Where to find Auger Bits and How to Sharpen Them | Hand Tool Woodworking How To

[@rhys5567]

You're never boring James.

[@AlasdairGR]

I close my eyes and I hear Owen Wilson teaching me about auger bits. 😂 Jokes aside, thank you for such an informative video. I’m going to start slowly building my collection.

[@WoodByWright]

Lol have fun with it man.

[@xmo552]

@@WoodByWright I bought a 1/2" bit out of a pile in an open tool box at an antique shop. It's rusty as you'd imagine. I'm going to attempt to use it later today. Do you avoid buying rusted auger bits?

[@fernandochavez4312]

These were what I learned with as a kid. It’s what we had. Flea markets are where I’ve found many. Retired PG&E guys always have them in their tool box. Thanks

[@leohorishny9561]

What do you mean?!? That wasn’t boring at all! I learned A LOT about the sizing numbers, and the adjustable bits, and what damage on a vintage bit is repairable or trash. You really should offer this as a matter of fact presentation!👍

[@donhurleyoutdoors]

Tremendous in depth information. I just inherited my grandfather’s bits and brace and this was exactly what I needed to know. Great work and thanks!

[@johnss7754]

Thank you. This is most welcome. Fills in a lot of blanks.

[@Lycan_24_7]

Thank you for explaining these in detail. I just picked up a 17 piece set in the olive drab bit roll. They are red devil 2400. They are in great shape.

[@davestinyworkshop]

Excellent video, thanks. Dad left me a beautiful collection of augers which I enjoy using, but didn't know how to sharpen them correctly. Thanks again!

[@cjohns21calpolyedu]

Thank you for making this video! I’m getting into woodworking and am shopping for my first brace and bits and this helped immensely! I feel much better prepared to shop for/use/care for these bits now!

[@johnepperson8867]

I LOVE these old auger bits (reminds me of the ones my grandfather had). I have been collecting them but never knew how to determine good & bad or how to sharpen them, UNTIL NOW !!!! Thank you so much for this AWESOME video !!!! Yes, it was a boring video...LOL... the good kind of boring !

[@johnss7754]

One can purchase new Jennings Pattern Auger bits that are made by Fisch in Austria; Highland Woodworking provided the specs from the old bits.

[@brianbrown585]

Greetings from South Africa. Not boring(excuse the pun) at all. I just received a brace with a bag full of augers. Haven't had a chance to look at it yet, but now know exactly what to look out for and what to do. Thanks for sharing!🤗

[@charlesleblanc6638]

I really like and appreciate how you clearly show, and explain what you are talking about. After watching this I would know what to look for in a good bit, and how to sharpen it. Just like your cross cut saw video, very informative thanks.

[@markprentice1961]

Not boring...in fact it was just the info I was looking for!

[@WoodByWright]

thanks Mark!

[@rockdog2584]

Thanks for the link to find an auger file. Now, THAT is on my 'Wish List'. I've got some old auger bits that I've picked up at second-hand stores...and a couple of braces. Haven't used them yet, but I'm getting ready to build myself a 'Low Roman Workbench' and I think it would be befitting to use these old hand tools to drill the holes for large dowels at the leg joints. Scored myself a 6X18 by eleven foot glue-lam to build my bench out of just the other day! It might be Big, but it sure is HEAVY!

[@WoodByWright]

Sounds like a fun project. Looking forward to seeing it.

[@johndowning2231]

Thanks! I have a bunch of auger bits to restore and use. I have collected them over the past 40 or so years!

[@imortaldeadead]

Thank you for making this video, now the lot of us know what to look for and how to do maintenance on them 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@WoodByWright]

thanks man. I hope people use the information well.

[@sacobass3453]

You said this was boring, but you didn't bore a single board. Although some of us are now more worried about the condition of our knickers......Great Video James!

[@WoodByWright]

LOL thanks man!

