Early Access Video: Modernize your brace!
Added 2020-10-03 11:00:02 +0000 UTCFriends:
The book is off the the publisher (thank God), and I'm back to making videos!
For a while now, I've wanted better options for hand-tool woodworkers who want to use a brace for their drilling. The braces are easy to find, but the auger bits are rare and sometimes pricey.
This week, we're going to look at some ways to modernize your hand-drilling with a few inexpensive gadgets. I did a lot of tests for this video and the results are interesting.
Hope you enjoy!
--Rex
Comments
I got Milwaukee Speed Feed bits to work ok with a brace after some minor modifications https://youtu.be/CqQP2KCUdHU
diyVT
2020-10-18 02:38:20 +0000 UTCI tried using Milwaukee Speed Feed bits with my brace. Out of the box they didn't cut very cleanly but I was able to modify them with a file so that they cut decently. I don't know if it's worth the trouble to modify new bits vs spending a bit extra for regular old style auger bits.
diyVT
2020-10-16 23:52:19 +0000 UTChttps://www.icscuttingtools.com/Auger.htm I just ordered a full set from these folks, old school kind of ordering method but very responsive customer service. I'm post an update when they arrive.
Phillip Summerlin
2020-10-13 00:42:15 +0000 UTCI loved the video, but darn it Rex, I went to the Garrett Wade website and I can already tell that I’m about to be in trouble with my wife! Yes, I’m ordering a brace with accessories. And an Odd Job! I had no idea that Odd Jobs even existed, but I gotta, gonna get me one! And...
Mark L
2020-10-09 16:20:17 +0000 UTCDidnt realise until now how lucky i was to inherit my grandfathers brace and bits. Dad had them in his garage. My grandfather worked for the British forestry service and so used a lot of found wood he collected to do carpentry for extra income, where as my father was more mechanically minded but knew the importance of good tools. So kept everything.
Deco Skye
2020-10-08 17:08:26 +0000 UTCJust remember that much of the bolt will go into the brace. Longer is better here. The first one I bought was too short. You will probably need a 3 1/2" or 4" bolt. Your inexpensive chuck is likely Chinese and will be metric but I'm sure you know that. If it comes with a shank, it's possible it will be made from chineseium and you can just shape it instead of buying a bolt.
WhatMeWorry
2020-10-07 16:31:52 +0000 UTCSo I just dug out my 5$ bit brace from the habitat restore, the chuck is a two jaw, yet it seems to have grooves similar to wolf jaw tongs. I put in several hex shank bits and they seemed to hold well enough to drill some holes in a small chunk of walnut... round bits seemed to hold "ok" but I can see where they may pull out. What type of jaws do you have on your bit braces? Are they perfectly smooth? ....May have to put up a video:)
The Super-wrench Garage
2020-10-07 15:24:30 +0000 UTCI can't seem to watch this even though I'm a patron
Michael O'Neill
2020-10-07 12:05:56 +0000 UTCI dunno Rex, I have been looking. I just buy every vintage auger I can find that still has some usable geometry left. Honestly, those Wood Owls are calling to me. I got nothing. Everything I have tried was a dead end. Last auction I was at a wooden box of a full set of augers went for almost 200 bucks.
Robert Lunsford
2020-10-07 02:44:48 +0000 UTCThanks. Its what I do.
Bill Rhodes
2020-10-05 20:24:44 +0000 UTCFortunately they also produce a regular (ROTFL) $80 model. As far as I did the research, the 3-jaw chucks have a socket inside for tapered square bits. Still, the 1/2" drive is so cool. Thanks for the review.
stlmch
2020-10-05 18:16:05 +0000 UTCOn my list of things to tinker with in my copious spare time is a dead HF corded drill with a keyless chuck that I've already taken apart and failed with the repair. The chuck however is the part that intrigues me, and I've thought about filing a square taper onto the drive end of it so i can pop it into one of my braces and use common round drill bits. I really have no idea if this will work, but it's on the tinker list, but not very near the top of it LOL, because I do have some of the bigger taper auger bits, and most all my small stuff I do with my egg beater drill, but once you get to about 1/2 inch in diameter the eggbeater can get a bit much and I crave the torque of the brace.
