt. Screw Set M6 GB80-85A
12B Bevel Table Lock Screw M16 GB5781-86C
13B Ta ble Clamp 1501013
14 B Arm w/scale 1301005
15B Table 1601014
16B Arm Locking Handle 1501012
17 B Helical Gear 1501006
18B Worm 1501008
19B Collar 1501011

#38144 Page 15