Early Millers Falls No.2

[Rhyolith]

This is a pre-20th century drill (my first!) dating from between 1885 - 1894 ( First item on this page: http://oldtoolheaven.com/hand_drills/drill2.htm ).

Early Millers Falls No.2 by Rhyolith, on Flickr

Early Millers Falls No.2 by Rhyolith, on Flickr

It does work but not particularly well, the gears are quite worn and the frame flexes under load a little (apparently). This design was the pre-courser to the more common hand drill baring the designation of Millers Falls "No.2". The later design went on to became one of the most popular hand drills ever and by far the longest in production (1894 - 1960).

 

[Bm101]

Very fancy. Interesting to see how they pared down the design to gain greater efficiency and bolstered other aspects on the later No2 . Nice find. How many do you own now? :shock:

Chris

 

[Rhyolith]

.....How many do you own now? :shock:

Lets not talk about that 8-[

 

[AndyT]

I can see the appeal - I don't think many designers would have dared produce something so un-straight and asymmetrical.
Does the cap unscrew from the handle to store bits inside?

 

[Rhyolith]

Does the cap unscrew from the handle to store bits inside?

Yes it does, always forget to photograph that...