Hi there,
recently I bought a huge reamer/drill for drilling large holes (about 1 3/8" diameter), I assume for timber frame construction, at a flea market. These are fairly common in all sizes here in Austria, and for a long time seem to have been the drill of choice for carpenters and builders. I know also that these types of drills were used for making water pipes from wood, so thy must do fine in endgrain. I bought it to make shrink pots and swedish log torches with. They are known as "Schneckenbohrer" ("snail drill") here in the German speaking world, I assume for the shape and not the speed at which they drill
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I also notices that the standard auger bits that come with braces are not commonly found on the used tool market here in Austria.
So I was wondering if these "Schneckenbohrer" drilling tools are used in the English speaking world, what a proper name for them would be, and any other insight (like how you might sharpen these, their various uses, etc...). Conversely I am asking why the standard auger bits were not used so frequently here in Austria (I assume Germany will be the same). Was this lack of forging technology or industry, or different needs of the craftsmen, or simply tradition, or...?
Looking forward to any insight into this cool tool.
Best - Andreas from Vienna