un heard of drill press- identification help please?

[bollie7]

G'day All
I was at a place today and he had a very, aaah, interesting is probably the best word, collection of "stuff'
In among it was this little machine. At first I thought it was some sort of old high speed drill press but looking at the pics now I'm wonderign if it might actually be a tapping machine. I dont know. It has a nametag ont eh front with the name "Hipswell" on it. It also had another label whic due to being out in the weather is now unreadable.
Unfortunately my phone battery went flat and I was only able to get 2 shots of it. The table is approx 200 X 180.
Its pretty seized up but might be salvagable. I left it there but I know I'm going to thinking about it (second thoughts) for a while.
I'm not sure, but it appears to have a reversing lever sticking out the front which makes me wonder if its a tapping machine.
So over to the experts.
I really dont need another project nor do I really have the room but I can't stop thinking about this lonely little machine

bollie7

[bollie7]

Apon further research its a tapping machine. ( I don't know why I didn't google this first- geez I dont like getting old)

bollie7

[KBs PensNmore]

Hi bollie7, would you happen to know the asking price?
Kryn

[snapatap]

yep its a tapping machine. I've got 2 the same i picked up at an auction. If it has the old style jacobs tapping chuck on it (I cant remember the part no.) collets are no longer available, something to keep in mind.

[bollie7]

Hi bollie7, would you happen to know the asking price?
Kryn

Kryn
He told me yesterday that if I took it then I could have it for $10 - I already have too many projects (mainly renovating an old house) and not enough room so I let it there. Its located about 30 minutes west of Newcastle nsw
bollie7

[KBs PensNmore]

Thanks for that bollie7, was just curious. Would make a great resto project, but I'm a bit like you, toooo many jobs on the go already.
Kryn