James Kison
2020-10-05 17:42:35 +0000 UTCHow cool is this? Virtual old tool catalogs. https://archive.org/details/internationaltoolcataloglibrary
Elisabet K
2020-10-05 15:49:18 +0000 UTCThose do look pretty good....
Rex Krueger
2020-10-05 12:03:10 +0000 UTCJames runs "Wood by Wright" he's my "competition" in hand tool woodworking videos. Really, we're friends and I think he's a swell dude.
Rex Krueger
2020-10-05 12:02:00 +0000 UTCMost likely not. That's a big problem with these bits.
Rex Krueger
2020-10-05 11:59:48 +0000 UTCWell done! I might try that.
Rex Krueger
2020-10-05 11:58:52 +0000 UTCI looked at it, too! I do hope you post about it.
Rex Krueger
2020-10-05 11:58:28 +0000 UTCWell, someone had to make the joke! Well done.
Rex Krueger
2020-10-05 11:57:31 +0000 UTCI was planning the video when I saw James'. I honestly was pissed he beat me to the punch.
Rex Krueger
2020-10-05 11:56:48 +0000 UTCThere's a fancy 3-jaw version made in France. Costs about $130 US.
Rex Krueger
2020-10-05 11:54:27 +0000 UTCI didn't even realize they sold it! I'm going to have to pick one up!
Rex Krueger
2020-10-05 11:53:56 +0000 UTCMan, you just killed my productivity this morning!
Rex Krueger
2020-10-05 11:53:07 +0000 UTCI wouldn't be surprised if that's true, but it would probably have more to do with the wholesale cheapening of their products, for the sake of the bottom line, than anything else. Case in point; Stanley's buying up (and assassinating, in an engineering sense) virtually every tool manufacturer they can get their hands on. Maybe even Irwin as well, though I haven't looked into that particular case in any depth. Oops, I just did: yes indeed, Stanley/Black and Decker now owns Irwin Industrial tools. Blame them for Irwin's collapse. The take away being that Stanley Inc. has given up business of tool production in favor of the business of the buying and selling of tool manufacturers for their old (and formerly honorable) names. Don't be fooled.
David Alvarez
2020-10-05 10:59:23 +0000 UTCRex, this video was fantastic timing for me. I'm getting into hand-tool woodworking and want to find a brace, but all the flea and antique markets near me are shut down. I saw braces on eBay, but I had no idea what shape they're in, and that makes them an expensive gamble when you include shipping. I was struggling to figure out what to do, but this video convinced me to give the Garrett Wade model a serious look! Thank you!
Brendan Wells
2020-10-05 05:51:19 +0000 UTCLooking forward to the book ! As for Augur bits, I have my grandfather's 2 brace and bits (he was an electrician, and used them to drill holes to pull wire through) - I have some of his old augur bits, but they are getting hard to sharpen as they wear away. I have had some success with an Australian make (I am in Melbourne, Australia). They are not cheap, but not as expensive as the ones you mentioned ! The link is: https://www.smithandarrow.com.au/product/drill-bits-sets/woodwork-bits/auger-wood-drill-boring-bits-460mm-long
Andrew Fish
2020-10-05 04:01:19 +0000 UTCI'm not a fan or the Irwin stuff. I've found that recently their products are over hyped. Everything Irwin I've ever bought has always been solidly average or below.
A1BASE
2020-10-05 03:21:24 +0000 UTCForstner bits genuinely changed the way I think about drilling holes but good ones are REALLY expensive. I've had a Famag set on my wishlist for years but just can't justify dropping $150 on a set of 6. Maybe If I'm really good for christmas Santa will bring me one...
A1BASE
2020-10-05 03:06:44 +0000 UTCNo idea who James is, but I loved the intro.
A1BASE
2020-10-05 02:57:52 +0000 UTCCongradulations!!!! Nothig is scrier than a blank screen or a blank sheet paper
Curtis Loud
2020-10-04 15:56:54 +0000 UTCPrior to your posting video.; I was wandering around the local Habtate for humanity store looking for tools or materials i could use for ‘what ever’ looked intothe used tool disply case. Found two bundels of. Rust containig awgers 1 in down to 3/8. Price $2.00. SCORE! Score!