[@garymiceli7321]

thank you i didnt know what the numbers represented and had no idea about the special file many thanks sir

[@TheRealGrandadNo1]

Young man, thank you for posting this concise, informative and most excellent video. I have been working with wood for well over sixty years, some of the most prized possessions in my workshop are the augur bits that were left to me by my father, so, so, useful in a bit and brace (also prized) . Keep them sharp (gently please) and clean and they will last a number of lifetimes, I intend to pass them on not only to my children but also my grandchildren. It is so hard to find these quality bits/tools any more, they are a pleasure to use. Thank you once again for taking the time to post, I wish you and your loved ones all the best in woodworking and in life.

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks. Sounds like a great heirloom to hand down.

[@kennycoye3907]

I love you James! Loved it! Antique shops! The best!

[@ronswanson3656]

Not boring, very very useful. Great content as usual. Thanks again James!!!

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks man!

[@garyschultz4777]

I am 63 years old and inherited my grandfather's 2 braces and some mediocer bits in July this year. Braces are 8 inch throw and in good condition. Saw this video after Handtools 2017 at Amana, Iowa in May. Too bad for me; there was a 5x8 foot table of factory boxed auger bits (vintage). Appreciate your vidio beyond words.

[@WoodByWright]

+Gary Schultz nice. I love when those finds pop up.

[@DustySplinters]

Not boring at all, Thanks!

[@WoodByWright]

LOL you are right never made a hole!

[@DustySplinters]

Also... just as a side note, nobody ever wanted to buy a drill bit. What they really wanted to buy was the hole.

[@WoodByWright]

LOL yup!

[@bentontool]

Thanks!

[@DraganIlich-r1s]

Thank you Sir.Very very useful.😅

[@codybryant8684]

Thank for all the information I just aquire over 40 bits and now I know what to look for and keep and how to sharpen the good ones.

[@WoodByWright]

Sweet! have fun with those Cody! sounds like a good find!

[@codybryant8684]

Wood By Wright was a great find mostly Greenlee and Russell Jennings a couple Irwin

[@AlexPacin]

I lucked out and found a perfect unused vintage roll of even sized Irwin bits 2 years ago on eBay. They are an absolute pleasure to use. A crisp snail and sharp wings rival any modern bit in my opinion.

[@WoodByWright]

+Alex Pacin nice. I feel the same about a good bit.

[@jimf1964]

Excellent video. Enough good information, but not too much. Just enough for someone like me who is just getting started. I saw a full set, in excellent condition in an antique store a few months back. In excellent condition, and came with the wooden box they were sold in. I should have bought it, but the fact they were in the original box made them a bit more expensive than I could afford at the time. I regret my choice now that I've seen what's out there,

[@WoodByWright]

Yeah. Antique bits can be a pain to find a good set. But once you have bits that actually cut well it's amazing.

[@stevesteves8915]

Thanks for that - that explains why I had so much trouble with a modern auger bit - 1 attempt and straight back to a Forster bit in the drill press, I'm afraid!

[@WoodByWright]

+Steve SteveS lol that will do it.

[@thesuperzfamilyvlog6607]

Glad I didn't order the Irwin bits, I almost did that yesterday, but decided to wait. Thank you.

[@WoodByWright]

glad I could help you. just wish there were better options. Since this video, I have found two other companies I trust and they are linked in the description. but they are pricey!

[@timwhite9255]

Thanks James. I have been waiting for one of you guys to do a video on auger bits and how to sharpen them, and you are the first.

[@WoodByWright]

thanks Tim.

[@adm458nelson]

Excellent. Thanks. I had bought some Irwin, now I will need to look at those carefully, haven't had a chance to use them yet.

[@WoodByWright]

Nice. I love finding gems in a bucket of bits!

[@rick91443]

Thanks for taking the time to do this video James. I learned a GREAT DEAL again...cheers...rr

[@WoodByWright]

thanks Richard! glad I could help!

[@jesseramos1561]

Enjoyed the vid.i believe i have an auger file stashed in a bag of rusty relics.

[@michaelennen3432]

Definitely don't turn on subtitles and go to 7:50. Great information, thank you James.

