Rockwell Delta Drill Press 17-600 Parts: What Owners Are Looking For and Where to Find Them
Sourcing parts for the Rockwell Delta drill press 17-600 is the definitive vintage machine challenge. The 17-600 is a well-built floor-standing press from the Delta-Rockwell era, capable of decades more service. The catch is that Delta-Rockwell is long gone, OEM parts were discontinued years ago, and the machine went through production variants that are not always parts-compatible with each other. What you are doing here is not ordering from a catalog. You are hunting.
For information on the manual (which is your starting point for identifying parts by number and name), see the companion article on the Delta Rockwell 17-600 manual.
The Variant Problem
Before you source any part, understand this: the 17-600 was produced over multiple years and went through production variants. Parts are not always interchangeable between variants. A belt that fits one version of the step pulley may not fit another if the pulley configuration changed.
The only way to sort this out reliably is to identify your specific variant through the OWWM forum at VintageMachinery.org. Post your serial number, photos of the headstock, and photos of the motor and pulley configuration. Always measure parts before ordering.
Commonly Needed Parts and Where to Find Them
Drive belt. You do not need an OEM part. V-belts are standardized by cross-section (A, B, 3L, 4L) and circumference. Measure your existing belt or the pulley groove dimensions, identify the standard cross-section and length, and order a generic replacement from any industrial supplier.
Drill chuck. The chuck mounts to the spindle via a taper. Before ordering a replacement chuck, identify the taper on your spindle (common on vintage Delta machines: JT33 or JT6, but measure yours). eBay is a viable source for replacement chucks in the correct taper.
Spindle bearings. These are standard ball or roller bearings identified by their dimensions. Pull the bearings, read the part number stamped on the race, and take it to a local bearing supply house. They will match them from current production stock. Local bearing supply stores are typically faster than ordering online.
Quill return spring. The spring that returns the quill upward after a drilling stroke fatigues over time. eBay is the best source. Search “Delta Rockwell 17-600” and “quill spring.” Also post on the OWWM forum: members frequently have parts from parted-out machines.
Motor. The motor on these machines is a standard induction motor. You do not need to find the original Delta-Rockwell motor. Match the horsepower, RPM (typically 1,725 RPM), frame size, shaft diameter, and voltage. A local electric motor repair shop can rewind or replace a failed motor.
NOS (New Old Stock) parts. For table lock hardware, column rack, and quill housing components, eBay is the primary source. Search “Delta Rockwell 17-600 parts” and also “Delta Rockwell drill press parts” to catch listings that do not specify the model.
Where to Find Parts
VintageMachinery.org OWWM forum is the single most valuable resource. Post a question with photos and your serial number range. The community has collective knowledge about part substitutions and where specific parts have been successfully sourced.
eBay is the primary marketplace for NOS and used OEM parts. Set up a saved search for “Delta Rockwell 17-600” to catch new listings.
Local bearing supply houses are the fastest route to spindle bearings. Bring the old bearing or its part number.
Industrial supply houses (Grainger, MSC Industrial, Fastenal) handle V-belts, hardware, and some motor components by standard specification.
Artisan’s Asylum (artisansasylum.com) and similar makerspaces sometimes have surplus parts or can point you toward suppliers.
Comparison: Parts Sourcing for Vintage vs. Current Production
| Machine | OEM Parts | Belt Source | Bearings Source | Community Help |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Rockwell 17-600 | Discontinued | Generic V-belt by spec | Local bearing supply by dimension | OWWM (strong) |
| Walker Turner 900 series | Discontinued | Generic V-belt by spec | Local bearing supply by dimension | OWWM (moderate) |
| JET JDP-20MF | Available (jettools.com) | JET OEM or generic | JET parts or bearing supply | JET dealer network |
Who Should Skip a Full Rebuild
If the machine requires a new spindle or new headstock casting, a full rebuild may not be justified unless you have machinist skills and machine shop access. For most owners, replacing the belt, chuck, and bearings is within DIY scope. If the spindle itself is damaged, evaluate whether a comparable machine in better condition is a more practical acquisition.
Conclusion
Parts for the Delta Rockwell 17-600 are findable. Use the manual to identify parts by name, measure everything before ordering, source generic equivalents for belts and bearings, hunt eBay for NOS and used OEM parts, and use the OWWM community for guidance on variant-specific questions. The variant issue is real and unavoidable: always confirm a part is compatible with your specific production run before you buy.
FAQ
Where can I find OEM parts for the Delta Rockwell 17-600? OEM parts are no longer available from Delta. Your sources are eBay (NOS and used), the OWWM forum at VintageMachinery.org, and generic industrial equivalents for belts and bearings.
Are parts interchangeable between different variants of the 17-600? Not reliably. Verify against your specific serial number range using the OWWM community.
How do I identify the correct replacement V-belt for the 17-600? Measure your existing belt and identify the standard cross-section and circumference. Order by those dimensions from any industrial supplier.
Where do I source spindle bearings for the 17-600? Pull the bearing from the quill assembly and read the part number stamped on it. Any local bearing supply house can match it.
What is the chuck taper on the Delta Rockwell 17-600? It varies by variant. Measure your spindle taper or consult the manual for your specific variant.
Can I replace the original motor with a modern equivalent? Yes. Match horsepower, RPM, frame size, and shaft diameter.
Is the OWWM forum the best resource for Delta Rockwell 17-600 questions? Yes. The Old Woodworking Machines community at VintageMachinery.org has the deepest collective knowledge.
Where can I find the manual for the 17-600? VintageMachinery.org and ManualsOnline.com are the primary sources. See the companion article covering the Delta Rockwell 17-600 manual.
References
- VintageMachinery.org OWWM forum: vintagemachinery.org
- eBay vintage machine tool listings
- Artisan’s Asylum: artisansasylum.com
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.212, General Machine Guarding
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.147, Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
- CCOHS, Drill Press Safety: ccohs.ca