Curtis Loud
2020-10-04 15:44:13 +0000 UTCI agree with James Crandall (above) that the only new manufacturers of double-'knicked' auger bits seems to be Irwin (individually at https://www.irwin.com/tools/drill-bits/hand-brace-solid-center-auger-bits or https://www.irwin.com/tools/drill-bits/boring-machine-auger-bits for round-shank bits or https://www.irwin.com/tools/drill-bits/hand-brace-solid-center-auger-bit-sets for complete kits) and Milwaukee but as Mr. Crandall stated, they are bound to be pricey, and even more annoyingly they don't list prices! I believe Paul Sellers noted this as well, chalking it up to mostly Britishness, though I am a bit more skeptical than good old Paul Sellers, nonetheless; I for one went the ebay route, forced into it by poverty, and augmented by Paul Sellers bit sharpening video, which I will be trying as soon as I save enough money for the files, but I was sold on the auger bits by the inherent sensitivity built into the bits (also pointed out by good ol' Paul S.) by simply counting the number of threads on the snail letting one accurately limit the depth of the cut. I will say, very very good call on the GW brace, though, and thanks for that. I'll be saving up for one of them probably for purchase next month, and by then I should have some of the ebay-purchased bits sharpened up and ready to report on. (I can already tell some were a waste of money, though not all thank goodness). Fingers crossed! Oh, and the shiny, new bits are apparently only available at the big box stores, mores the pity. Will also check out Mr. Crandall's other two options, (WoodOwl and Fisch) though there is no way I can justify the expense (food has to come first). Good job on your video! Though still waiting to hear what you have to say about my other obsession, affordable and non-wasteful hand saws, particularly rip saws. Thanks for your contribution(s), and keep them coming!
David Alvarez
2020-10-04 11:52:50 +0000 UTCWell, I'll let you know. I just bought two sets of misc junk square drive sets off ebay for under $30 each. Both have over 20 bits, are rusty, and clearly need sharpening, but an auger blade file is $15 and after these come out of the evaporust. I'll sort them, and try to sharpen the nicest ones. For $60 to $90 you can buy a like new set of bits complete with the box or wrap it came in. It seems good. But I'm cheap. For $150 to $200 you can find a set of millers falls or equivalent in great shape, but if youre gonna do that why not just buy the wood owl bits and be happy.?
James Boatright
2020-10-04 08:29:01 +0000 UTCVery informative video, Rex. I’ve had the same conundrum trying to get various bits to work well in the brace. I have a few of the old tapered square bits, but many of them aren’t in the greatest shape. I’ve had trouble with clean holes and tear out as you did with those modern augurs, as well as with the spade bits and forstner bits, too. So, hopefully the joint effort of your research and ours will result in a good and useful discovery. Keep up the good work!!
Sean O'Neill
2020-10-04 02:01:39 +0000 UTCGreat video Rex. I have a number of braces that I have collected over the years and a tray full of auger bits in various conditions. I haven't used most of them in years because the snail threads have been damaged. Is there any way to repair the threads?
Matt Evans-Koch
2020-10-03 23:24:21 +0000 UTC@Tracy A Mitchell Great idea! Do you know what the thread count on the bolt was? Coarse or Fine? On some braces, the chuck can be screwed off. So someone might be able to just replace it with a Craftsman or Jacobs chuck. For those who can't find an old G-P chuck, you can get a new 1/2" Jacobs Keyed Chuck for $9 at Harbor Freight it takes a 1/2-20 UNF thread. I think I'll head over there and pick one up and see if I can get it to work in my brace.
Michael Bennett
2020-10-03 22:03:47 +0000 UTCI've been using Harbor Freight's Warrior Auber 7 bit set. Quality as you would expect from Harbor Freight. But they are definitely made for low speed high torque. My corded drill will only drive them so deep in wood then you have no choice but to use a bit brace (even though they are hex end), not enough torque. And if you try to use them in a drill press you better hang on because the snail will pull the bit right though the wood weither you want it to or not with the increased torque of the press. Harbor Freight now has them in the Bauer and Hercules brands which are supposed to be better quality but haven't tried them yet.
MyEvilBanana
2020-10-03 22:01:41 +0000 UTCAlso, unless you buy a hardened bolt, you should be able to cut it with a hack saw and shape it with a file.