[@WoodByWright]

One of these days i am going to spend the money to fix those! LOL

[@michaelennen3432]

At least it can be legitimately blamed on youtube :) - thanks again.

[@JorgeAraujo]

Toolsforworkingwood sells newly manufactured Jennings pattern auger bits, I haven't tried them but from what I hear they are great quality. Priced in the 30-45 range each. They are pricy... Happy to have gotten old sets that work perfectly. Great video.

[@WoodByWright]

ya I just saw that. there is another company in Europe too. I linked both in the description.

[@buildingsailboats4549]

Very nice, I learned from this video. You can see very well the difference when you sharpen around 12:12

[@WoodByWright]

thanks you!

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Intro title says "Buger Bits". That's pretty awesome lol

[@Jim__K]

Maybe .... depending on where you store them

[@WoodByWright]

Ya I did not see that tell I had uploaded. Oh Well!

[@Lemongrasspicker]

Wood By Wright if anything it makes it more memorable. Good vid by the way!

[@FawehinmiOluwatobi]

Thank you Wood By Wright. Please can modern auger bits be resharpened?

[@WoodByWright]

some of them yes and some no. it depends on the design, but most with a screw o the tip will be able to.

[@FawehinmiOluwatobi]

Thank you so much. This means much, that you replied. I sure am on to other of your videos. Blessings.

[@cobberpete1]

Very good Info James. A few months ago, I bought a full set of the 'Modern' bits. And regret it. They are hard work as you say and for some reason the 'Snail' was not biting and clogging up. It is a fine screw and it was in soft pine. In frustration I gave up and resorted to a drill press and Fostner bit

[@WoodByWright]

yup. they are just not made for hand powered or are sold dull.

[@Visualsoup]

Not boring! 👍

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Highly needed video. No, not boring (yeah, yeah - pun, pun) Love your videos. You have one of the easiest screen personalities I have seen. Hand augers? Advise, please, if you have time.

[@WoodByWright]

thanks man! that means a lot. I want to get a few more but that is on the list!

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Wood By Wright Thanks for your reply. I know you are busy, but good place to buy a hand auger. I need one for an old barn build. Thanks in advance!!

[@WoodByWrightHowTo]

most any tool restore has a bucket in the back with a few hundred. you can dig through there and find a few. other then that and other antique stores it is ebay, and MWTCA meets.

[@larsfrandsen2501]

Wood By Wright 2 Thanks, Buddy! I have learned SO much from you!! Thanks!

[@adamtoth7474]

Just found a small set of Irwin made in the USofA auger bits with the oak box borchest? Still had the original instruction manual on how to care for them

[@WoodByWright]

Nice. Now that is a find!

[@adamtoth7474]

@@WoodByWright haha I don't know anyone else who would find that interesting so I'm glad you did. They dont even look used perfect condition, I feel kinda bad if I use them... But I have a question, they have the course'r style threads but I mainly use hardwoods, will that be a greater chance for the tip to break?

[@WoodByWright]

They will generally work fine as long as you keep them sharp. if you start working in really dense south american woods you might find then stripping out, but no fear of hurting the snail.

[@ShowAndTool]

informative, thorough, concise... LOVE your channel and wish I'd had it as a new woodworker! and can't beat the puns!

[@WoodByWright]

LOL thanks Wren. dad jokes are the best!

[@spaaarky21]

I'm not sure if these brands are newer than this video but Chris Schwarz recommends WoodOwl, which I believe are only available with hex shanks and require an adapter to use with a vintage brace. And I recently bought some Fisch augers with square shanks from Highland Woodworking.

[@WoodByWright]

Right on. I have a couple videos on those now that they came out.

[@carstensrensen7684]

Nice video…. If the tip of the old Auger bit i broken or almost gone you Can still use Them with a powerdrill! You just have to Drill a small pilot Hole first. That can be a good ideer to reduce the drag of a good working tip too.

[@BarryIrwin]

Great video. Nice tips on what to look out for. I wish I had had those when I first started collecting.

[@WoodByWright]

you and me both LOL

[@jasonsocquet8555]

Great info, thanks!

