Which Delta Drill Press 11-950 Parts Fit? A Compatibility-First Guide
Before you order anything for your Delta 11-950, there is one question that decides whether the part fits: which Type is your machine? The delta drill press 11-950 parts world is split between Type 1 and Type 2 units, and while the two look nearly identical from the outside, some internal components carry different part numbers. This guide walks you through what fails, where to shop, and when a rebuild stops making sense.
What Is the Delta 11-950?
The Delta 11-950 is an 8-inch benchtop drill press. Confirmed specs from the original instruction manual (Part No. 900591):
- Swing: 8 inches
- Spindle speeds: 5 speeds: 620, 1,100, 1,720, 2,340, and 3,100 RPM
- Motor: 110-120V, 60 Hz single-phase
- Quill travel: 2 inches
It is a light-duty machine designed for hobbyists and occasional shop use. Parts availability ranges from workable to genuinely difficult depending on the component, and nearly all OEM parts are now discontinued.
The Type Number: Find It Before You Order Anything
The Type number on your 11-950 nameplate is not optional information. Delta revised the 11-950 at least once, producing Type 1 and Type 2 variants. Key differences between Types include:
- Motor design: Early Type motors have a smooth external barrel. Later Type motors have an external cooling fan. These motors use different V-belts.
- V-belt: Because the motor profile changed, the V-belt that fits Type 1 will not seat correctly on a Type 2 motor, and vice versa.
- Some internal components: Part numbers for a small number of internal components differ between Types.
How to find your Type: Look at the nameplate affixed to the machine’s head or column. It will list the model (11-950) and the Type (1 or 2). Write it down. Give this information to any supplier before placing an order.
What Parts Fail Most Often
These are the components that wear out or fail on the Delta 11-950 in order of frequency:
V-belt: The most common wear item. The belt stretches and glazes with use, causing slipping under load. This is a Type-sensitive part.
Quill return spring: The spring that pulls the quill back after a drilling stroke loses tension over time. On older machines, the spring housing may also be corroded. This is a straightforward replacement if you can source the spring.
Chuck and chuck key: The original chuck is a Jacobs-type key chuck. Chuck jaws wear, and chuck keys get lost. A replacement key chuck of the correct arbor size is the standard fix, and aftermarket options are widely available.
On/off switch: The push-button or toggle switch fails from use and from exposure to shop dust. Match the voltage (120V) and amperage rating of the original when sourcing a replacement.
Table lock handle: The cast handle that locks the table after height or tilt adjustment can crack or strip. Replacement hardware is generic enough that machine shops and hardware suppliers can often fill the gap.
Spindle bearings: These are the most labor-intensive replacement. On a machine this old, a scored or roughened spindle bearing produces vibration and runout that degrades hole quality. Replacing bearings requires disassembling the head, measuring the bearing seats, and cross-referencing to a standard bearing catalog.
Parts Reference Table
| Part Name | OEM Part Number | Aftermarket Available? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-belt (Type 1, smooth motor) | Varies by Type | Yes (cross-reference by cross-section) | Confirm Type before ordering |
| V-belt (Type 2, fan motor) | Varies by Type | Yes | Different from Type 1 |
| Quill return spring | See parts diagram | Limited | Check eReplacementParts.com by Type |
| Chuck (key type) | Generic JT33 arbor | Yes (many brands) | Verify arbor taper size |
| Chuck key | Generic | Yes | Match chuck size |
| On/off switch | See parts diagram | Yes (electrical supply) | Match 120V, amperage |
| Table lock handle | See parts diagram | Limited | Check eBay for old stock |
| Spindle bearings | Measure and cross-reference | Yes (bearing catalog) | Labor-intensive |
OEM part numbers are listed in the Type-specific parts diagram. Pull your diagram from eReplacementParts.com or mmtoolparts.com, search by model 11-950 and your Type, and verify the diagram matches your machine visually before ordering.
Where to Shop for Delta 11-950 Parts
eReplacementParts.com: The best starting point. They maintain separate parts diagrams for Type 1 and Type 2 where available. You can browse the exploded diagram, identify the part by number, and add to cart if it is in stock.
mmtoolparts.com: A dedicated tool parts supplier with Delta coverage. Worth checking when eReplacementParts.com shows a part as discontinued.
