Buffalo Forge Post Drill No. 146

by Dan Andrews
(Chaumont NY)

A friend had this drill mounted on a wall in his garage. He has owned that garage for 30+ years, and the drill was there when he bought the property. I had been admiring it and offering to buy it for about a year when he finally said I could have it for free!

It was very dirty and greasy when I got it so I disassembled it and cleaned it all up. The grease had protected the black cast iron parts that still have their original finish. The parts I have painted red were originaly black but rusty. I couldn't resist adding a splash of color. I gave the wooden handles several cotes of varnish and lubed all the moving and meshing parts. It works perfectly, and I use it frequently. It is the only manual tool I have that will drive my modern forstner bits.

I emailed a note and picture to the manufacturer asking its age. They said it was circa 1900. This old gem is my most prized antique tool.