All About Hand Drills

Summary

This video explores hand-powered drilling options in woodworking, highlighting the historical bitten brace dating back to 1425. It discusses the benefits of hand drills for precise hole-making, such as control over speed and depth, and the prevention of tear out. The video reviews Highland Woodworking's offerings, including the basic and premium 10-inch braces, and various hand drills suitable for delicate work. It also touches on maintenance tips for these tools.

Takeaways

• 🛠 The hand tool woodworking often involves tools perfected centuries ago, with the drill being a prime example.
• ⏳ The bitten brace, dating back to 1425, has seen minimal changes in its physical operation over the centuries.
• 🔩 The introduction of metal and interchangeable bits in the 19th century marked significant advancements in hand drills.
• 🪵 Woodworkers still utilize hand-powered drills for tasks requiring precision and control, such as pinning tenons and rabbets.
• 🔧 The auger bit, with its pointed screw, allows for precise control over speed and depth, minimizing tear out in holes.
• 🎯 Slow drilling enables small adjustments to the angle, which is crucial for accurate hole placement.
• 🔨 Highland Woodworking offers a range of hand drills, including basic and premium braces, and various sizes of auger bits.
• 🏺 The premium brace features a three-jaw chuck for secure grip on bits and a ratcheting mechanism for tight spaces.
• ⚙️ Geared hand drills are beneficial for drilling small holes without damaging delicate drill points, with a mechanism that transfers power through gears.
• 👶 Hand drills are suitable for children and are an excellent tool for educational and family woodworking projects.
• 🧰 Maintenance of hand drills is minimal but requires proper use and occasional oiling to ensure longevity.

Q & A

What is the historical origin of the brace and bit drill?

The brace and bit drill dates back to 1425, as it was found in a painting by the Flemish artist Robert Campen.

How did the brace and bit undergo changes from the 15th to the 19th century?

The brace and bit underwent few changes during this period, with the main change being the material transition from wood to metal and the introduction of interchangeable bits.

Why might a woodworker prefer using a hand-powered brace and bit over a power drill?

Woodworkers may prefer a hand-powered brace and bit for tasks like pinning tenons or rabbets because it offers complete control over speed and depth, which is crucial for precision and avoiding tear out.

What is the function of the snail or pointed screw on the end of an auger bit?

The snail or pointed screw on the end of an auger bit bites into the wood as it turns, keeping the cutting edge of the auger tight against the material and lifting waste from the hole, which helps in precise drilling and eliminating tear out.

How does the pointed snail on the auger bit assist in hole placement?

The pointed snail allows for precision and placement of the hole, as it protrudes as the bit nears the end of the cut, enabling the driller to reverse the direction of drilling for a clean exit and avoiding bit wander.

What are the two variants of the brace offered by Highland Woodworking?

Highland Woodworking offers a 10-inch brace with a two-jaw chuck and a ratcheting feature, and a premium 10-inch brace made in France with a three-jaw chuck, also including the ratchet feature.

Why are geared hand drills particularly useful for drilling small holes?

Geared hand drills are useful for drilling small holes because they transfer power from a vertical hand crank to a horizontal pin gear, which allows for precise control and prevents damage to delicate drill points.

What are the three sizes of hand drills offered by Highland Woodworking?

Highland Woodworking offers a small single pinion hand drill for small jobs, a medium hand drill with a larger crank for more leverage, and a heavy-duty double pinion hand drill with an even larger crank handle and a larger capacity chuck.

How does the breast drill differ from other hand drills in terms of usage?

The breast drill allows the user to apply pressure with both hands and the chest, and it features a two-position crank handle for drilling at two speeds, providing versatility and added torque.

What maintenance is recommended for hand drills to ensure their longevity?

To ensure the longevity of hand drills, it is recommended to periodically apply a drop of light oil to the crank, pinions, and in the chuck gear to keep the moving parts lubricated and functioning smoothly.