WhatMeWorry
2020-10-03 19:12:17 +0000 UTCMost of my braces will hold a round shank reasonably well. I've used those red round shank hex chucks that Lee Valley sells for spiral ratchet screwdrivers in them and it worked. But, I bought a three jaw Craftsman chuck that looks like it may have been made by Goodell-Pratt. It has a 1/2 inch threaded socket. I think it was meant as an attachment for a grinder. I went to the hardware store and bought a 1/2 bolt that would fit. I then used my cheap angle grinder to cut the head off and roughly shaped it into a square. It works great in the brace. It doesn't have to be tapered for your brace to hold it. So, why not try buying an inexpensive chuck without the shank and just shape a bolt to fit the brace.
WhatMeWorry
2020-10-03 19:09:52 +0000 UTCSo I’d been eyeing up this little number (https://www.workshopheaven.com/deluxe-hand-brace-drill.html ) for quite a while now - you know, trying to work out how to justify splashing the cash when I thought, “Hey, it’s your birthday soon, why don’t you treat yourself!” So it arrives on Monday, if the postal gods smile upon me. I’ve got a number of Hex shank auger bits already that I’m happy to have a little try with some construction lumber that’s just itching to leave a furry edge to any hole I’ve drilled into it so far. I’ll post the results hopefully next week if you’re interested.
Barry Perryman
2020-10-03 17:45:22 +0000 UTCSo, you form your knickers, do ya?
Bill Rhodes
2020-10-03 17:07:13 +0000 UTCMaybe I just got lucky, but I got both my bit brace and a set of bits off of eBay for very little money. They work great. I did recently buy the adapter and a 1 1/4 inch Wood Owl auger bit. I haven't used it yet, but the machining on the thing is excellent. I'll be completely shocked if it doesn't cut well.
David S
2020-10-03 16:46:42 +0000 UTCIrwin still makes their bit brace auger bit set. I have 2 of them, 3/8 and 3/4. They are excellent. The set just isn't available in Canada, though occasionally local stores carry the odd bit, god knows why. I got mine for about 19 each. Not cheap, but not dear either. I have seen them on Amazon.com a few times, but I live in Canada :( I am so glad you put this one up at this time. I recently broke the spring at the bottom of my two jaw brace and now it is mega fiddly to use the square shank bits I have, made me very sad. I have been looking for a replacement 2 jaw, but, now I see that, I've ordered the garret wade. Perfect timing :D
William Allen
2020-10-03 16:17:39 +0000 UTCI have this bit brace. The quality, as you would expect is top notch. Very well made. and less than $100 is affordable, if not a bargain because of the quality.
William Allen
2020-10-03 16:13:29 +0000 UTCAs the video started, I was like, “Wait, didn’t I already see this recently?” James’ video was great, but I loved that you came at it from a different angle and proposed a totally different set of complimentary solutions and even demonstrated the results of the imperfect alternatives. Honestly I was going to try all this out myself as I struggled to find affordable high quality auger bits, and you guys did the ground work and saved me all the hassle!
Brian Suker
2020-10-03 15:54:48 +0000 UTCYou popped the chuck off and I seen that 1/2 drive... my eyes popped wide open before you could say "that was supposed to happen" Very nice! 8̢́-͘D̴̡̢
Jeremy Denslinger
2020-10-03 15:49:41 +0000 UTCYour timing is good. I am just beginning to assemble woodworking tools and bought a brace at a yard sale for $10. Of course, the next day I saw a nicer one for $6. Currently, I am bidding on some augur bits on eBay.
Charles Hampton
2020-10-03 15:42:10 +0000 UTCPerfect timing. I was just starting to look at bit braces on ebay. I think I will hold off and see what comes of the responses to this video (or maybe at least pick up the Garrett Wade bit brace and adapter/chuck from amazon you mentioned).
Kyle Quevillon
2020-10-03 15:15:15 +0000 UTCI have several "speed wrenches" made by Craftsman and Snap On. (SO called it a ferret when I got it) They are 3/8 but I think I have one that is 1/2. At any rate I have adapters for 3/8 to 1/2 and 1/2 drive chucks.
