Finding Delta 70-200 Drill Press Parts Without Guessing at Compatibility
If you own a Delta 70-200 drill press, you already know this machine is not your typical benchtop unit. The 70-200 is a full 20-inch floor drill press, and finding delta 70-200 drill press parts requires a different approach than hunting for pieces to a lightweight hobby machine. This guide covers confirmed specs, what fails first, where to actually shop, and the Type number trap that sends owners chasing the wrong components.
What Is the Delta 70-200?
The Delta 70-200 is a 20-inch floor-standing drill press built for production-capacity drilling. Its confirmed specifications, drawn from the original manual and sourced listings:
- Swing: 20 inches
- Motor: 1 HP, 115/230V single-phase, 1720 RPM
- Spindle taper: No. 3 Morse Taper (MT3)
- Spindle speeds: 9 speeds: 150, 260, 300, 440, 490, 540, 1150, 1550, 2200 RPM
- Quill stroke: 4-3/4 inches
- Table: 18-3/8” x 16-1/8” cast iron, tilts 0 to 45 degrees left and right, with clamping slots and a coolant trough
- Column diameter: 3-5/8 inches
- Weight: 345 lbs
That MT3 spindle taper and cast iron production table put the 70-200 in a different category from Delta’s smaller 17-inch machines. Keep this in mind when shopping: MT2 accessories made for the 17-900 series do not fit the 70-200’s MT3 spindle without an adapter.
Where to Find the Parts Diagram and Manual
Delta is no longer a Sears brand. Do not look for 70-200 documentation on Craftsman or Sears support sites. The current home for Delta support is deltamachinery.com. For a machine this age, you will more reliably find the manual as a free PDF through third-party archives:
- delta.manymanuals.com hosts the Delta 70-200 user manual online.
- mikestools.com offers downloadable Delta drill press manuals organized by model.
For a parallel example of how Delta formats its manuals, the Delta 17-900 Instruction Manual at ManualsOnline shows Delta’s standard parts-list structure. The 70-200 follows the same layout.
For parts diagrams and part numbers specific to your machine, the best online destinations are:
- eReplacementParts.com (search “Delta 70-200”)
- PartSelect.com
- SearsPartsDirect.com (still hosts Delta diagrams despite the brand change)
- eBay (search the part number directly once you have it from a diagram)
The Type Number Trap
This is the detail that trips people up. Delta manufactured the 70-200 in more than one Type, labeled Type 1, Type 2, and in some cases additional revisions. The Type number appears on the nameplate affixed to the head casting, usually alongside the model number.
Type 1 and Type 2 units share the same overall form factor and the same MT3 spindle, but some internal components, particularly the switch, the spindle return spring assembly, and certain pulley configurations, carry different part numbers between Types. If you order a switch or spring without confirming your Type, you may receive a part that physically resembles the original but does not mate correctly.
How to confirm your Type: Look at the nameplate on the drill press head. It will read something like “Model 70-200 Type 1” or “Type 2.” Write this down before you call a supplier or place an online order. Give both the model number and the Type number together.
What Parts Actually Fail on the Delta 70-200
These are the components owners of 20-inch floor presses replace most often:
Drive belt: The V-belt stretches and glazes over time, especially on machines that have sat in storage. The 70-200 uses a step-pulley belt arrangement. Confirm your Type before ordering because belt cross-sections differ between revisions.
Spindle return spring: The quill return spring loses tension gradually. On a machine this old, the spring housing may also be corroded. This is a Type-sensitive component.
Chuck: The 70-200 uses an MT3 chuck adapter. A Jacobs-style chuck mounted on an MT3 arbor is the standard replacement path. Verify the chuck’s capacity and arbor taper before ordering.
On/off switch: The drum switch or push-button switch on vintage 70-200 units is a known failure point. Replacements are available from electrical supply houses as well as eReplacementParts.com, but confirm voltage and amperage ratings match your motor spec (1 HP, 115/230V single-phase).
Table lock mechanism: The table lock handle and associated hardware wear out, especially on machines that have been used for metal drilling where the table gets repositioned frequently.
Spindle bearings: These are the most labor-intensive replacement. See the section below on when not to rebuild.
