Acquired a 1940s era 17" Delta press some years ago, for $300. Had some bad runout, so I had hammersmith redo the spindle at about $200. It seems the 1/2 hp original motor has bad bearings also (more runout), and will cost $1000 to have them replaced. Ouch.

I can't see dropping that kinda money on this, especially when speed changes are done by moving the belt.

While I like the vintage 300 pound weight, its not my favorite, most-used tool, and is relegated to rough drilling. Does it make sense, and at what cost might it be, to replace the motor and go with a VFD? New floor drill presses are 1500 bucks, and up, and that's a lot for a tool that is not used all that much.

Any thoughts?

TIA