[@gp75460]

Great video, actually. Very interesting. Very informative. I've got quite a few now and every one seems to work just fine but this has inspired me to inspect them more closely. The ones I bought last weekend for 50 cents each might not be so good.

[@WoodByWright]

you never know what you might find!

[@hahasasquatchvods5125]

I love the videos and all the information I've been getting! I was wondering if, at the title screen, you meant to but buger bits?

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks. Yeah we always have something fun in the title screen. Sometimes it's a weird misspelling sometimes it's a joke sometimes it's an inside statement.

[@hahasasquatchvods5125]

I hope you didn't take that as a critique! I figured it was something on those lines based on your jokes. I will now have something to keep an eye out for.

[@darkdave25]

Hey. Could you use one of those expansion bits to cut large holes in mdf? To save flinging dust everywhere with a hole saw in a power drill?

[@WoodByWright]

They don't work as well. In a power drill. Plus, you'd have to find a power drill with an adapter to a tapered square shaft. Or cut that off of the shaft. But technically it would do it.

[@darkdave25]

@@WoodByWright Thanks! I guess my question should have been ‘would an expansion bit work on mdf?’. I’d definitely use it in my carpenter’s brace rather than reach for the electric drill. Great video, and really clear explanation of sharpening. 👍

[@jrherman3rd]

I found a complete set of vintage Irwin bits on Ebay for $40. They were advertised as "rusty" but I took a chance on them. They only had some surface rust and cleaned up nicely. A few did have a rounded over nicker where someone had sharpened the outside. Oh well, most are serviceable.

[@WoodByWright]

+jrherman3rd sweet! Those are nice finds!

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

Oh great, now I have to find some bits with really fine threads :-) also, I've found a really small pilot hole will help a bit with a broken screw tip.

[@WoodByWright]

very true. dont have too much fun!

[@huvamae]

I have one with 15" usable length - shoulder of square to tip, but no number stamped. It measures 1/2"

[@WoodByWright]

sounds like a nice ships auger!

[@pawekaczmarek5811]

Nice background wall ;) Regards from Polnad ;) Paul

[@WoodByWright]

thanks Powel!

[@maineiacacres]

I just closed the deal on a like new 17 pc set of Irwins in the box and with the instruction booklet (copywrite 1952). Yes they cost a pretty penny, no I don't care. I've been wanting a set like this ever since Wranglerstar showed off his set a few years ago. I have another full set of loose Irwin augers with two sizes of exandables and a Worth 10" sweep brace......in a box......somewhere in dad's garage.

[@joshuaredekopp]

Do you have any experiance with the jennings patern auger bits. They are expensive but you can get the full set from 1/4"-1" new.

[@WoodByWright]

Yes. I am not as much a fan as they tend to clog more, but a lot of people really like them.

[@SmolStufff]

FAMAG (from Germany) still makes these new as well. I've heard they're pretty good, but I don't have any experience with them myself. I've been quite happy with their regular drills.

[@WoodByWright]

Do they still make them with a square brace shank? I would love to see that!

[@SmolStufff]

I just browsed through their catalog a bit and I'm afraid that they don't make any with square shanks. Mainly hex shank and something they call morse taper shank. The only other place I know of who sells square shanks is dieter schmid. No idea about the quality though. www.fine-tools.com/auger-bit-conical-square-shaft.html

[@WoodByWright]

ya those are made by Irwin too. but I have sence found two makers that still offer them I linked both in the discription of the video.

[@gilgrimes]

Any thought about wood owl auger bits?

[@WoodByWright]

Those are my standard. Go to augers.kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3rJmImYabqgh7s Here's a video.

[@hernancoronel]

Thank you James this video is AWESOME and I learned so much in a very entertaining way. Glad to be a Patreon and keep up the excellent videos! Thanks again!

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks man. on both accounts! lots more fun to come!

[@blacktoothwoodworking6841]

Excellent information! Thanks!

[@WoodByWright]

thanks!

[@strange-universe]

interesting explanations and commentary, thanks

[@WoodByWright]

+usframe thanks man!

