I picked up a Millers Falls 77 and 1322 this weekend at an antique mall. I am considering doing a functional restoration of either, or both, as I do not have a functional drill or brace in my neander kit.
The tolerances look tight between all the moving parts. The jaws of both chucks are intact and sharp. The racheting mechanism on the brace is a bit gummed up, but everything moves. All the wooden parts are intact and just need a bit of TLC to protect some bare spots. The red paint on the drive gear on the drill has very flaky red paint, I'm pretty sure that will have to go and be reapplied as it looks like there is rust under the paint in many areas. The nickel plating on the brace is most likely not intact either.
What else should I be looking for to determine if these are worth the time and effort to restore? I'm looking for fine users here, something I can use and be proud to hand off to my kids.
They were priced to move, so I'm sure I can part with them, as-is, for more than what I payed. So, if there are better drills and braces to invest time into, I'm open to passing these along and keeping my eyes open.
What would you do?
As always, much thanks!