[TheForge] Buffalo Forge Post Drill

[CGRAF]

I recently acquired a Buffalo No.61 Post Drill .
(The price was practically free and I have this tool addiction.)
  Other than 5 minutes brazing it is in perfect condition, and I am 
enjoying watching gears mesh and the drill advancing.

The problem is that I also have this hangup about tools being something 
more than decoration.

I would like to remove the original chuck and replace it with a more 
modern one.

The old one appears to be pressed on, but I  cannot be sure due to the 
angle of viewing.
Before I try to enthusiastically to remove it can anyone confirm that it 
is a press fit?
Has any one had success making this particular conversion?

Mike Graf