[@AdamBechtol]

Thx for the video. Ha unfortunately for me I saw it after the fact, i.e. I already discovered how hard it is to acquire augur bits. An interesting little rare aspect of the world.

[@jsommersful]

Thanks for this I was just about to go through a lot I got from an auction.

[@WoodByWright]

sweet! don't have too much fun Jon!

[@jsommersful]

It will give me something to do while we catch the tail end of Harvey here in Austin.

[@Lumens1]

Would drilling a pilot hole help with the bits that have damaged tips?

[@WoodByWright]

I have never tried that. I might have to experement!

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

The short answer is "yes"... Very slightly longer than that... there's only a couple caveats to it. 1. You still need enough "snail" or "worm" left to have threads... sounds kind of obvious, but it bears mention. No threads, no pull, no go... I consider a minimum of three turns to be "feasible". 2. Kind of like digging a pilot hole for a bolt, you have to "gauge" the hole to the "snail" or "worm"... or rather, what's left of it. I tend to find a good bit for the intent (or two or three, depending on the particular auger and purposes in question)... and then pack that drill bit with the auger. Just do that, and you won't have the auger out and wonder what you did with that special drill bit that was so good for it. (limits frustrations) AND 3. Relates back to #2 actually... You're only going to help yourself as far as your drill bit will pilot the hole. If you want to reach through a piece, you have to pilot THROUGH it... SO the reason I end up with two or three choice bits for a single auger is because it's the only auger that size, and I tend to have several thicknesses of work to use it on, short bits for thin work, LONG bits for BIG stuff... AND yes, just for the record, I have augers that will drill for more than a foot and a half. They're hard as hell to find, expensive when you do... and a physical challenge to boot. ...but I'm not well known for being particularly sensible. {shrugs} so there's that. ;o)

[@stormkhan4250]

Hi WBW, I inherited a variable diameter auger bit where the blade section can slide from 1" to just short of 2". (Its actually in mm and goes from 25 to 45 mm, made in Germany). Any thoughts on this type of auger bit? One good thing about the bit is that the blade section can be slid out for easier sharpening.

[@WoodByWright]

Those are a lot of fun. But they can be very frustrating. You've got to make sure that the extendable blade is incredibly sharp. Otherwise the center core will pull in faster changing the diameter of your cut. But they are very very useful.

[@stevefrank353]

Good tips. Thanks. A method I use to check for straight shanks is to lay the bit on a reasonably flat surface and roll the flutes between my hand and the flat surface. Any bend will result in a wobble on the shank end. I am tempted to throw in dad joke related to brace/boring/bit/bent/shank, but as a grandfather I know better. Usually. Sometimes. Every once in a while?

[@WoodByWright]

another great tip!

[@CandiceWA]

Hi, can you please talk about how to add a T-handle for large auger bit?

[@WoodByWright]

It depends on the type of auger bit. The ones designed for t-hannel usually have a different end. Though I have seen some that have a tapered socket with wings that have been forged. Those can get inserted into a t-handle so you can use any regular bit.

[@kbaker2023]

If a knicker is flared out, would it be okay to file the outside of it to correct the hole size?

[@WoodByWright]

normally the nicker is flared out a bit. you want it to be slightly wider then the screw otherwise the screw can jam with too much friction. the distance from nicker to nicker determines the hole size. I have lightly tapped them in or out to change the detention of the hole but usually by just a couple thousands.

[@benbartman4477]

Hello James, II am working with southern yellow pine (yes I am building a work bench). I am writing about auger bits. I got a set of used bits that appear to be in good shape: plenty of life left in the nickers and all but one had good lead screws. My problem is that my augers cut about 1/8" - 1/4" and just stop cutting. The lead screws come out relatively clean. Now the lead screw appears to have fine-ish threads. But even when I use augers with aggressive threads, I still can't get any farther than 1/4". My solution is to make cuts with a small chisel so there is a star in the bottom of the hole, clear our any 'detritus' and turn the brace until it gives up the ghost again - rinse and repeat. I have sharpened the cutters and the nickers. I am ready to buy a Wood Owl bit and adaptor, but I really want to finish the bench with old timey tools.

