Jim Nolan's Blog

Western Chief Post Drills No. 16 & No. 17

Click to enlarge. More superb American craftsmanship, from Canedy-Otto, Chicago Heights, ILL., around 1920. If you're wondering where the ball bearings are, it's pointed out. $42.50, or $46.50 with pulleys for No. 16; $65 for No. 17. I wish I had both. Howie Mook, of course, has the Buffalo Forge version. 

Buffalo Forge Drill Press Restored

Howie Mook's drill press, good as new, ready to last another 100 years of so. He thinks this one is from circa 1920. Howie adds that lot of these post drills are missing parts, so he's happy that this one is complete and functional. 

Here is a video Howie found of a similar (Model 611, not 614R) of the drill press in use. Absolutely ingenious. 

 

Thanks to matchlessantiques for posting on YouTube.

Buffalo Forge Drill Press Restoration in Progress

 
Here's a couple of shots from Howie Mook of the drill press he's restoring. You can see that some of it has already gone into Howie's electrolysis tank and he also worked on it with a wire brush. Looks like new. Tomorrow I'll post the finished product, painted a beautiful Buffalo Forge green.

Howie Mook's New Buffalo Forge Drill Press

I really love the look of this drill press Howie bought online. He's since restored it and it looks like—and runs like—new. More pictures later in the week. Buffalo Forge. Indestructible. Built to last forever.

 

Harley Spiller Buffalo Book Tour Schedule, May 1-3

 

Don't miss Harley talking about his terrific new book, "Keep the Change," today, Saturday and Sunday in the Queen City!

Friday May 1

12-1 pm Buffalo and Erie County Public Library 1 Lafayette Sq.(716) 858-8900

 

5-6:30 pm Talking Leaves Books 3158 Main St. (716) 837-8554

 

Saturday May 2

10 am-12 noon Harold B. Rice Coins and Stamps 993 Kenmore Ave.(716) 873-8201

 

6-9 pm Hi Temp 79 Perry St. (716) 852-5656

 

Sunday May 3

2-3:30 pm, Burchfield Penney Art Center 1300 Elmwood Ave. (716) 878-6011