Alice, my provisional plans are to knock up a cradle for the 45 bodies from scraps, to hold one at a time 'rigidly' on its side, pin face on upper surface. I aim then to use my x/y tatty drill vice to manoever the pin centrally under the smallest drill bit I posess, spinning at just sub-sponic speed in the drill press. I hope (hollow laughter) to drill a small (pilot) hole reasonably central in the pin, then change bits for summat similar in diameter to brass pin and.....wack away......until the pin is completely bored out. Yes, I know you should modify a drill tip for brass and that the heat generated could set fire to the handle.
I am also renewing my Premier subscription to St Jude; you know, the one with the 'any and every circumstance, anywhere, anytime' clause, specially pertaining to much loved tools that you really like.....
Having said that, I am the direct blood descendent of the Murphy, Sod and Parkinson families. I am therefore quite certain that, if I put my efforts onto 'the tube' (come back Muriel and Jools) there will be several acres of woodies cackling madly and chanting "TOLD YOU!!"
I am trying to preserve the original handles as much as possible, despite the fact they look as if they were used to re-seat steam locomotive wheels on their axles at some point. I reckon the nearer original dimensions I can get 'em off, the less fettling, scraping, sanding, I'll have to do.
God, don't you just love an optimist.....please?
Sam