[@WoodByWright]

That is an easy one. They are dull. If the blades are dull the screw can't pull it far into the wood tell the screw strips out.

[@benbartman4477]

@@WoodByWright James, Thank you for responding so quickly. After I commented (above) I watched your podcast from March 2021. You mentioned that if the lead screw is having a difficult time boring into the wood, you could always drill a pilot hole first. I tried it and it worked! I knocked out about 15 dog holes in 30 minutes. I used your method to drill square and true - and it worked too. Thanks again. Ben

[@karlkinder8952]

Mr. Wright, can a broken auger screw be filed down and fixed? Do you know any resources one could reference to try and tackle this issue? Also, why when sharpening the blades do you not attack the blade from the underside, so as to negate the effects of sharpening the nickers?

[@WoodByWright]

Looking forward to seeing pictures of it in the email.

[@rs8034a]

Great video! Interesting and informative - Do you happen to have a video showing how to make the holder for the auger bits?

[@WoodByWright]

thanks. sorry but that is a case that the manufacturer of the bide would throw in if you bought a full set.

[@americanwoodworkingtrickss6543]

Really interesting.Thanks

[@WoodByWright]

My pleasure!

[@opasworkshop8373]

Great video James I almost thought you augered in a bit lol.

[@WoodByWright]

LOL thanks Opa!

[@teoperez6930]

Hello, I have an auger bit that only penetrates a few millimeters, after which it no longer drills. Apparently it is in good condition. What could be the problem?

[@WoodByWright]

Usually that means it is not sharp enough.

[@teoperez6930]

Thanks . I will trie to sharp anoter time. Another question. I have possibility of buy some auger bits, but the tip has no threads. Is like a piramid, but isn't threaded. Do you know that kind of drills?

[@FredMcIntyre]

Awesome stuff James! 👍

[@WoodByWright]

thansk Fred!

[@virtuosooo]

Just curious, have you ever seen an auger bit with a flat shank? I recently bought a lot of old rusted tools, and there was 2 braces in the lot, both unmarked, no brand, numbers or any thing to identify it. And where the bit goes into the brace, instead of the normal square hole that the augers fit into, they have a narrow slot about 3/16"x 1/2". I can't find any info on them.

[@WoodByWright]

Interesting. Feel free to email me some pictures I'd love to take a look at it. You can find my email address in the about me tab on the main page. There were a lot of shop made bits and adapters back in the day. It may be one of those.

[@virtuosooo]

@@WoodByWright will do. Ive spent a lot of time trying to find info on it. I'll take some pictures and see if I can figure out how to send them on here lol.

[@crossthreaded6867]

I'd be interested in seeing whether a replacement screw point can be welded onto an auger bit, perhaps by lopping off the old one, drilling a precise hole where it was, and tacking in a replacement that has a post to fit into the drilled hole. Similarly, I bet a glob of molten metal where the nickers used to be could he sharpened up, perhaps shaped very rapidly with a CNC

[@WoodByWright]

you could, but that is a lot of work for a $0.50 bit. it would be interesting to try though.

[@dobo64]

Enjoyed watching your Video. I have just received some from my parents, i will now check the conditions. Should you use white vinegar to clean them up or is there a better way?

[@WoodByWright]

Vinegar is the cheapest method. But for something like this, if you have a wire brush on a grinder you can clean them up really quickly. But if you want to do a bath generally the best bath would be to ues Evaporust.

[@dobo64]

@@WoodByWright thanks for your quick response

[@johnwelsh7779]

Very helpful

[@WoodByWright]

Thanks my pleasure.

[@50guitar]

Is that a pallet wood wall behind you? And I didn't know about the numbering system actually was in 1/16th inch increments.

[@WoodByWright]

Yes. The pallet wood was the base before I put down the French cleat system on top of it.

