I have been
fortunate to handle many hand drills model No. 2. The 1903
edition is particularly interesting to me for several reasons.
First, this release incorporated all major
design elements that provided for long production run - over 35
years. Small changes were obviously introduced over time -
spring chucks, reinforcement for spindle housing, different
shape of side and crank handles, modification in ball thrust
bearing, etc. The core design, however, stayed the same
during these 35 years - one pinion, friction roll, frame
design, three-jaw chuck, and hollow handle.
Second, there is a magic in this drill release.
It is the most smooth, balanced, and handsome operator of them
all.
Third, I found fair availability of
this model on the second-hand market. This provided me with
an
opportunity to get deeply familiar with this release and restore
several dozens of them to user-friendly condition.
With that in mind, here is an anatomy of the
Millers Falls No. 2 Hand Drill - 1903 release.
The Millers Falls Company - Catalog "B" Pocket Edition, c.
1903:
"Drill No. 2 is
same in general finish as No. 1, described above. It has cut gears and adjustable
friction roll to prevent gears from springing out of engagement.
The Chuck holds from 0 to 17/64.
Price , with 8 fluted
points...... per dozen, $30.00"
At the time these
drills were produced and sold, their appearance and
functionality was very similar to the drill seen on the images
below.