Honest Flaw: Parts Are Harder to Source Than for 17-inch Delta Machines
Here is what I will tell you directly: the 70-200’s 20-inch class is less well-supported in the aftermarket than Delta’s 17-inch family. The 17-900 and similar models sold in far greater numbers through hardware channels and have a larger installed base, which means more third-party parts, more eBay pulls, and more forum discussions with part numbers attached.
For the 70-200, you are hunting a specialty machine with an older and smaller user community. Some OEM parts are listed as discontinued with no substitutes available. Plan to put time in on the phone with suppliers, not just clicking online.
Comparison Table: Parts Availability by Component
| Component | OEM Part Available? | Aftermarket Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive belt | Sometimes | Yes (generic V-belt by cross-section) | Confirm Type before ordering |
| Quill return spring | Limited | Limited | Type-sensitive; search by part number |
| MT3 chuck arbor | Yes | Yes (many options) | Standard MT3 is widely available |
| On/off switch | Limited OEM | Yes (electrical supply) | Match voltage and amp rating |
| Table lock hardware | Limited | Limited | Check eBay for pulls |
| Spindle bearings | Very limited | Yes (measure and cross-reference) | Labor-intensive job |
Who Should Skip a 70-200 Rebuild
If the spindle bearings are scored and the column has been bent or cracked from a falling workpiece, walk away from the rebuild. Sourcing new spindle bearings for a machine this age requires measuring the bearing seats and cross-referencing to a standard bearing catalog, which is doable. But if the column is also damaged, you are looking at a structural problem that no amount of parts-swapping fixes. A replacement industrial floor press in the 20-inch class will serve you better than an endless restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Delta 70-200 model number located? On the nameplate affixed to the head casting, usually on the front or side. It includes both the model number and the Type designation.
What chuck size does the Delta 70-200 use? The 70-200 accepts up to a 5/8-inch chuck capacity via an MT3 arbor.
Is the Delta 70-200 a Sears or Craftsman machine? No. The 70-200 is a Delta Machinery product. Delta was once distributed through Sears channels but is a separate brand. Support and parts go through deltamachinery.com and third-party parts dealers, not Sears Craftsman support.
Can I use MT2 accessories in the Delta 70-200? Not directly. The 70-200 spindle is No. 3 Morse Taper. MT2-to-MT3 adapters exist but add runout risk. Use native MT3 tooling whenever possible.
How do I find the correct part number for my Type? Pull up the parts diagram on eReplacementParts.com, search by model number 70-200, and then filter by Type. Each Type will show its own diagram with part numbers. Match the diagram to your machine visually before ordering.
What speeds does the Delta 70-200 run? Nine speeds: 150, 260, 300, 440, 490, 540, 1150, 1550, and 2200 RPM, selected by repositioning the V-belt on the step pulleys.
My Delta 70-200 quill does not return after drilling. What is the likely cause? A weak or broken quill return spring is the most common cause. The spring is located inside the return spring housing on the side of the head. Remove the housing cover carefully, as the spring is under tension.
What oil should I use to lubricate the Delta 70-200 column and rack? Light machine oil on the column and a grease-type lubricant on the rack-and-pinion table lift. Consult your manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Can I convert the motor to 230V? The 70-200 motor is factory-wired for 115V but is dual-voltage rated at 115/230V. Consult a licensed electrician and follow OSHA electrical safety guidelines before rewiring.
Where can I find a parts diagram for free? eReplacementParts.com, SearsPartsDirect.com, and delta.manymanuals.com all host diagrams or manual pages for the 70-200 at no charge.
Key Takeaways
- The Delta 70-200 is a genuine 20-inch industrial floor press with a 1 HP motor, MT3 spindle, and 9 speeds from 150 to 2200 RPM.
- Always confirm your Type number from the nameplate before ordering any replacement part.
- Parts for 20-inch Delta floor presses are harder to source than for the 17-inch class; plan ahead and search multiple suppliers.
- If both the spindle bearings and the column are damaged, a rebuild is not worth the investment.
References
- Delta 70-200 User Manual, available via delta.manymanuals.com and mikestools.com
- Delta 17-900 Instruction Manual reference: ManualsOnline
- eReplacementParts.com: Delta 70-200 parts listings
- OSHA Drill Press Safety eTool: https://www.osha.gov
- CCOHS Drill Press Safety: https://www.ccohs.ca
SEO Metadata
