How how to build a really big MultiMachine (or even a "free" metal working
factory) by using just common hand tools and vehicle parts!
First though we to have some kind of a metal lathe to build a really cheap MultiMachine.
And before that, we need some kind of a drill so lets start from the very beginning, assuming the
builder has no money, no electricity and no power drill.
Our "re-discovery" of the "ratchet" drill may be the
the most important part of the MultiMachine project.
It began with the request from an engineering professor
in Kenya for a drill that would drill large holes in steel
and aluminum plates that were being used to build and
repair agricultural implements. We found a technique that
is now almost forgotten but in the period between the
middle 1800's and the early 1900's was how most holes
were drilled! You did not drill a hole, you ratcheted one!
This kind of drill simply breaks down the drilling process
into 2 separate parts and changes the usual moderate
pressure and high drilling speed to putting great pressure
on the drill bit and then turning the bit very slowly by
"armstrong" (your strong arm!) power. More work? Sure
but can the normal power drill make a 1" hole in a file?
This particular drill was a ratchet drill made by the Cole
Tool Company. The power of this type of tool lies in the
feed screw that can be tightened down by hand, exerting
extreme pressure on the drill point. Materials such as spring, stainless and tool steel can be
drilled with by using ordinary high speed steel or masonry carbide type drill bits. The Cole Drill
is still useful for drilling large holes in hardened steel or
workpieces that are too large for the drill press.
A ratchet drill can be built in many different ways by using the
throwout bearing and lever from a manual shift car or truck
instead of a harder to build feed screw. The drill bit can be
turned with some kind of a handle or a socket wrench ratchet.
One half inch capacity drill chucks are often available for under
ten dollars. These are commonly threaded 1/2" x 20tpi so a
threading die this size should be part of your tool kit along with
good quality taps and drills for 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2". In Metric areas use their metric equivalents.
In the USA, ENCO "USA" made "screw machine" bits are low cost and very good quality.
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