Anybody know about Millers Falls hand drill bits?

[Andy Kev.]

I had a bit of luck at the local annual fleamarket this morning and picked up what appears to be a very late model Millers Falls Nr 5 hand drill with a set of eight bits in the hollow handle. I think the price was OK at 20 Euros (= about 16 quid) especially as I don't think the bloke knew about the set of bits as the handle clearly hadn't been opened for many years. The whole thing's in good condition and just needs a clean up and a bit of oil or grease on the drive cogs. (Is grease the better option of the two?)

My main question is about sharpening the bits. I've never seen anything like them before and wondered if anybody knew the most effective way to go about sharpening them. Am I right in thinking that some sort of slip stone or specialist file will be needed?

Thanks in advance.

Andy.

 

[AndyT]

I think a picture would help!
Are they flat spear pointed bits?

 

[Andy Kev.]

I don't think a pic with my digital camera would make much sense as the bits are small and I would need a macro lens. I'm also not too sure about my IT skills with respect to loading a pic. (I've just had to get a new log in name because I ballsed up the old one by trying to log in while the keyboard was on caps lock.)

However, I can manage a fairly accurate description of the bits. They clearly started out life as little rods of steel. Equal grooves were then milled out on opposite sides for about the lower half of the rods. This results in the tip having a sort of egg-timer profile (but sharp not rounded) if you look at it end on. It's most odd because there's not a hint of a spiral. I'll see if I can find a website with a picture of one.

 

[AndyT]

Like this?

(As discussed in this thread? https://www.ukworkshop.co.uk/forums/post695644.html#p695644

If so, they are designed to cut both ways so could be just honed square to the flat faces. You won't need a relief angle if drilling tiny holes in wood.

 

[Andy Kev.]

There's a picture on the website of wk tools . com

Because I've set up a new ID, I'm not allowed to post links yet (hence the spaces in the address above).

They are the second item on the page about Drill Bits and Parts page. Unlike the ones in your picture, these are of a constant diameter. I may have the very set that this bloke is asking so much money for.

 

[AndyT]

Ok, just helping out with your links, you mean this page

http://www.wktools.com/t_MiscParts/handDrills_misc.asp

And this picture

Now, as the no 5 was a rotary drill, ignore my comments about bits for archimedean drills which work alternately back and forwards.
Your bits can have a relief angle, but would not need much - I'd guess about 80 or 85° would be ok.

If your bits are actually blunt, I reckon an easy way to sharpen them would be to hold them steady in a small vice or in the drill chuck and lay a fine sharp file (a saw file or needle file) on the front edge and take one stroke along it, towards the tip where the edges meet. You need to keep that point central, in line with the axis of the bit.

 

[Andy Kev.]

Thanks, Andy.

Yes, they are a bit blunt. I'd like to sharpen them up and get them working simply because I think that tools should be in working order wherever possible. I'll give what you suggest a bash. The odd thing about the set is that they are all such small diameters. Perhaps they were aimed at model makers or people working with other very small objects. I intend to use the drill with more "normal" size HSS bits like 1/8" and so on.

 

[AndyT]

I think its target market was fret workers making tiny holes to thread their blades through. I do agree about tools being better in working order.

 

[Corneel]

I've got the same type of bits. They actually work very well. I find them to be the perfect sizes for pilot holes for screws and nails. Normal HSS bits are often too large.

 

[dunbarhamlin]

Thry're good bits. But if your hands rattle a bit, have a care as they can't take much lateral pressure.

 

[Vann]

Thry're good bits. But if your hands rattle a bit, have a care as they can't take much lateral pressure.

And once you've broken one you'll never find a replacement (they're made of unobtainium). Maybe better to sell them on the bay and buy 4 sets of twist bits with the money raised?

Cheers, Vann.