Which Rockwell 17-600 Drill Press Parts Fit? A Compatibility-First Guide
The question I hear most often from Rockwell 17-600 owners isn’t “where do I buy parts?” It’s “will this part from a Delta actually fit my machine?” It’s the right question to ask — and the answer is more nuanced than most forum posts admit.
The Compatibility Problem in Plain Terms
The Rockwell 17-600 was made by Rockwell Manufacturing before the company sold its power tool division to Pentair in 1981, after which the line became Delta. The Delta 17-600 is the direct successor. The Delta 17-900 is a heavier, larger sibling.
Because these machines share family DNA, some parts cross over. But ordering the wrong part because you assumed compatibility wastes time and money.
Cross-Compatibility: What Fits and What Doesn’t
| Part | Rockwell 17-600 → Delta 17-600 | Rockwell 17-600 → Delta 17-900 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| V-belt | Often yes | No | Verify cross-section and length; 17-900 uses different belt path |
| JT33 Chuck | Yes | Yes | All three machines use JT33 spindle taper |
| Chuck key | Yes | Yes | Chuck-specific, not machine-specific |
| Quill spring | Maybe | No | Delta 17-600 spring may fit some Types; 17-900 spring is different geometry |
| Table | No | No | Column diameter and bracket differ |
| Spindle bearings | Maybe | No | Verify housing dimensions |
| Motor | No | No | Frame, mount, and wiring differ |
The safe rule: chucks and chuck keys are universal by taper size (JT33). Everything else needs verification.
The Most-Replaced Parts on the Rockwell 17-600
1. V-Belt
Measure your existing belt — wrap a string around the outside circumference of the old belt and measure. A Bando V-belt is a confirmed fit for several Rockwell 17-600 Type configurations. Verify your dimensions match before ordering.
2. Chuck
The Rockwell 17-600 uses a JT33 spindle. A JT33 keyed chuck fits all three machines in this guide — Rockwell 17-600, Delta 17-600, and Delta 17-900.
3. Chuck Key
A replacement chuck key in the correct square drive size is an easy fix for the universal missing-chuck-key problem.
4. Quill Return Spring
When the quill stops returning after a drilling pass, the quill spring is usually to blame. Replacement springs for the Rockwell 17-600 are available at eReplacementParts.com. Search under both “Rockwell 17-600” and “Delta 17-600” and compare part dimensions to your spring.
5. Spindle Bearings
Rumble or rough spindle rotation points to worn spindle bearings. These are standard off-the-shelf bearings. Bring the housing bore diameter and spindle shaft diameter to a bearing supplier.
Where to Source Parts
eReplacementParts.com — Search under both “Rockwell 17-600” and “Delta 17-600.”
VintageMachinery.org — Best source for original parts lists.
eBay — Parted-out Rockwell and Delta drill presses appear regularly.
Delta 17-600 vs. Delta 17-900: Which Is the Better Parts Donor?
The Delta 17-600 is the better donor for the Rockwell 17-600 than the Delta 17-900. The 17-600 is the direct line successor. The 17-900 is a heavier machine with a different column diameter, different belt path, and different quill spring geometry.
Verdict
The Rockwell 17-600 is a machine worth maintaining. Parts sourcing is manageable if you approach it correctly: confirm JT33 for any chuck purchase, measure your belt before ordering, and treat Delta 17-600 parts as potential candidates that still need individual verification — not guaranteed drop-ins.
FAQ
Q: Do Delta 17-600 parts fit the Rockwell 17-600? Some do, some don’t. The chuck (JT33) and chuck key are universal. V-belts often cross over but require size verification. The quill spring and table do not reliably interchange.
Q: Do Delta 17-900 parts fit the Rockwell 17-600? Very few. The JT33 chuck is the main exception.
Q: What spindle taper does the Rockwell 17-600 use? JT33 (Jacobs Taper #33).
Q: Where can I find a parts list for the Rockwell 17-600? VintageMachinery.org has scanned factory parts lists. eReplacementParts.com also has exploded diagrams.
Q: Why won’t the quill return on my Rockwell 17-600? Almost certainly a failed quill return spring. Open the spring housing cover on the side of the head and inspect.
Q: What V-belt size does the Rockwell 17-600 use? Measure your existing belt. The cross-section is stamped on the belt sidewall.
Q: Is it worth sourcing a parts machine? For major components like quill assemblies, yes. Look for Delta 17-600 parts machines rather than Delta 17-900 for the best compatibility odds.
Q: Can I upgrade the chuck on my Rockwell 17-600 to a keyless chuck? Yes, as long as the keyless chuck is made for JT33 taper.
References
