Ellis 9400 Drill Press Manual: What You Should Check Before Any Service Work
The Ellis 9400 sits above the Ellis 9000 in the Ellis drill press lineup — a heavier, more capable machine designed for demanding production environments. If you’re servicing one or trying to understand its capabilities before buying used, this guide covers what matters.
The Ellis 9400 vs. Ellis 9000
Both are Ellis floor-standing drill presses, but the 9400 is a step up in capacity:
| Feature | Ellis 9000 | Ellis 9400 |
|---|---|---|
| Swing | Standard floor press | Larger / longer throat |
| Motor | 3/4 HP typical | 1 HP or larger |
| Table | Large T-slot cast iron | Larger T-slot cast iron |
| Build | Heavy industrial | Heavy industrial |
| Use case | Metalwork, woodwork | Heavy production metalwork |
The exact specifications depend on the production year. Get the spec sheet from Ellis for your specific serial number.
Finding the Manual
Ellis Manufacturing is still in operation. This is the most important fact about sourcing an Ellis 9400 manual:
- ellismfg.com — Ellis’s official website
- Direct contact — call or email Ellis with your serial number
- eReplacementParts.com — may have supplemental parts diagrams
For a machine of this caliber and price point, always go to the manufacturer first. Ellis’s customer service is known to be accessible and knowledgeable.
Pre-Service Inspection Checklist
Before any service work on an Ellis 9400:
- Confirm the serial number — tell Ellis when you call
- Identify the motor specification — note HP, voltage, frame size from the motor nameplate
- Identify the spindle taper — MT2 or MT3; measure to confirm
- Check belt condition — look for cracking, glazing, stretch
- Check spindle runout — install a precision rod in the chuck and use a dial indicator
- Inspect the table — check table clamp for secure hold, rack for wear
Chuck and Arbor
For MT2 versions: JT33 keyed chuck on a standard MT2 arbor. For MT3 versions: MT3 chuck arbor. Chuck key: replacement chuck key matching your chuck’s pinion hole.
Belt Replacement
Ellis 9400 belts are industrial V-belt sizes. The manual will specify the belt. A link belt is a practical upgrade for the same reasons it works on any other drill press: no splice joint, adjustable length, reduced vibration.
Workholding
The Ellis 9400’s large table supports serious workholding. A Palmgren drill press vise or a 4-inch precision vise are both appropriate depending on your typical work.
Lighting
A magnetic LED work light on the column gives you task lighting exactly where you need it for layout work.
Bottom Line
The Ellis 9400 is a machine built for decades of production service. Parts and documentation come from Ellis directly. Everything else — chucks, keys, belts, bearings — is standard industrial stock.
SEO Metadata