Bruce Langman
2020-10-03 15:14:24 +0000 UTCwe used 3/8 inch (Sorry Rex not 1/2 inch) speed wrenches in the Air Force for years, you can get the same heads
Ed Owen
2020-10-03 14:40:37 +0000 UTCI have also tried multiple different bit for my brace. I can say, without spending quite a bit of money, I have not found one that meets the standards for furniture making. The Irwin and Milwaukee speed bits work well for there intended purpose, for rough carpentry or electrical work that requires a hole going through 2 x material. Of the one I tried from new manufactures, only two brands really meet the cut, WoodOwl and Fisch. I own WoodOwl bits and they are awesome and worth it if you want to go new. Other then that, antique bits with a auger bit file are the way to go. BTW, WoodOwl at $16 - $39 per bit are the cheaper of the two options. Fisch start at $39 and go to $55 per bit. Fisch bits are sold by Highland, TFWW, and Lee Valley.
James Crandall
2020-10-03 14:39:01 +0000 UTCI'm gonna have to join the flea market camp - I know it's not a perfect solution, but like Rex said, there really aren't perfect solutions here. Very best case is getting a bit brace + set of bits from an older woodworker, but it's definitely a bit of a combination of luck and waiting
Spencer Reinke
2020-10-03 14:22:44 +0000 UTCAwesome one. Has anyone seen this brace in Europe?
stlmch
2020-10-03 14:22:12 +0000 UTCI dont know if it meets the affordability standard, but what about buying a 3 jaw brace? $87.50USD? https://www.leevalley.com/en-us/shop/tools/hand-tools/drills/32300-two-and-three-jaw-chuck-braces?item=50J0501&utm_source=free_google_shopping&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=shopping_feed&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjNCSsMyY7AIVkobACh2JaAKBEAQYASABEgKh0fD_BwE
Craig Joseph Martin
2020-10-03 14:15:08 +0000 UTCHave to admit that I tend to "make do" with Hex Shank bits in my 2-jaw vintage Brace - it's not perfect, but it's good enough for what I've been doing so far. I suppose electric drills have taken over so much that there's no real market for third party chucks for them - one of the reasons second hand braces are so cheap is that so few people think about using them. Like the idea of the modern brace with a socket drive on it - it does almost make me think though - why not just use a short Ratchet Spanner as a Brace with a modern chuck? I know the ergonomics aren't as good as the Brace, then again neither is using a Hex Shaft auger bit on a two-jaw chuck...
Rob Weir
2020-10-03 13:53:16 +0000 UTCoooh, nice. My box of old braces I ordered off ebay literally arrived a week ago. I think I'll enjoy this one.
c4ndy_
2020-10-03 13:44:05 +0000 UTCRex and others, craft skills in the UK video with sounds but no dialog Wood Iron and Glass. I did like the woodworker DIY safety equipment. The bit you may be interested in is the Windsor chair maker. There are 3 sections and 6 videos in total each 15min https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jX5SRHW-GhI&list=PLM4S2hGZDSE5vEV6_wVH4SCBg_Q6lzBRT&index=1
John Harrison
2020-10-03 13:18:20 +0000 UTCEnjoyed the video...I'm the owner of several braces, and have original bits. I've purchased everything online (used), and my first set of bits was a mish mash of brands (15 bits for about $25) and with a little clean up they work great. I'm glad you discussed the design/speed angle on this. IMHO, nothing works as good as the original intended bit.
Kevin S Thomas
2020-10-03 13:16:07 +0000 UTCI have the 6 bit set of Wood Owl bits. They are excellent at drilling clean holes. The set was $120, but worth it, if you are having trouble finding augers for wood work. Other than that, ebay is the only place accessible to me, to find them.
Geoffrey Wilson
2020-10-03 13:09:42 +0000 UTCI think the fleamarket is the way to go. I see square shank bits there regularly. They are also fun to restore 😀.
Christoph Schmitz
2020-10-03 12:19:20 +0000 UTCGreat video, Rex! Really interesting. I bought a vintage brace probably four or five years ago at a little flea market, and I brought it home, and I oiled it, and I stuck it in my toolbox...and I don't think I've ever used it. 🙄 Now that I've got my shed cleaned out and I'm starting to build out the workshop, I've been thinking about grabbing it to use for practice, but I don't believe I have any vintage auger bits, and wasn't even aware of the mismatch problem (which is how I know I've never use the brace.) This gives me some new things to consider, and I will keep an eye out for good candidates, as I continue my search for new (to me) and interesting tools. Thanks for once again helping me too discover the edges of my knowledge, and then grow past them. 🙂👍
Patrick Salsbury
2020-10-03 11:20:05 +0000 UTC
