Millers Falls breast drill

[Cliff Towle]

No. 293
Two-speed breast drill Rod-type frame; spring release buttons (http://oldtoolheaven.com/breast_drills/drillimages/twobutton2.jpg) allow speed change without removing drill from work; stained hardwood handles; ball thrust bearing; adjustable breast plate contoured to fit hand; auxiliary breast plate (http://oldtoolheaven.com/breast_drills/drillimages/AuxiliaryBreastPlate.jpg) can be clamped over regular breast plate for comfort during heavy work; three-jaw, spring-type chuck adjustable 0 to 3/8 inch. Cast iron frame parts and breast plate painted black; drive gear red.
Optional D-type handle (http://oldtoolheaven.com/breast_drills/drillimages/Dhandle.jpg) available 1922-1929. Identical to No. 29 except that maximum chuck capacity is 3/8 rather 1/2 inch.

info shamelessly copied from oldtoolheaven.com

I don't remember just where/when I acquired this drill, but it is fully functional. Debating on restoring. Is this sort of tool too common to bother posting here?

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa157/cliffstreecare/IMG_0453-1.jpg (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/%3Ca%20href=)">
http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa157/cliffstreecare/IMG_0454-1.jpg (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/%3Ca%20href=)">

[Matt Evans]

Cliff,

No tool is "too common" to have a thread about the restoration process. In fact, you could argue that the more common a tool is, particularly when they are found in need of restoration, the more such a thread is needed.

I wouldn't mind a thread on the restoration process. I know how I do/would do it, but I have picked tips up from others here that I just never thought of.

[Brian Kent]

I would appreciate your post on refurbishing the drill. My cousin just gave me his father's drill, which is this same model. I'll have to check the chuck capacity though.

My front handle is missing and the crank handle is covered with electricians tape, so I would be interested to find out what kind of wood it is.

My paint is gone on the crank and there are just a few flecks of black paint left on the breast plate.

This is the first time I had seen or heard of the two-speed design.

Brian

[Cliff Towle]

Hey Matt, thanks for the reply. I was just figuring on taking it apart, cleaning with diesel, sanding & finishing the wood handles, then re-painting the red gear. Wonder if there are stencils or excellent pictures around for the printing on the gear.

BTW - I like your bench! That's about my speed & style. :)

[Cliff Towle]

Brian, go to that website on my first post. They have tons of the Millers Falls tools listed.

[Mike Holbrook]

I have purchased 6-8 braces and drills in the last few months on Ebay. I am in the process of restoring them. Some were bought in rough shape as possible parts sources. I have 3 different Yankee 1530 drills. I hope I end up with at least one good functional drill. I have run several threads on this subject recently. The link below is to discussion on restoration chemicals, materials, methods, techniques...

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=124120

[Cliff Towle]

Mike, thanks for the post. I'm printing off the other thread & will start on my project. I also went to ebay and saw a lot of MF breast drills. Had to close that site - too much drool going down my chin. :)

[Johnny Kleso]

Here is an Eggbeater Restoration

http://www.wkfinetools.com/z_tDownL/restoration/eggBitter/eggBitter.asp

Download the PDF file

[Jim Koepke]

Too common? No such thing.

Restoration threads always seem to have something new to inspire or teach the rest of us.

jim