If you've spent any time in a home workshop or a cluttered garage, you've likely seen a 15 craftsman drill press bolted to a workbench or standing tall in the corner. It's one of those tools that just seems to exist everywhere, a staple of the American DIY scene for decades. I've had mine for years now, and despite all the fancy new tech hitting the shelves at the big-box stores, I haven't found a single reason to get rid of it. There's something about the way these older machines were built that just feels right—heavy, reliable, and straightforward.
The Perfect Size for a Home Shop
When people start looking for a drill press, they often get caught up in the "bigger is better" mindset or try to save a few bucks with a tiny benchtop model. The 15-inch size, though, is really the "Goldilocks" zone for most of us. If you aren't familiar with how they measure these things, the "15-inch" refers to the swing. Basically, you can drill a hole in the center of a 15-inch wide piece of material. This gives you about 7.5 inches of clearance from the column to the drill bit.
For most woodworking projects—like boring out holes for cabinet hinges or drilling into the end of a table leg—that's more than enough room. Even if you're working on some light automotive stuff or metal fabrication, a 15 craftsman drill press offers the throat depth you need without taking up the massive footprint of an industrial 20-inch machine. It's a beast, but it's a manageable beast.
Built Like a Tank
One thing you'll notice immediately about an older Craftsman is the sheer amount of cast iron involved. Modern budget presses use a lot of plastic and thin-gauge steel, which can lead to vibration. Vibration is the enemy of accuracy. When I turn on my 15-inch press, there's a low, comforting hum. The head casting is thick, and the table doesn't flex when you put a bit of pressure on it.
I've used some newer machines where the table actually tilts a degree or two if you're really cranking down on a large Forstner bit. You don't get that with these old Craftsman models. They were engineered back when "overbuilt" was the standard operating procedure. The quill travel is usually generous too, often giving you around 4 inches of depth, which is great for deep mortising or drilling through thick blocks of hardwood.
The Simplicity of the Pulley System
Some people complain about having to change speeds on these machines because you have to lift the top cover and move the rubber belt between different pulleys. Sure, a digital variable-speed dial would be "easier," but those electronics are often the first thing to break. With the 15 craftsman drill press, the pulley system is dead simple.
If I'm drilling into some soft pine, I move the belt to the smallest spindle pulley for high speed. If I'm switching over to a 2-inch hole saw in a piece of steel, I drop it down to the lowest RPM. It takes maybe thirty seconds to change the belt position. Plus, these belts are standard sizes. If mine snaps on a Sunday afternoon, I can usually find a replacement at any local auto parts store. You can't say that about a proprietary circuit board in a modern "smart" drill press.
Finding These Gems Used
If you're in the market for a 15 craftsman drill press, I'd honestly suggest looking at the used market before buying something brand new. You can often find the "113" series models (which were made by Emerson Electric back in the day) on Facebook Marketplace or at estate sales for a fraction of what a new one costs.
When you're checking one out, there are a few things to look for. First, check the "runout." Put a long, straight drill bit in the chuck and spin it by hand. If the tip of the bit is wobbling in a circle, the bearings or the spindle might be shot. A little bit is expected, but it shouldn't be obvious to the naked eye. Also, make sure the table isn't "Swiss cheese"—meaning the previous owner didn't drill a bunch of accidental holes right through the center of the cast iron.
Making a Few Upgrades
Even though these machines are great out of the box (or out of the neighbor's garage), they usually need a little love to make them perfect for modern woodworking. The first thing I did with mine was build a dedicated woodworking table. The stock cast iron tables are usually pretty small and designed more for metalwork, with slots for a vise.
I bolted a large piece of double-layered MDF to mine, added some T-track, and a nice tall fence. This makes it way easier to support long boards. I also swapped out the old incandescent bulb for a bright LED. It's a small change, but being able to actually see your center mark makes a world of difference.
Another popular mod is replacing the old chuck. If the original chuck is rusty or doesn't grip tightly anymore, a new keyless chuck can be a total game-changer. It makes bit changes so much faster, and you don't have to go on a treasure hunt for the chuck key every time you want to change sizes.
Maintenance is Key
To keep a 15 craftsman drill press running for another forty years, you don't have to do much, but you shouldn't ignore it either. Every once in a while, I like to wipe down the column with a bit of paste wax. This keeps the table sliding up and down smoothly and prevents rust from forming.
I also put a few drops of oil on the quill every few months. If the return spring feels a bit weak—like the handle doesn't want to snap back up—you can usually tension it by loosening a couple of screws on the side housing and giving it a turn. It's all mechanical, so you can see how it works just by looking at it. There's no mystery involved.
Why the 15-Inch Model Stands the Test of Time
I think the reason the 15 craftsman drill press stays so popular is that it hits the sweet spot for the hobbyist. It's powerful enough to run a big sanding drum without stalling, yet precise enough for delicate work. I've used mine for everything from boring out toy wheels to drilling through thick angle iron for a trailer project. It just handles whatever I throw at it.
There's also a bit of nostalgia involved, I'll admit. Seeing that "Craftsman" logo—especially the older blocky ones—reminds me of my grandfather's shop. But nostalgia only goes so far; if the tool didn't work, I'd have replaced it long ago. The reality is that for the average person building furniture or fixing things around the house, this machine is more than enough.
In a world where everything seems designed to be thrown away after five years, it's nice to have a heavy piece of cast iron in the shop that you know will be there tomorrow. If you find a 15 craftsman drill press at a garage sale and the motor hums when you plug it in, grab it. Clean off the rust, wax the table, and you'll have a tool that might just outlast you. It's not about having the latest bells and whistles; it's about having a tool you can trust every time you pull that handle down.