Auger Bits

[sometoyotaguy]

I've been collecting these for awhile, and didn't realize how many I had.

I've started, cleaning and sharpening them, but still have a few missing. They are mostly Irwin and Russel Jennings in various states of usefulness. Most were either improperly sharpened, or damaged in some way. Is there a good way to clean up the threads for the screw tip? I've tried using a small triangular file with limited success.

Some of the adjustable bits are missing the inserts. Are those available as replacements anywhere, or should I just keep an eye out for usable ones at yard sales?

 

[pendragon1998]

Nice collection. I want to get set up with a brace and bit set as well. I keep an eye out when antiquing.

As usual, Paul Sellers can speak on the subject:
http://paulsellers.com/2014/12/questions-answered-on-brace-and-bits/

 

[Tireman]

I have alot of augers too. Every time I buy some at a yard sale the owner or someone says "just cut the end off and you can use it in a drill" I just agree and go on.

 

[woody 73]

A long story short version...

Some years back I met an ice salesman that sold ice to the tribes up at the North Pole and he sold Hot burning Lava to the people under Volcanos (think along pet rocks)...Man could that guy sell.

All I wanted was a drill and that guy figured out that among all his junk drills the one I wanted was pure gold and he wanted $50.00 dollars; I said no way $20.00 dollars and that was all I was willing to pay. He kept throwing tons of junk in the pile of which are the following rusty (all cleaned by me) Auger drill bits.

In case you are wondering I paid him the $50.00 for the drill and he gave me another very old drill that another GJ member needed for parts; After not hearing anything from that member I gave the drill away to a kid that wanted to learn woodworking so it went to a good home in the end.

 

[trainman1385]

I soaked mine in citric acid and the washed them off, then I hit them with a wire wheel on my bench grinder. They cleaned up nicely and then I sharpened them.

 

[NY_treeguy]

Get an auger bit file....you will be glad you did. If the lead screw isn't too messed up, a needle file will work.

PM me a list of what you are missing. I must have 100 "extras" that I can't bear to scrap. I'd be happy to give them a new home.

 

[sometoyotaguy]

Get an auger bit file....you will be glad you did. If the lead screw isn't too messed up, a needle file will work.

PM me a list of what you are missing. I must have 100 "extras" that I can't bear to scrap. I'd be happy to give them a new home.

Thanks. I do have one that I have used to sharpen a few. Some seem to be responding better than others to sharpening. Like anything, it's a bit of a learning process.

I'm still doing a bit of an inventory, but I'll try to get a list together.