PartSelect.com: Another option for parts cross-referencing, particularly for electrical components like the switch.
eBay: Search the OEM part number directly. For discontinued components, eBay is often the only source of old stock, returns, or pulls from donor machines.
The Keyless Chuck Upgrade: Worth Considering
If your original keyed chuck has worn jaws or you simply want faster bit changes, a keyless chuck of the correct arbor size is a functional upgrade. Keyless chucks mount on the same arbor taper as keyed chucks and are available from several aftermarket suppliers. The tradeoff: keyless chucks generally have a lower maximum grip torque than quality keyed chucks on large bits in hard materials. For a light-duty 8-inch benchtop machine, this is rarely an issue in practice.
Honest Flaw: Most OEM Parts Are Discontinued
Here is the reality of owning a Delta 11-950 today: you are largely working with third-party suppliers, old stock, and cross-referenced aftermarket components. Delta no longer manufactures OEM replacement parts for this model. Some components, particularly the quill return spring and the Type-specific motor, appear on parts diagrams with “no longer available” or “discontinued” status. Plan on spending time searching rather than clicking once and checking out.
Who Should Skip a Full Rebuild
If the column has been bent from a dropped workpiece, or if the spindle bearings are scored and you also have a worn chuck, table lock, and belt, the economics of a full rebuild on a basic 8-inch benchtop press stop making sense. A modern replacement machine will outperform a rebuilt 11-950 in quill travel, speed selection, and parts support. Consider the WEN 4208T: an 8-speed benchtop drill press in current production, with readily available parts and a longer quill stroke than the 11-950’s 2-inch limit.
Comparison: Rebuild vs. Replace
| Scenario | Recommended Path |
|---|---|
| Belt worn, chuck key missing | Rebuild: easy fixes |
| Switch failed, quill spring weak | Rebuild: parts available |
| Motor failed, OEM discontinued | Replace motor or consider new machine |
| Spindle bearings scored + bent column | Replace machine |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which Type my Delta 11-950 is? Check the nameplate on the machine’s head or column. It will list “Type 1” or “Type 2” alongside the model number 11-950.
Are Delta 11-950 parts interchangeable with other Delta 8-inch models? Some generic parts (chuck keys, generic switches) cross over, but internal components like the V-belt and return spring are specific to the 11-950’s Type. Do not assume parts from a different Delta model will fit.
Where can I find the Delta 11-950 parts diagram? eReplacementParts.com and mmtoolparts.com. Search by model 11-950, then filter by Type.
What V-belt size does the Delta 11-950 use? The belt size depends on your Type. Pull the diagram from eReplacementParts.com and note the part number, then cross-reference to a V-belt size chart from a belt supplier like Gates or Browning.
Can I replace the chuck on a Delta 11-950? Yes. The chuck mounts on a standard Jacobs arbor. Remove the old chuck with the drift key through the spindle slot, and install a replacement chuck by seating it firmly on the arbor.
Is the Delta 11-950 spindle travel adjustable? No. The 2-inch quill travel is a fixed mechanical limit of this machine’s design.
What does the quill return spring do? It pulls the quill (and chuck) back to the up position after you release downward pressure on the feed handles. A weak spring means you have to manually lift the quill, which is inconvenient and potentially unsafe.
Can I use a cordless drill chuck on the Delta 11-950? No. Drill press chucks use a taper-arbor mounting system (Jacobs taper) that is not compatible with cordless drill chuck designs.
Key Takeaways
- Always confirm your Type number from the nameplate before ordering any Delta 11-950 part.
- The V-belt is the most common wear item and is Type-sensitive: Type 1 (smooth motor) and Type 2 (fan motor) require different belts.
- Most OEM parts are discontinued; eReplacementParts.com, mmtoolparts.com, and eBay are your best sourcing options.
- If the column is bent or spindle bearings are scored, a replacement machine will serve you better than a rebuild.
References
- Delta 11-950 Instruction Manual, Part No. 900591: mikestools.com
- Delta 17-900 Instruction Manual (reference for Delta manual structure): ManualsOnline
- eReplacementParts.com: Delta 11-950 Type 1 and Type 2 parts listings
- mmtoolparts.com: Delta tool parts
- WEN Products Drill Press FAQs: wenproducts.com
- OSHA Drill Press Safety eTool: https://www.osha.gov
- CCOHS Drill Press Safety: https://www.ccohs.ca
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