Modifying an old style bit and brace for modern bits

[Mikey R]

So today I experienced a failure in slope control :lol:

I was in town anyway, so I popped into the local furniture clearance place as they had a closing down sale on. They had a toolbox in, with a fair few fairly good items.

For a project, I picked up a bit and brace, brand unknown, and a woodie Mathieson coffin smoother. Sorry for the bad photo:

The woodie plane is missing its wedge, but thats not so bad as Im planning on shaping a new one for it.

Later, I dropped by my local tool shop, looking for forstner / auger bits with the square shank - it seems these went out of fashion a long time ago! But, the guy behind the counter suggested that I could get one of those chucks for SDS drills that allow it to use normal bits, and modify the shank a little to make it square, so that it would fit in the classic croc chuck. Something like this, but a little less expensive:

Sounds crazy but it might just work!

Anyway, I thought I'd ask here if anyone else has any ideas? I dont mind modifying the existing chuck permanently, provided the new style hex shank auger bits would fit. I dont plan on buying any old school bits any time soon.

Cheers!
Mike

 

[Tom K]

Hi, I use forstner and auger bits with the "Hex" shank in mine seem to work fine

 

[Benchwayze]

I have some of these 'machine augers'. First time I used one in my drill-stand, it near broke my fingers. The pull from the thread is frightening.
I was going to try using them in a hand-brace, so thanks Tommo!

I'll 'give it a whirl'..

 

[neilyweely]

Mikey

I have a pile of the bits that fit the original chuck, tapered square bits. If you wanna pay postage I can send you a few of 'em, with a bit of life in 'em yet. Up to you, but myself I don't likie the idea of altering the chuck too much; it would need to be pretty precise, wouldn't it?

HTH

Neil

 

[Paul Chapman]

I have some of these 'machine augers'. First time I used one in my drill-stand, it near broke my fingers. The pull from the thread is frightening.

I don't know why they make those threaded bits for power drills - they're lethal. Best to file off the thread so that you are left with a plain point - they work fine like that in a power drill.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[Benchwayze]

I have some of these 'machine augers'. First time I used one in my drill-stand, it near broke my fingers. The pull from the thread is frightening.

I don't know why they make those threaded bits for power drills - they're lethal. Best to file off the thread so that you are left with a plain point - they work fine like that in a power drill.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

Yes Paul.. That occurred to me and is on my 'to-do' list! I made do with spade bits for a while but in the end, I had to go back to my old Ridgeway tool roll and take out the hand-brace augers! A much cleaner bore.

Alla best

 

[Mikey R]

Cheers for the replies!

Hi, I use forstner and auger bits with the "Hex" shank in mine seem to work fine

Ive just reorganised my tool cupboard, so that my regular bits are out of reach Ive got a 14mm spade bit with a hex shank in there somewhere, I'll have to dig it out and give it a go. I do have a countersink bit handy though, and youre right it does seem to fit - I didnt expect it would!

I dont know how well hex shank bits will stand up to full torque, I guess you can get quite a bit of leverage with a brace. I'll give it a try anyway, cheers for the tip.

Mikey

I have a pile of the bits that fit the original chuck, tapered square bits. If you wanna pay postage I can send you a few of 'em, with a bit of life in 'em yet. Up to you, but myself I don't likie the idea of altering the chuck too much; it would need to be pretty precise, wouldn't it?

HTH

Neil

Cheers, thats a kind offer! PM sent...

Youre right in that it would be diffucult to keep the new chuck concentric, unless it was chucked in the old chuck some way. I'll give the hex shanks a go and see how far I get.

One day I'll be investing in a pillar drill, so any round or hex bits I buy now should be good in the future too.

 

[Paul Chapman]

I have some of these 'machine augers'. First time I used one in my drill-stand, it near broke my fingers. The pull from the thread is frightening.

I don't know why they make those threaded bits for power drills - they're lethal. Best to file off the thread so that you are left with a plain point - they work fine like that in a power drill.

Cheers :wink:

Paul

Yes Paul.. That occurred to me and is on my 'to-do' list! I made do with spade bits for a while

Some of those spade bits now have threaded tips as well :shock: Like the one on the right in the picture below where I filed off the thread - much safer like that and works perfectly well.

I often wonder how many people, who don't know any better, buy these threaded drill bits in places like B&Q and then have a nasty accident as the drill bit wrenches the drill out of their hand.....

Cheers :wink:

Paul

 

[bugbear]

Later, I dropped by my local tool shop, looking for forstner / auger bits with the square shank - it seems these went out of fashion a long time ago!

Most modern bits have a cutting action that is reliant on the power and speed delivered by a machine drill, so even if you could fit them in a brace, they'd likely not work well.

BugBear

 

[graween]

Hi.

You can buy olf fashioned auger bits (like here : http://www.fine-tools.com/bohr2.htm) or use some mothern bits with some jigs (like in the bottom of this page : http://www.fine-tools.com/bohr1.htm). You could almost put a thread on one of those jigs/fixtures to set up the chuck you've shown.

Especially for round drill bits like the fortsner bits.

Used with power tools, the rpm should be set very low. this if often recommended. otherwise as pointed ou by people here, could be dangerous.

Hope this helps.

 

[Racers]

Hi,

Car boot sales usually have bits for sale, have a look in spring when every body has a clear out.

Pete

 

[pedder]

Some semi old braces have chucks like this

For these braces you can grind a square end on a usual auger bit.

Not my idea, C. I. Fall, Eskilstuna, Sweden, does this.

Cheers
Pedder

 

[Davejo]

I know this is an old thread but I thought as it's now very difficult to get square taper bits for a brace I'd post this link to where I have just bought some today.

ttps://www.oldtoolstore.co.uk/

I was contemplating grinding down the hex head bits I already have but then found that store.