Friday, December 6, 2013

The Post Drill Refurb

Dad gave me this old post drill a few weeks ago.  As you can 
see, it is pretty crudded up with 100+ years of grunge.







A post drill was a blacksmith's drill press.  It was usually mounted on a post in their shop.  They had a handle on the right side (mine is missing) that cranks the gears and turns the spindle.  A large flywheel on the left kept the motion smooth and continuous.  It has a cool little mechanism that automatically lowers the spindle as you crank the machine.  This post drill was made by "Champion Blower and Forge Company" somewhere in the 1905 to 1910 era.

I did a little sandblasting, priming, and painting.  
Now it hangs on a wall in the shop in the basement.




 



 Who knew it could shine up so nicely.  And the oak sure cleaned up well.

A few things left to do:  I would like to fabricate a handle.  I also have the keyless chuck that is pretty well frozen up, and I would like to get that working nicely.

A fun little project.



3 comments:

  1. What did you end up making for a handle? I have a similar one that is missing the handle, and part of the ratchet arm is missing.

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    Replies
    1. I made up a handle and crank arm as seen here: http://thingsthatkeepdanbusy.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-new-handle-crank.html

      Delete
  2. I'm Daoud.
    I have an old machine of this type, but I have not information about the name or the equivalent. I'm used to it .
    I will send picture of it for you.
    Best

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