formariz 11,987 #1 Posted June 23, 2020 (edited) No end to the stuff here. Opened another drawer and there it was. Pretty rare one.Patented in 1886. Made out of gunmetal. Edited June 23, 2020 by formariz 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,798 #2 Posted June 23, 2020 Obvious points. It has a level. Notches at plumb, level and 45 degrees. Thumb screw to easily attach it, or remove from. The level notch is shaped different. It is not big. Stanley brand, but I’m not going to look it up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #3 Posted June 23, 2020 1 minute ago, pullstart said: Obvious points. It has a level. Notches at plumb, level and 45 degrees. Thumb screw to easily attach it, or remove from. The level notch is shaped different. It is not big. Stanley brand, but I’m not going to look it up. all good observations, but whatizit? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pullstart 62,798 #4 Posted June 23, 2020 1 minute ago, formariz said: all good observations, but whatizit? I don’t know. I’m trying to wrap my head around what it would have been used for in the late 1800’s. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #5 Posted June 23, 2020 49 minutes ago, pullstart said: I don’t know. I’m trying to wrap my head around what it would have been used for in the late 1800’s. I still use it occasionally. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 6,991 #6 Posted June 23, 2020 It increases the accuracy of your brace and bit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,036 #8 Posted June 23, 2020 @stevasaurus Is that a wooby-dooby clamp? 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 9,981 #9 Posted June 23, 2020 (edited) Curtain rail level? Chair leg spindle level? Fasten on spindle to check if the legs are all the same length? I'll get me coat. Edited June 23, 2020 by Stormin Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cafoose 3,354 #10 Posted June 23, 2020 Can attach to a pipe or rod to check level? Can find true 45 degrees off level? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #11 Posted June 23, 2020 (edited) 11 hours ago, 8ntruck said: It increases the accuracy of your brace and bit. Outstanding. How did you know? Used to determine if you are plumb or level while using brace. Particularly useful for drilling at 45 degrees which is the most useful for me. Can also be attached to a framing square to use it as a level. Its Stanley’s No 44 bit and square level. Edited June 23, 2020 by formariz 2 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,710 #12 Posted June 23, 2020 @squonk Hooby-Dooby's can be used for many things. You gotta love tools that are multi-tasking. I would use it to check the square of the stringing on my racket ball racket. One could also use it to check the depth of a fishing lure...by knowing the angle and length of the fishing line off the pole when trolling, one can determine the depth of the lure. You could also attach it to the rim of your eye glasses to see if you are listing to port. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Razorback 1,035 #13 Posted June 23, 2020 That is soooo cool! In my case, one of those tools that would hardly ever get used, but when I needed one, it would be great to have! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 6,991 #14 Posted June 23, 2020 How did I know? You said that you use it from time to time, so that told me it is some sort of woodworking tool. It ts a level that clamps to something, probably round and small diameter judging by the notches. The real giveaway was the internet search result which turned up the front page of the patent. 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
8ntruck 6,991 #15 Posted June 23, 2020 @formariz - how do you get a clean start with a bit at 45 degrees? Start with a hole normal to the surface, maybe 1/2 a diameter deep? I'vs never had an occasion to drill an angled hole with a brace & bit. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stormin 9,981 #16 Posted June 23, 2020 It's a brilliant idea. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stevasaurus 22,710 #17 Posted June 23, 2020 When you think about it...a lot of drill come with a little level in them now. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
formariz 11,987 #18 Posted June 24, 2020 (edited) 8 hours ago, 8ntruck said: @formariz - how do you get a clean start with a bit at 45 degrees? Start with a hole normal to the surface, maybe 1/2 a diameter deep? I'vs never had an occasion to drill an angled hole with a brace & bit. Different techniques and bits depending on wood used and direction of hole compared to direction of grain, but it is always best to start as close to 45 as possible otherwise when changing angle after starting straight one may pull up and tear grain on front edge of hole. Holes with same direction of grain more problematic than holes across direction of grain which almost always will have clean edges. I start them pretty much at 45 putting a lot of pressure downward on top of brace with my left hand and my chin on top of hand. I also like to use a very short sweep brace for that since all motion is closer to center of bit without a lot of variation like a wide sweep would create. In very critical holes I use it with the ratchet for very short movements so as not to sway sideways. Auger bits also come with different screws and spurs depending on what type they are. For 45 degrees a long screw with long spurs is best for a clean entry. Screws also come with different threads depending if used on hard or soft wood. Jennings types will always make the cleanest holes. There are also gimlet bits which will allow holes lower than 45 degrees but are usually of small diameter. On photo below Jennings on the right has softwood screw while the one on left of it has hardwood screw. Irwin also has softwood screw. Bit on left is a gimlet. Edited June 24, 2020 by formariz 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Razorback 1,035 #19 Posted June 24, 2020 I have an old brace like the one on the left, and several wood bits. Have not used the bits much. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites