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Braces

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Braces

Postby NickM » 08 May 2021, 10:03

My trousers aren't falling down and I no longer worry about the straightness of my teeth, but I've been thinking about braces for a while as I feel like I should have one in my hand tool armoury.

I don't think I can go too far wrong with a Stanley brace and they seem cheap enough from the usual second hand tool outlets, so that's easy enough.

The hard bit (pun intended) is how to find a decent selection of auger bits. I'm probably limited to buying online at the moment and, frankly, wouldn't know what to look for if I had the things in my hands anyway. Should I take a chance on an online purchase of some old bits with a view to sharpening them if needed, or should I look at something new (e.g like this https://www.workshopheaven.com/star-m-combination-auger-bits-7-piece-set.html - would these fit straight into a Stanley brace or would I need some kind of adapter? Being able to use these in my cordless drill would also be useful).

Any thoughts would be appreciated.
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Re: Braces

Postby Lurker » 08 May 2021, 11:34

If you are close enough to Loughborough to collect, I have one that you can have. Not keen in getting involved in posting it though.
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Re: Braces

Postby NickM » 08 May 2021, 11:59

Lurker wrote:If you are close enough to Loughborough to collect, I have one that you can have. Not keen in getting involved in posting it though.


Thanks, that’s very kind of you but unfortunately I’m down in Hampshire.
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Re: Braces

Postby spb » 08 May 2021, 13:33

NickM wrote:would these fit straight into a Stanley brace or would I need some kind of adapter? Being able to use these in my cordless drill would also be useful).

You'd need an adapter. Old hand braces use a square taper shank in a two- or four-jaw chuck designed to accept the tapered bit, while any modern bit is a straight hex shank. Neither type of bit will fit in a chuck designed for the other; even if you can get the jaws to grip there wouldn't be a bearing surface to keep them straight.

The type of adapter you'd be looking for is similar to this one from WH, which also has a pretty clear image of the tapered shank that the old auger bits use.

Another option, though a lot more spendy, would be something like WH's hand brace with a combination chuck that can take square taper, hex or round shank bits.
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Re: Braces

Postby sunnybob » 08 May 2021, 14:05

I bought a 10" stanley brace about 18 months ago, for old times sake because I used to use them as an apprentice in the 60's.
Its still sitting on the shelf, waiting for me to think of an excuse not to use a power tool. :eusa-doh:
I suspect it will sit there till the workshop becomes part of my estate :lol:
my wood projects are here https://pbase.com/sunnybob
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Re: Braces

Postby Andy Kev. » 08 May 2021, 14:09

If you want the reassurance of buying top quality new, have a look at these:

https://www.fine-tools.com/auger-bit-co ... shaft.html

They're not cheap but I've got a couple and I can attest to the quality. As far as I am aware, they are the only augers being made these days with the conical square head, so there's no need for an adaptor when using a traditional brace. A set of them would be very expensive and I tend to buy a size as and when I need them.
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Re: Braces

Postby Alf » 08 May 2021, 14:27

Going on unreliable memory here, but pretty sure I've never had need for an adapter for hex shanks in a brace with yer standard two alligator jaw type chuck. Various other chucks would - my 16" old war horse would definitely demand one, relying on nothing but a square tapered hole and a thumbscrew. But if Nick is going for an under-every-rock 10" Stanley then it shouldn't be a problem.
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Re: Braces

Postby Andyp » 08 May 2021, 16:54

Well worth getting a few screwdriver bits for the brace. The power (torque?) obtainable is phenomenal and very useful for the odd extraction of rusted stubborn screws.
I do not think therefore I do not am.

cheers
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Re: Braces

Postby NickM » 08 May 2021, 19:41

Thanks for all the responses. Food for thought.

I think I’ll get a Stanley and make a decision on bits once I’ve got my hands on it.
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Re: Braces

Postby AndyT » 08 May 2021, 19:50

Best way is in person, but it's worth searching eBay for new old stock in the collectable tools category.
For real world woodworking you probably only need a handful of sizes, not a big set, and prices are sometimes quite reasonable, considering the work needed and virtual disappearance of any more being made.
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Re: Braces

Postby NickM » 08 May 2021, 20:41

AndyT wrote:Best way is in person, but it's worth searching eBay for new old stock in the collectable tools category.
For real world woodworking you probably only need a handful of sizes, not a big set, and prices are sometimes quite reasonable, considering the work needed and virtual disappearance of any more being made.


Thanks Andy
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Re: Braces

Postby Steve Maskery » 08 May 2021, 21:29

When I saw the title, I was definitely in Trousers territory.
Braces = Trouser Heaven. Ain't never going back.
S
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Re: Braces

Postby NickM » 09 May 2021, 07:50

Steve Maskery wrote:When I saw the title, I was definitely in Trousers territory.
Braces = Trouser Heaven. Ain't never going back.
S


I did think of you when I wrote that Steve!
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Re: Braces

Postby Mike G » 09 May 2021, 07:59

When I saw "braces" in the title, I thought....oh good, someone else is getting into oak framing. ;)
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Re: Braces

Postby NickM » 09 May 2021, 09:31

Mike G wrote:When I saw "braces" in the title, I thought....oh good, someone else is getting into oak framing. ;)


Never say never
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