[@BDM_PT]

Hi there from Portugal, Nice I have a old brace an full set (imperial) bits, that i restore, but for metric only can find the new type bit :( Obrigado(Thanks)

[@WoodByWright]

+Blog das Madeiras yup. Metric is newer then the brace and bit. Not much luck there.

[@BarryIrwin]

Blog das Madeiras I have found a couple of old style metric bits. Looks for German or Japanese manufacturers rather than the likes of irwin or Jennings . Sometimes the 'm' or 'mm' is obscured in grime or is on the opposite face. Not something I have found often but they are there.

[@BDM_PT]

I did not know they even exist :D Obrigado(Thanks)

[@uncletoy774]

my grandfather was a carpenter and before he passed he gave me all his tools along with a front half flip up tool box which he made himself. I love them so many old school pieces. one of them might interest you. from what I know during his stint in the merchant marines during WWII a commander found out he was a carpenter he was issued a full set of tools a was put to work making things. this he said was kinda weird being he spent most time on a ship. he said "sir shouldn't I be mopping the deck peeling potatoes or whatever instead of making u cabinets?" "Shut up seaman and just keep building! anyways my point is I have military issue auger bit set ranging from 6 to 20 minus 12 still in slots sewn onto a military fatigue color roll up canvas. they are so cool

[@WoodByWright]

+Troy Kinsey wow. That is a great story to go along with the tools!

[@masterpython]

Would people buy refurbished auger bits? I am pretty sure I could replace the screw tip.

[@bazzatron9482]

Hey James - I don't know if you noticed but your camera is slightly tilted in your wide shot. I kept looking at your shelf thinking "did he mount that crooked?!" but it matches with the wall all the way along! Probably the uneven floor and tripod not playing nicely, but my eye keeps getting drawn to the shelf! Thanks for the informative video as always. I really must build one of those auger boxes! Did you do that yourself? I'd love to see a project video on that!

[@WoodByWright]

+Bazzatron lol us I did not see that tell editing. One leg on the tripod was off. That box came from the rockford Tool Companie in the 20s. But I am thinking of building a rack for them to go on the wall. Just make a hole one size larger.

[@bbrachman]

James, thanks to your wonderous tutelage, I scored 15 auger bits for $15 today. My hands were orange from rust picking through the other rusty tools. I managed to find 2 1/4", one 6, 2 1/2" a couple of 11s and 12s, 2 1 inch auger bits and the best one, a 1 1/2 auger bit. These are made by various manufacturers. Irwin, Craftsman, Stanley and some I cannot read the names on the shafts. The lead screws are in great shape, the knickers extend down past the blade. I tried one and it worked perfectly. Waiting for my file to arrive. BTW, what number (brand) are you looking for so I can keep an eye out? Thank you again.

[@WoodByWright]

+Bruce Brachman nice haul! That has got to be fun to clean up. Most of mine are Rockford Tool

[@bbrachman]

I have to try to piece together the letters on some of these bits. Shouldn't be hard with Google. How many auger bit manufacturers were there decades ago? I am quite happy with what I found. I worked hard to find them. Maybe a little help with an auger bit holder?

[@WoodByWright]

+Bruce Brachman there were probably 50-70 companies making them at one time. For a bit holder just drill the next size up hole for each one.

[@bbrachman]

I like your holder. Very neatly holding the bits upright.

[@brandonbeaumia]

Lee Valley, just in the last week or so, started carrying the triple-spur Wood Owl bits praised so highly by Chris Schwarz for ~$17 a piece. They're 7/16 hex shank, but I have had no problem with hex bits in my brace. Also, if you're looking to start on the cheap, you can pick up Bosch's Daredevil "spade" bits in 1/4" through 1 1/2" for less than $30 (that's about $2/bit). Not a super clean cut, but they definitely put holes in wood and I've never had the lead screw strip inside its hole: it always pulls through.

[@WoodByWright]

yup. those are sweet! I just wish they came in Brace shanks. not all chucks like them, but some have no issue at all with hex shanks.

[@tonyosullivan7683]

Great video James!, so much useful information. Thanks! Last month I bought a set of auger bits at a market that came in the same box as yours, "Russell Jennings" is the brand. In great condition and think only 4 bits are not original, and best of all it was only €12 ($15)!!

