Question about a Rust Find Today
#7
I stumbled across something today, not necessarily woodworking, but I need you guys' help.  I know you can at least point me in the right direction.

In the drawers of a very nice Kennedy 520 tool chest I picked up today, I found literally Hundreds of Vintage Made in USA drills.

I'm curious if someone can tell me what I have, and who I might look for to pass them on to?  I'm assuming they are of most likely to be used by a machinist?  Are they a novelty, a collectible, or are they to be used?

Thanks.

[Image: 00m0m_cVAR2SBDagR_1200x900.jpg]

[Image: 00000_7aEdAV0sr57_1200x900.jpg]

[Image: 00w0w_7UPLmrKWI46_1200x900.jpg]
Reply
#8
I have no idea about whether those drills have any collectible value. But that's a valuable find. Those are machinist bits. The number sizes can be crossed to dimensions by googling for "standard drill sizes". Personally, I would use them. I would buy a metal bit holder and fill it and put it beside my drill press.
Reply
#9
(11-24-2018, 09:57 PM)Strokes77 Wrote:  I'm assuming they are of most likely to be used by a machinist?  

Yes, from what I can see, they are mostly number-sized drills that would be used by a machinist for drilling in metals. If in good condition, these vintage US-made bits are far better than nearly anything that can be purchased today. There are still a few US companies making drill bits, but they can be hard to find since they market mainly to industry.

In my day job, I manage a student machine shop at a university where we teach engineering students how to produce drawings and make parts. If you are interested in selling these, I'd be interested in purchasing at least a portion of them.

Please PM me. I'd like to see a few more photos and will provide you with an email address.

Thanks.
Bob Page
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In da U.P. of Michigan
www.loonlaketoolworks.com
Reply
#10
Wow- I'd keep them if you'd use them, if not, they need to find a good home where they would be used. Those are probably good bits.
There are plenty of bits made today that are just as good or better, but they cost and can't be found at the box stores.

The Chicago Latrobe is still made and sold today. They are expensive bits. The average cost of one bit (example #13) would be 25 bucks.

The Standard tool bits are average bits but good quality.
Reply
#11
I will never use these. They were rescued to be sold to a worthy owner.
Reply
#12
That's quite a haul you got there.
Quality bits command good prices.
As do Kennedy tool chests.

Wadja havta pay?
Gloatworthy or no?
Mark Singleton

Bene vivendo est optimum vindictae


The Laws of Physics do not care about your Politics   -  Me
Reply


Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

Product Recommendations

Here are some supplies and tools we find essential in our everyday work around the shop. We may receive a commission from sales referred by our links; however, we have carefully selected these products for their usefulness and quality.