Here is an excellent example of this top quality drill from Fobco. They literally don’t make them like this any more which is why these, and the other drills made by Fobco are now holding their value very well, and command excellent prices.
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This one, as well as being in excellent overall condition has the added benefit of having a three phase 1/2 horsepower motor complete with a converter, so it offers a full range of variable speeds without ever changing a belt.
The motor is an American built Baldor reliance which is continuously rated.
The motor and convertor look virtually brand new, and have been fitted to the machine very well. I haven’t found a UK price for these motors, but an American site comes in at just over $400. When you consider that a comparable Chinese motor can be bought for around £120, this suggests that you are really buying absolute top quality. The power convertor is made by the same company, but interestingly, is actually made in the UK, but they are an American company. The motor also has the original 4 step pulley fitted.
I have never had one of these before, and was always curious why they fetch such a premium price. Now I know. I stripped this one down to transport it as I often do with larger items. The head, and the table easily come off, and go back on again. What comes as a complete surprise is that I can barely lift the head with the motor on, and struggle with the base. They are incredibly heavy. Put the whole lot together, and I can barely move it. The vertical shaft is solid bar, and somehow, all the castings are just really heavy.
The only sign of use is the ring of drill marks in the table. Something you’ll see in almost every machine with any real vintage. It doesn’t detract from the overall impression that this is a truly awesome machine, and probably the best you can get. The paint job is a matt grey which has few chips and is in very good condition. It runs very smoothly, and steps up through the speeds easily. I believe that these phase conversions, as well as being smoother, offer constant power throughout the range, so the torque will be phenomenal.
The column appears to have surface rust. Not unusual. Look at the picture with the head off which shows the perfect condition underneath.
And there is a very long, armoured type cable fitted. It’s around 8ft long.
The chuck key is present, but nothing else is offered with the machine.
I haven’t set a price for this. I have seen what the basic machines can sell for in good condition, but this is so much more. This is a top quality machine with probably the best quality conversion money can buy. If you are interested, make me a sensible offer. I can only refuse. I’m prepared to ship, but this would be a little costly. I do various road trips quite frequently to the midlands, and M4 corridor, so quite happy to deliver, but you’ll have to wait at least a few weeks for it.
Another consideration, which I may consider myself if I don’t get any interest, is to take the motor conversion, fit this to a lathe, and put the Fobco back to original with a decent motor. I’ll still get a decent price with just a basic motor, so I’m afraid I do expect a premium for the current set up.