[@WoodByWright]

Wow Nice find! that is a great brand!

[@mattterrien3698]

Coincidentally I found a set just this past Friday at an estate sale in a similar hinged wooden box as yours. The smallest one ("4") was missing but it came with a 5,6,8,10,12,14 & 16. The shafts are stamped "Wards Master Quality" and appear very gently used. Paid $20 for them.

[@michalchladek6737]

Hello James. Austrian manufacturer of high quality bits and drills Fisch has recently started producing traditional Jennings pattern auger bits with square tapered shank. They produce it mostly for US market, hence the imperial sizes. I am waiting for metric ones :-)

[@WoodByWright]

I just saw that. There is a company in Germany that makes metric, but I will have to look up the name.

[@TheRaceface22]

Google a shop called Axminster in the UK. They have them in metric sizes

[@1pcfred]

Metric is the Devil's work. Use US Customary for woodworking. Any fabricating really. Metric is only good for coke dealers.

[@Feathercraft275]

Another great video! I bought a file and it worked fine, but not (yet) on the smaller bits, e.g., 4 or 5. There just isn't space for the file; it's too wide and a little thick. How do you sharpen the little bits?

[@WoodByWright]

ya those ones are hard. they use to make auger files that are thinner. I have one, but I have not fond many for sale. most people use a nedel file with tape on one side or face, but it can be tricky.

[@Feathercraft275]

Thanks. I'll keep my eye out for a thinner file and try the needle w/ tape in the meantime. (And use the smaller bits sparingly.)

[@Unconventional03]

I would love a South east area for Mwtca

[@WoodByWright]

what do you mean. there are sections for every state.

[@Unconventional03]

@@WoodByWright I was meaning near me. I can barely get to that side of Atlanta. I need to manage time more. Puts me at area M.

[@russellspees829]

Hi James. I inherited a pile of old auger bits from my wife's grandpa. I also inherited a brace from the other side of the family. But alas, my augers don't fit in my brace. Are there different sized ends that fit in the brace? Or perhaps my brace wasn't made for boring holes? It is a ratchet style. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[@WoodByWright]

If the augers have a tapered square and it is one size fits all. The only question is if your brace has a modern chuck for Hex shafts. feel free to email me pictures and I can tell you for sure. [e-mail]

[@jerikuntz6400]

Great video! I would love to know more about your auger storage box. I have a small collection of augers, but they live in a jumble in a box at the moment. I do not like that they can knick or damage one another, but have not decided just how I wish to separate them yet.

[@WoodByWright]

+Jeri Kuntz this was one made by Rockford Tool back in the 1920s you find them every now and then but they can be hard to find. If you just drill the next size larger you can make a hole for each one.

[@jerikuntz6400]

Thank you, excellent thought.

[@HWCism]

Thanks

[@WoodByWright]

any time!

[@jonasdaverio9369]

Have you heard about Fisch auger bits?

[@WoodByWright]

Yes. those are great. a bit pricey but good!

[@androidgameplays4every13]

I remember watching a video in which you were using a spade bit with a brace, I can't find it, do you remember this video?

[@WoodByWright]

I don't remember a spade bit. I may have used one of them when making the first bench. Before I got a hole saw kit. Now the hole saw is my go to for bigger holes.

[@deemdoubleu]

most excellent

[@linmccoy3814]

How about taking the rust off? I just bought some and they are pretty rusty.

[@stevefrank353]

I de-rust old tools in distilled white vinegar. Immerse the tool(s) for a day or two then clean with scotch brite pads wetted with fresh vinegar. If the tools are heavily rusted soak them longer but renew the vinegar every few days.

[@WoodByWright]

I soak them in vinegar or "WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak" amzn.to/2iwGGgd for 6 -24 hours. then wire brush off and they are good to go!

[@pjculbertson55]

I always heard the point referred to as the snail.

[@WoodByWright]

or the pig tail, drive shaft, and a bunch of other names. everyone has something different for it.