Wood Owl Auger bits don't fit my hand brace. Is it me?

[Jeff]

How did you find your perfect brace locally on such short notice? Millers Falls made for Craftsman; any other markings on it? Strange looking chuck but if it works it works.

http://oldtoolheaven.com/brace/brace.htm

 

[MarkE]

The Craftsman braces made by Millers Falls usually have a BB stamp on them. I have one just like Steve's pictured. That looks like a Millers Falls Lion chuck, same one my brace has. That is probably the best chuck made by Millers Falls. Take a look at the 769-773 and 870-873 braces for info on that ball bearing chuck.

According to Old Tool Heaven, the Lion chuck was modified ~1925. The "shell of Lion chuck has a rectangular opening with cut away corners to accommodate larger bit shanks."

 

[DTBoss]

The Craftsman braces made by Millers Falls usually have a BB stamp on them. I have one just like Steve's pictured. That looks like a Millers Falls Lion chuck, same one my brace has. That is probably the best chuck made by Millers Falls. Take a look at the 769-773 and 870-873 braces for info on that ball bearing chuck.

According to Old Tool Heaven, the Lion chuck was modified ~1925. The "shell of Lion chuck has a rectangular opening with cut away corners to accommodate larger bit shanks."

You are correct! There is a faint BB stamp after the "Made in the USA". Feels substantial and runs smooth.

 

[DTBoss]

How did you find your perfect brace locally on such short notice? Millers Falls made for Craftsman; any other markings on it? Strange looking chuck but if it works it works.

http://oldtoolheaven.com/brace/brace.htm

This was found via Craigslist. Bought from Chris Black, a woodworker/instructor/toolmaker who lives up in Rolesville. And yes, it had a BB marking.

 

[MarkE]

Chris does a great job refurbishing antique/vintage tools. I bought a Diston rip saw from him (along with a couple of other tools) a few years ago with a replacement handle that he made.